Central High Times - Volume 108, Issue 3 - Spring 2022

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Volume 108

Issue 3

Spring 2022

IN THIS ISSUE: The Beauty of Expression Pg. 04 SPS AMI Days Pg. 15 The Shamrocks Go M.A.D. Pg. 23

IN THIS

ISSUE

OPINION Letter from the Editor The Beauty of Expression Workload Whiplash

PG. 03 PG. 04 PG. 06

NEWS Leads and Shorts Accolades World & Springfield News The Omicron Variant Springfield Weather New Tardy Policy History of Central SPS AMI Days Job Shortage

PG. 08 PG. 09 PG. 10 PG. 11 PG. 12 PG. 13 PG. 14 PG. 15 PG. 16

SPORTS Coach Highlight Boys Basketball Bowling Team The Shamrocks Go M.A.D. Sports Town

PG. 19 PG. 20 PG. 22 PG. 23 PG. 24

FEATURES Humans of Central Club Highlight

PG. 26 PG. 27

A+ Tutors Feature

PG. 28

Phones + at Home Learning

PG. 29

HYPE Media Review Food Review

PG. 31 PG. 32

Horoscopes Photo Essay Comic

PG. 33 PG. 34 PG. 36

Adviser’s

MESSAGE MS. CHRISMER / JOURNALISM ADVISER

Bulldogs, I do not typically add anything to our student publications due to the fact that both the Résumé yearbook and the Central High Times news magazine are completely planned, written, edited, and designed by students in the Journalism 2 and Journalism 2 Honors classes. However, I asked the CHT staff to forgo the typical “Wags & Growls” section that goes in this spot because I would like to recognize these students and their hard work.

At the end of last school year, the journalism staff submitted last year’s yearbook and last year’s magazine issues to the American Scholastic Press Association (ASPA) Annual Review and Contest. ASPA sent out the results of this national contest in January. I would like to congratulate the journalism staff on the following honors: • Résumé Yearbook - 2021 Scholastic Yearbook Award - Second Place • Central High Times - 2021 Scholastic Magazine Award - First Place with Special Merit • Central High Times - 2021 Most Outstanding General Magazine Staff, I am so proud of you, your hard work, and your accomplishments. You should be proud of yourselves.

EDITORIAL POLICY The Central High Times is a studentproduced publication of the Central High School journalism department.

The staff and adviser strive to create an open forum for students and teachers. We take responsibility for accuracy and fairness and for work to be unbiased and responsive to the needs of readers in order to encourage the submission of readers’ ideas.

We promise to practice honesty, to run the paper as a business and to avoid printing material that is legally considered obscene, libelous or private.

ADVISER Kori Chrismer EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nathan Sharp ASSISTANT EDITOR Ania Kovacs PHOTO EDITORS Reid Biggers COPY EDITORS Arden Below, Ned Pickett COMIC ARTIST Natalie Reece REPORTERS Maverick Hill, Addi Jordan, Emmarie Logan, Morgan Martens, Caden Rector-Current, Kaitlyn Silkey, Madi Taylor THE CHT Volume 108 Issue 2 CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL 423 E. Central St., Springfield, MO 65802 CONTACT kechrismer@spsmail.org FONT FAMILIES Palladio, Baskerville PUBLISHER Jostens Publishing

ADVERTISING POLICY The Central High Times has the right to accept, reject, edit, or cancel any advertisement at any time. Advertising will not contain statements, illustrations or implications offensive to good taste or public decency based on the opinion of the Central High Times staff (i.e. any content containing anything racist, sexist, illegal for high school students or violates journalistic principles). Advertisements accepted by the Central High Times staff are not an endorsement from the staff, adviser, administration, or Springfield Public Schools District. Advertisements should refrain from attacking competitors unfairly or disparaging their products, services, or methods of doing business.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR NATHAN SHARP / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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here are a lot of ways to go with a finale. You can leave it at a cliffhanger, a shock ending, or maybe just something simple. I think the best endings are ones that understand their skills, and bring them up one notch to really leave the audience satisfied.

This is the last letter I will write during my short time as editor, and I have spent some time thinking about how to end it all. I will be editor until the end of the year of course, but the newbies are the spotlight next issue. Since I have to write something, I would like to write about my experience being on the team for the last three years.

I started my sophomore year, and I had no real clue what I was doing. I did not know anyone or really fit in at all, I just liked writing. To be honest, I never liked writing news, but I did like feeling that sense of accomplishment. I contributed to something tangible, and it felt great. I was a little geek, but I knew how to talk for a long time about things that did not really matter. I kind of miss that version of myself. I was a lot happier back two years ago.

It took a while, but I found a family in that team. It is funny to say that now, since only one of them still talks to me. What matters was that in the moment I felt like I had people to support me when I needed it, and I was able to return the favor. That feeling did not last. Our little group broke with the pandemic. I was in a bad place, and so was everyone else. While a lot of them were able to still find strength in one another, I was alone, and I learned that you can really only trust yourself when the going is tough.

Let’s jump to this school year, where things are a bit brighter. I feel the team is another little family, with me in the seat of head honcho. I know this one will not last, just like the last one, but what matters is that they can all be there for each other. To be frank, I kind of hated being there at first. I felt like a phony, someone

with no talent or ambition, or any real qualifications to be in charge. Almost none of the staff left their friend groups, almost as if everyone else would bite their hand off for trying to talk to them. I pulled them out of that. Well, most of them anyway.

For as long as I am still in charge, I will keep building the team in order to foster friendships.

I just hope that I can leave Central High Times in a comfortable place for next year, since most of the staff will be returning. I cannot force them to be a family, but I know if they are there for each other, the whole ship will sail much smoother. I guess I am a real leader now, since I cannot stop worrying about them.

Being a leader is not about results, or taking charge, or being the loudest in the room. It is about being the glue and caring for everyone. You have to somehow simultaneously be a friend and a jerk to everyone. I know it sounds like I think rather highly of myself, but I do not. I am writing about being a leader, even though I barely follow what I preach. I guess I am just hoping that someone reading this will take what I have to say, and do better than me.

So, since this is my finale, I decided to do what I do best even better: talking about what is on my mind for an extremely long time. Just like everything I do, I hope someone can look at me and do better. I do not know if I am a good leader, but I tried the best I could. No one could ask me for better. Balancing a job, school, this, and a social life is not easy. Still, nothing beats that feeling of contributing to something that matters. That makes all the trouble worth it.

OPINION / 3

The Beauty of Expression A

rt is everywhere we look. You see it here, in Central. You can find it in your home and on the streets. Art is everywhere, and it is everything. That skyscraper is the art of an architect. Your favorite show is the art of a director. The murals you see in our halls are the arts of students. Art tells a story, whether it be in a painting or a song. We can make art to tell our own stories. It is flexible, unique, and ours. Or it can be your friends’ art or something you found on social media. You do not need to make art to experience it.

And that is the beauty of it. The freedom it brings to artists and admirers alike is what makes art, art.

You may walk through an art museum and feel nothing. Those abstract paintings of random shapes and colors tell no story worth your attention. That is fine. You may look at artwork and think that it is beautiful, but it does not evoke emotion. That is also fine.

Because maybe you found a new song that you cannot stop listening to. The instruments mix in a way you cannot ignore. The lyrics speak to you more than any drawing or sculpture ever will. It makes you want to try.

The artist of that song expressed their deepest feelings, and it provides you with an escape. That art in the museum is someone else’s escape. Art, in all its forms, has a transformative effect. It consumes us with another world. One where you are free to be yourself and to explore your mind.

Viewing others’ art is not the only way to express yourself, of course. You can also make your own work.

It does not have to be “good,” and no one else has to see it. The creation of art can help with processing emotions and communication. It allows you to express your emotions or thoughts in ways words cannot.

Sometimes it helps force your anger out onto a piece of paper. When you make art, you often use emotion and feeling. Every paint stroke holds some sadness or fear. Every piece of clay adds up to an image of loss or abandonment.

Maybe you create a visual representation of trauma or mental illness. In a traumatic event, two things are happening inside your brain. The part of your brain responsible for language shuts down. At the same time, the amygdala, which processes fearful stimuli, records the event visually and with bodily sensations.

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Creating art allows you to access both visual and bodily memory. You choose what you create. This means you can choose what parts of the trauma to release as you please. Art allows for non-verbal telling, for when words are impossible or unfitting. For when you feel like saying it aloud will make it all real.

Art also has the incredible ability to connect people. Visual representations of mental illnesses can be shared on the Internet. People with those mental illnesses can view them. Often they can connect with that art. They may see themselves in the work, or feel seen.

You can connect with people with shared experiences through art. Or, you can connect with others over a favorite artist or form of art. Art can be enjoyed by everyone and everywhere. That is part of what makes it so incredible. You can have long, philosophical conversations over the meaning of art pieces. Or you can simply just enjoy the style.

Art courtesy of CHT comic artist Natalie Reece.

While it is great to express your deepest feelings in art, you do not have to. You can just make some fan art of a favorite show, or design an original character for fun. It does not have to have a theme and hidden meaning. Some people want to go into animation or character design. Some people make art because it is fun and they like to share it with others. Sometimes you just want to feel a sense of accomplishment or pride by finishing some artwork.

The Pain of Expressing MADI TAYLOR / REPORTER

Display of assorted art. Courtesy of Andrew Neel/Pexels.

When art is shared, it is often being subjected to criticism. The artist does not always ask for it, but people often have something to say. That can be scary.

Artists put a lot of effort into their work, and it can be disheartening to have it criticized. Constructive criticism is helpful, but not always welcomed. But often the only person to see the full process is yourself. We are our own worst critics. When you want to be good at art, you must put in a lot of effort. And that is okay, but it can be very tiring. Learning any kind of art and being good at it takes time. And the longer it takes, the easier it is to be discouraged.

There are so many obstacles when learning art. You may not know where to start, or have access to appropriate materials. If you are in school with a job, or an adult, you might not have time. Maybe, like me, you feel as if you are starting too late. As a kid, I liked to draw, but I never really learned how to improve. Now, as a high school student, it feels like I have lost my chance. Of course that is not true, for myself or for others. But, when I see people younger than me with amazing art, it is hard to believe that.

The learning process can be brutal. For a while it is just continuous practice, and it feels like you are not improving. There can be a lot of different things to practice, too. For character design, you need to practice anatomy, of course. But you also need to draw clothing, hair, accessories, and facial expressions.

When learning music, you need music theory. You also

need to memorize the location of notes, and be able to read music sheets. There are so many aspects to each form of art. Some parts will be your strong suit, while others you may struggle with. And that is frustrating.

Especially when you compare your art with others.

It will be hard to be proud of your work sometimes.

You may finish it, but it did not turn out how you wanted it to. The colors did not mix right somewhere, or something is out of proportion. Your work does not look half as good as this person’s work. They are much better at this one aspect than you are.

The longer you look at your work, the more you see the mistakes. The longer you look at others’ work, the more you compare it to yours. It is so easy to admire someone else’s creation. But sometimes you cannot conjure up that same appreciation for your own.

Practicing is tiring. In the end, though, it is so rewarding. Pride when you can finally play that portion of the piece right. Accomplishment when you create your own pottery. Satisfaction at being able to show off your painting to your friends. It can take a while to make it there. One day, we will learn that our art does not have to be right. It does not have to look as good as others. It just has to be our own. We will keep working to improve, and we will pick the fruits of our labor. It will take a while for most of us. But one day we will look at our art and be proud. Be proud that we have made it this far. Art is not perfect, and neither are we. And that is what makes it all so beautiful.

OPINION / 5

Workload Whiplash ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / ANIA KOVACS

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fter COVID-19 struck the US in early 2020, students not only at Springfield Public Schools, but around the world, were ordered to stay at home for online school and given no more than an extended spring break to adjust. This adaptation was an obvious choice that was in everyone’s best interest, but the rapid shift in learning styles was hard on many students.

The following school year, SPS implemented hybrid learning. Students attended school for two days and had online learning for the other three.

Five months passed, and with little to no time to prepare, entirely in-person school was back in full swing. Especially with the weight of an unprecedented pandemic on their shoulders, it was difficult for many and easier for others to learn effectively without feeling overworked or hopeless during this time of constant changes.

“I felt that I was learning very little under hybrid learning, mostly due to the lack of student engagement,” said CHS student Nico Neal, grade 11. “ Most assignments felt like busy work and lacked any real sense of purpose, making it feel senseless compared to normal schoolwork.”

When students can’t be face-to-face with their teacher and classmates, their learning can be hindered. Communication and engagement are key to understanding and progressing in concepts, so being separated by a screen is difficult for both students and teachers. Aside from technological challenges such as lack of wifi or low sound and video quality, this lack of interaction can hinder children’s development and cause social withdrawal.

Jenna Skidmore, junior, feels similar to Neal in that her workload seemed larger, but more meaningless during the 5-month period of hybrid learning.

“My workload during partial online school was more than it was during seated school. A lot of the work was stuff that we would have never had time to do in class and it didn’t feel super necessary. I managed the work okay, I got it done, but I procrastinated a lot more than usual because I didn’t feel as motivated to do the work, so it was definitely less manageable than usual,” Skidmore said. “Even though hybrid school felt like it 6 \ OPINION

was more work, it didn’t feel like it translated to more learning.”

Skidmore continued by saying that the first few weeks of fully in-person school were difficult for her, but the passing of time helped her get into a routine where she could be comfortable with learning at school again. However, the brief transition time from hybrid school to in-person school held significant challenges to students who had jobs during this time. Many were unable to give notice for schedule changes in a timely manner, which could have resulted in major financial consequences.

Rocky transitions between instruction methods has affected SPS recently as well. As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 spread in January of 2022, inperson school attendance of students and teachers plummeted. Consequently, SPS sent students home to learn online for four days. With Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) on top of scattered snow days, the start of second semester was inconsistent for those who learn in-person.

Lucas Clem, an assistant principal at Central High School, understands and addresses the challenges that the student body and staff of CHS had to maneuver.

However, his view of the recent learning changes is optimistic.

“When we moved to a hybrid learning model during the 2020-2021 school year, there were a lot of challenges. Despite these challenges, many of our students learned and mastered new content. Every attempt was made to individualize learning while teachers and students were navigating unprecedented circumstances,” said Clem.

Amidst the prolonged pandemic, Central administration continues to provide resources to those who need it, regardless of the COVID-19 exposure that comes with learning in person. “ It takes all of us to make Central the best it can be,” said Clem. “When you walk the halls of this historic building and observe students and teachers answering the challenges of education in the 21st century, it is breathtaking. Central took the challenges on day one and has not looked back.”

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LEAD

& SHORT

A brief update on what’s happening in the Central and Springfield communities.

NATALIE REECE / REPORTER

Changes to Springfield’s Flag Set to Take Effect March 1st

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New Years Bring New Wages

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any Springfield residents will be happy to hear that a minimum wage increase has occurred across the state of Missouri. In January, Missouri’s minimum wage increased from $10.30 to $11.15 per hour. This change was initiated by voters in 2018 under what is known as Proposition B, an act that is aimed to raise the minimum wage to $12 by January 2023. For many struggling during the pandemic, this has been a welcome change. As the economic landscape continues to shift throughout 2022, thanks to the resurgence of the pandemic, this change strives to aid those who have been struggling. This reform will not apply to all workplaces, however, as public employers, restaurants, and government workplaces are not confined to the rules set in Proposition B.

Photos Courtesy of Springfieldmo.gov

pringfield is set to officially change its city flag on March 1st of 2022. While the new flag design has been an unofficial symbol for many for quite some time, it is now being regarded as the official symbol for all Springfield residents. According to Director of Public Information and Civic Engagement, Cora Scott, plans to change Springfield’s flag began in 2017.

“A good flag design evokes civic pride and can be a symbol to rally around,” said Scott in an interview, “The flag design has already evoked a great deal of pride in our community before it became the official city flag.”

The flag’s design is a reference to Springfield’s nickname, the Queen City, and reflects the natural elements of the Ozarks. Although the change has received some backlash, for many it is a welcomed change to Springfield’s culture and history.

“I think [the reception] has been about 5050, although after the passage, I have heard a lot more positive than negative comments,” Scott stated.

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Accolades

Central’s School Store is Recertified

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MAVERICK HILL / SENIOR REPORTER Bulldog Punter Signs for Ottawa

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HS senior, Brett Turner, has signed on to play football at Ottawa University. For many, his signing comes as no surprise, given Turner’s long list of football honors during his high school career which includes All-Conference Academic Team, Class 5 All-State Academic Punter, and 2nd Team All-SWFCA Punter.

Boys Basketball Finishes January Strong

entral’s school store, known as The Dog House and run by Central’s DECA, has recently been recertified as a gold level school store by the national DECA organization. This recertification ends a multi-year gap of the school store missing out on certification.

Central Robotics Wins Big at Kickapoo

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n Saturday, February, 19th, Central Robotics attended a competition at Kickapoo. After a day of competition, Central’s two teams came home with the top two spots at the event. Central’s team Sigma took the top spot while Central’s “Central Processing Units” took second place. Central also took home the Inspire award, celebrating the team that best shows professionalism, has a creative and reliable robot design that performs well on the field, and has an engaging team interview.

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entral’s boys basketball team ends the month strong with a 72-40 win over Carl Junction. This victory, coupled with their February 1st 72-54 win over Waynesville, has extended Central’s home win streak to two games, before their February 15th home game against Rolla.

Pictured Left: Central Robotics teams pose for a picture after winning two trophies In Red is Central’s team Sigma In Black is Central’s CPUs NEWS / 9

Springfield News

CADEN RECTOR-CURRENT / REPORTER

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uc-ee’s has made its way to Springfield. Our location is only one of many new stations the chain has been adding all across the country. On January 10, 2022, the city council met to begin the finalization of the 53,000 square-foot building right off of I-44.

Buc-ee’s made it clear this will not be a truck stop for any semitrucks that might be traveling by,

but there will be 100 gas pumps available for use-eight times the amount of pumps at the average gas station. Some Springfield community members felt weary about the city’s decision, however city council members made sure to put together a well thoughtout plan. The Reimbursement Agreement with Bucee’s of $4 million of the estimated $8.5 million will bring many positive attributes to creating a suitable location for the gas station. New public roads, varying utilities, over 200 potential full-time jobs, and future retail placement are all part of bringing Buc-ee’s to life. On January 24, 2022 city council approved the infrastructure improvement for Buc-ee’s, making the opening date of June of 2023 seem more and more reasonable for when the first steps in the Springfield Buc-ee’s might be taken. The first 3,000 square-foot Buc-ee’s opened in 1982, and now has 40 locations across the nation. Buc-ee’s is well known for its clean, spacious bathrooms and unique snacks.

World News

EMMARIE LOGAN / REPORTER

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he leader of ISIS, Ibrahim al-Hashimi al- engaged a U.S. helicopter, and several combatants Qurayshi, was killed in a U.S. raid on February were killed. The Syrian civil defense reported that 13 3. U.S. special forces had begun to close in on him, civilians died in the attack, including 8 children. at which point he detonated a powerful explosive device that blew most of the upper level of the building away, killing him and his family. An ISIS lieutenant was also killed after attempting to engage U.S. forces.

All Americans returned safely. Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer thanked “The incredible work of our brave military service members, who work day and night to keep Americans safe. So many have suffered at the brutal hand of ISIS.” In addition, it has been reported that a local group aligned with al-Qaeda 10 \ NEWS

The Omicron Variant KAITLYN SILKEY / REPORTER NED PICKETT / REPORTER In 2019, a pandemic known as the COVID-19, more popularly termed the Coronavirus, began. Entering 2022 and several variants later, the current strain known as Omicron has wreaked havoc across the globe. Although it seems to have hit hard everywhere, Missouri has had some particular issues with both the variant as a whole and how it has been handled.

The legal issues regarding the Omicron variant and how it has been treated have been unfortunately, quite polarizing, on both the state and national levels. One of the biggest problems with the Coronavirus, one that has plagued the population since the beginning, was that a largely public health related issue became a politicized one. A study that was conducted last November by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, requested by Governor Parson, found that the communities with mask mandates had several fewer cases per day on average than those without.

That study was not revealed until nearly two months after it took place, through the news organization Missouri Independent which requested the documents under the Sunshine Law. Masks are still a hot topic in the court of public opinion as well.

As many know due to recent events occurring in both Central High School and Springfield Public Schools, Attorney General Eric Schmitt has threatened schools with lawsuits from requiring mask mandates.

Schmitt’s threat is based on a ruling by Circuit Judge Daniel Green that states that mask mandates passed by health officials were unconstitutional.

Whether this covers schools, as Schmitt claims it does, is somewhat up for interpretation, as there is a fair bit of wiggle room in this law, but it does seem that schools are following him, even charter schools, to which some believed the law would not apply.

The Omicron variant has deeply affected the health and day-to-day lives of the Springfield community as

well. Case numbers are higher now than they were during the emergency lockdown in 2020. There were 912 new cases just on January 18th. Cox Health had 896 positive test results that same day; that is 700 more cases than the highest day for the Delta variant.

Some people claim that Omicron is a more mild variant of the Coronavirus, but Cox Health and Mercy have had 88 deaths related to COVID in January.

“The problem is the more this disease is out there and the more it is allowed to spread, that is where more variants develop,” said Mercy President Craig McCoy. According to CNBC, studies have shown that Omicron is more than four times as transmissible as the Delta variant. It also evades immunity better than Delta. Executive Director of the International Vaccine Access Center at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Dr. William Moss, says, “As long as the virus keeps spreading, it will continue to mutate going forward, creating more variants down the road.”

The CDC now recommends using surgical and highgrade masks as opposed to cloth ones due to its high transmissibility. They began offering free masks in the middle of January at Springfield Greene County library branches for people in need. Families are allowed up to 50 masks and will be given a COVID-19 care kit as well.

These kits include a digital thermometer, sanitizer, tissues, and information on COVID-19 prevention.

Screenshot taken on February 28, 2022 at 8:35 a.m. on the official CDC website.

NEWS / 11

Snow, Wind, and All Things Weather

MADI TAYLOR / REPORTER

As 2022 came rolling in, so did some chaotic weather.

January alone brought two heavy winter storms in northeastern United States. Snow and ice, however, were not the only elements that made an appearance.

In addition to the snowstorms, large waves crashed along the West Coast following an underwater volcanic eruption.

The first winter storm, lasting from January 13th to January 19th, was soon followed by another. The northeastern bomb cyclone, dubbed winter storm Kenan, brought heavy snowfall and wind chills to the East Coast. The blizzard formed January 27th, and had dissipated by January 30th. It spread from the mid-Atlantic to Maine, and dumped record-breaking snowfall in multiple states. Stoughton, Massachusetts had almost 30.9 inches of snow by the end of the blizzard.

The snow was not the worst of it, however. Southern New England faced winds of hurricane force, with winds as high as 103 mph reported in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. The winds knocked down power lines, causing 88,000 outages in Massachusetts alone on January 29th. The storm produced whiteout conditions and coastal flooding as well.

Before these storms, there was an underwater volcanic eruption 40 miles from Tonga’s main island, between Hawaii and New Zealand. It caused strong waves and currents across the Pacific and to the West Coast. It also triggered tsunami warnings, with a 4-foot tsunami wave hitting Tonga’s capital. On the West Coast, midway between San Jose and Los Angeles at Port San Luis Harbor, waves of over four feet were also recorded.

Dock ramps flooded in Ventura Bay. Courtesy of Micheal Defrisco/California Geological Survey.

Connecticut snowfighters clearing snow and ice from roadways. Courtesy of Connecticut Department of Transportation.

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Tsunami advisories were sent out to coastal areas of New Zealand, Japan, and Canada’s British Columbia as well, although most were canceled by January 17th, and no major damage was reported in these areas. There was, however, flooding in parking lots and harbors, and in preparation for this, nearby coastal areas were evacuated.

The weather was haywire, from the beginning of January to the end. From tsunami warnings to heavy snow, it was certainly an interesting start to 2022.

New Tardy Policy ARDEN BELOW / SENIOR REPORTER

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long with a new semester comes new policy changes for Central High School. On January 4, Dr. Ashley Felton, CSI, sent out a message describing the updated tardy policies for the building.

In contrast to last semester, there are now only two floors being used for tardy stations--the commons and the second floor. The only station open during first block is located in the commons. This change was implemented to put more teachers at tardy stations so that students may move through the line faster and go back to class in a more timely manner.

Felton has noticed some changes in tardiness since the updated policy.

“Compared to the first semester, while there are still a good number of students who are tardy in the morning, the number of students receiving a tardy during the rest of the school day has [improved] overall. Teachers have been complimentary of it as well,” Felton stated.

The new policy is working towards making Central a more efficient school. The administration has stated that although the policy was written out, it is not completely set in stone. Depending on the fluctuating numbers of teachers and students in the building, the policy can be altered for efficiency.

“The tardy policy is fluid, but there have not been any changes since the update at the beginning of the second semester,” Felton said. “The reason the policy is fluid is because it is important to make sure the needs of our teachers and students are met because we are all in this together.”

As for the student body, the policy may not work in favor for those who are late, but it does exist for the greater good of the building.

“We are always paying attention to how the system is working to make sure we are doing what is best for all of our students and staff,” Felton shared.

Students should stop at the appropriate tardy stations if they arrive late to school in order to avoid truancies.

NEWS / 13

History of Central MAVERICK HILL / SENIOR REPORTER

Construction and Early Years

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he “1893 Central” is not the old building as we know it today. In fact, the only portion of the school constructed in 1893 was the old eastern wing which now contains the main office. That portion of the building was built for $100,000 and welcomed 76 seniors in its first year, only two of which graduated. Later, in 1907, the central wing of the school was added, and finally, in 1913, the west wing of the school was built. These three sections built between 1893-1913 comprise what we know of today as the Old Building.

Central’s auditorium was constructed in 1939, and for many years was utilized for non school related activities and events, although this, of course, no longer happens. Finally, in 2002, the New Wing of Central was constructed, greatly increasing the size of the school. Among the improvements was a new commons area to house the lunches, a new library area, and a new science wing with more state of the art improvements.

Although the building may have undergone many changes since its original East Wing, many of Central’s traditions have withstood the test of time.

One of Central’s many traditions is the Kiltie Drum and Bugle Corps. The corps was created in 1926 by Robert Ritchie Robertson and was the first all female Scottish pipe and drum corps in the United States.

Hardships and Bounceback

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n the 1990s, Central was struggling. Enrollment was very low and so were graduation rates.

Amid the difficulties of the time, Drury University had been in talks with the school district to purchase the school. In an effort to keep the school open, the school welcomed the Springfield Scholars Program, a program that accelerated classes of roughly 40 incoming 6th graders into the high school full time. The program was a success at the school and several years later, the International Baccalaureate program was introduced to the school for 11th and 12th graders. Enrollment, test scores, and graduation rates all went up and Central slowly became the premiere high school in terms of education quality in southwest Missouri, and the Central High School that we know today.

Famous Alumni

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entral is also home to several famous alumni.

Among those include Bob Barker, who hosted game show The Price is Right on CBS for 35 years.

Another, perhaps more historically significant, alumni of Central would be none other than Linda Brown, known for her role in the landmark supreme court case, Brown v. Board of Education.

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SPS Virtual AMI Days M

ADDISON JORDAN / SENIOR REPORTER

uch like the rest of the U.S., Springfield has been fighting a long, hard battle against COVID-19. Since returning from winter break SPS has reported a surge in COVID cases. The weekly COVID count for the week of January 16th showed 746 new cases, with 528 students and 218 employees missing. Shortly after, on January 18th, it was announced that students would not be returning to school for the remainder of the week. The days were to be treated as snow days, and used for staff and students to rest and recover before returning.

While still out of school, SPS announced that the following week, starting that Tuesday, would be a week of virtual learning, officially labeling it as an Alternative Method of Instruction, or AMI. The week would consist of optional webinars meant to prepare guardians and students, and Zoom meetings or alternate assignments on Canvas that would count for attendance and participation points.

“I personally liked the virtual days because I could get all my work done by 10:00 am and then have the rest of the day to [myself] without having the worry in the back of my head that I could possibly get sick or get someone in my family sick,” Maggie Geer, 11, said.

It was during the AMI week that the school board met to vote on masking policies for students and staff. The meeting was held on January 28th and, to the relief of many students, concluded that school would return in-person the following Monday with continued optional masking.

Though school has returned to normal, the community is still being affected by the pandemic.

Leader of Cox Health Steve Edwards’ Twitter is one of many sources of information regarding Springfield’s position. “[The] COVID+ census [is] around 200, record levels (6 more lives lost in the last 24 hours),” Edwards stated.

Hospitals are not the only ones feeling the pressure.

Central’s staff worked during the AMI days in efforts to hold classes as close to normal as possible, while also trying to keep the workload manageable.

Culinary teacher Jenny Cummins spoke about planning lessons within her department.

“Moving between seated and AMI creates a jigsaw puzzle effect in our culinary program,” Cummins said. “We have to decide how to move labs around, not knowing when we will return or be able to continue. If we are in the middle of labs, we have to think about what we can and cannot freeze and store, and what will last until we return in regards to fresh produce. As a team of teachers we also have to figure out [how to continue].

Greer shared her experience with virtual schoolwork and the flexibility of teachers.

“Some of the assignments were kind of just busy work, or work that we would not be getting if we were not virtual,” Geer said. “My teachers were fairly flexible with the fact that some students might not have Internet, [or they were] taking care of their siblings.”

Though teachers tried to keep the workload light, the schedules of staff and students alike were impacted. Students also expressed concerns with staying caught up on their work during the AMI week.

“As with anything, I think the first days are always difficult,” Ashlyn Wuench, 12, said. “I think the hardest thing about it all is the fact that there is nothing constant. The workload was not too much different than being in class, I mainly was just always concerned that I was missing something.”

Despite worries, Central’s staff stepped up and took initiative. They were flexible with students’ schedules, allowing them to turn in work during the first week back to school.

“I have always loved the teachers at this school, but these past couple of months, [and] the AMI days we worked with showed how caring the teachers at this school are. I contacted several teachers over the week and they responded instantly and truly cared about not only my academics, but my overall wellbeing. They were flexible and helped to clarify on any questions I had, and showed great genuine care, which I highly appreciated,” Wuench said.

NEWS / 15

The Job Shortage and Student Jobs

ARDEN BELOW / SENIOR REPORTER

The United States is facing a long-term job shortage. Quirk said. “It has taught me to keep an open mind.

In September 2021 alone, 4.4 million workers (roughly Sometimes I have to give myself one night off to three percent of the total workforce) quit their jobs recharge.” (according to americanprogress.org). Due to this Other students also commented on the importance shortage, many young employees, including full-time of “off days” when scheduling. high school students, have found opportunities to work “My advice to any high school student that is looking in the area. Central students have found both benefits and to find a job would be to make sure that whatever downsides to the lack of employment our country faces. business they work for is going to be flexible as far as “The job shortage has definitely affected my current work hours go. I know there are some places that will place of work,” said Sean Lay, 12. The senior has demand more from students which is hard if you are worked at Tropical Smoothie Cafe since November trying to balance both,” Vaughan stated.

2021. “There are only about four people working “Find something where you can have a flexible closing shifts through the whole week. When schedule,” Lay advised. “You will probably want I first started working there, it to find a manager that will give you days was difficult and unorganized off. There will be times when you because there were not enough will need a day or two off to just “Through my work, of us to close. It has only focus on homework.”

I’ve learned some very recently [improved].”

Although being a full-time The issue has also affected student and a worker can be important lessons about time demanding, there are several many other students. Blaise management.”

Vaughan, 11, faced a similar benefits to taking on a job at a -Jordan Quirk, 12 issue at a former employer. young age.

“I currently work at Menards, and “I have overall learned how to [the job shortage] has not been much of an communicate better and how to teach. I learned issue. However, at my last job at McAlister’s Deli, it the gratification of being able to teach others, and the definitely was. I worked there from May of 2021 to weight that words hold with younger people,” Quirk September of 2021. During the summer, there were so stated. few people there, I ended up being one of three closers “Other than making smoothies, I have learned on the staff. I was closing six nights a week, which was how to push through coming home late and having to tough for three months,” Vaughan said. immediately start on homework. I also learned how to Fortunately for some, the job shortage has not communicate better with my employer,” Lay said. affected every avenue of employment. Jordan Quirk, “Although it is a challenge to balance work and 12, is employed as both a math tutor and nanny during school, I have come to realize how important it is to do her second year of the IB full diploma program. She is so. It is not as tough as it once was.” learning how to balance life, work, and school.

On top of the benefit of having a few extra dollars “When you are working all of the time, you have to in a bank account, the job shortage has led to some think about managing your time not only with your noteworthy developments in both student skill sets and work but also with school and friends and family,” mindsets.

16 \ NEWS

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What are the signs that I might be struggling with my mental health?

• Excessive fear, worry or sadness • Unhealthy changes in sleep or eating patterns • Excessive crying • Irritability and acting out • Poor motivation to do chores or school work • Avoiding things you used to find enjoyable • Using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs

What can I do to cope?

Take care of your body Practice mindfulness Find someone to talk to Stay connected using technology Look for connection opportunities Take up a new hobby Start a gratitude journal

Burrell Behavioral Health offers services on site at Central High School.

Learn more or schedule a visit by calling 417-761-5000 or e-mail schoolbasedinfo@burrellcenter.com.

• • • • • • •

Coach Highlight: Dr. Welch NATHAN SHARP / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

D

r. Christine Welch has been coach of the boys and girls soccer teams for two decades. An invaluable asset to both teams, Welch is always adapting to her situation. She has found a way to balance her time teaching special education, health classes, and being our coach. Her twenty year dedication is nothing short of exemplary. While she is still our dedicated coach, her teaching career has shifted recently.

“I am currently teaching virtual elementary special education at the Bentley Administrative Building.

When I was at Central, I taught special education. I also teach high school health in Launch,” Welch stated.

That is not the only change that has happened in the last few years. As with everything, COVID-19 has had a negative impact on the soccer teams.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic in March of 2020, our girls team was immediately affected. That season was bound for a state run but was canceled due to the pandemic. Since that time, many potential or returning soccer players, at least two thirds who showed an interest, expressed concern they could catch or transmit COVID-19 through sports participation.

This created a hesitancy in participating in soccer in part because of the unknowns and has affected numbers for both teams since,” Welch said.

Despite these setbacks, Welch is still looking forward hopefully.

“There is an amazing group of returning players for the girls team, and we have our eye on new incoming players that will be a great asset to the team. Holland Hawkins set several state records last year and is poised to do it again this season. We continue to have state

record holders, all district, region, state nominees, and many all-academic student-athletes on both teams.

We look forward to working with this year’s group of girls. Historically, we have had great boys teams who have worked very hard in playing competitive soccer in our area. Our numbers prior to COVID have been incredible and teams were outstanding both on the field and academically. Our boys team competed this season albeit with a limited number of players and a varsity only squad,” Welch said.

The players are not the only ones who have learned from their time with the team. Welch has learned several lessons from her time leading the groups to victory.

“Soccer is much more than a game. Players who are truly invested in the sport and their team want to play for each other, never themselves or anyone else. Over the years this has allowed us to grow as a team because of the investment they have in each other and the program. I want my players to acknowledge their own passion for the game and show it at practice and on the field every day so that their teammates want to thrive off of their energy and creativity,” Welch explained.

With such a dedicated and understanding coach, no setback is too great for the teams to overcome. The teams are still building back to what they once were, but that is a matter of time. Coach Welch has been a reliable beacon for decades, there to be supportive however they need it. This is a formula destined for success. No matter the problem, Welch will be there ready for the challenge.

SPORTS / 19

New Year New Sterling Vinson, 11, going for the 3 point shot.

Jamarius Lawrie, 11, loading up at the free point line.

Antonio Starks-Fewell, 10, shoots the 3, adding to his leading shot record.

20 \ SPORTS

Coach New Bulldogs Morgan Martens / Reporter

D

uring this new basketball season changes have been made to the team.

CHS has gotten a brand new head coach, Mr. Jordan Epps. This new coach has developed a new team. The success of the coaching has already shown throughout the season.

There have been improvements to this team leading to a winning season but it’s not just the coaches that make this happen it’s also the players.

“A good coach is someone who can communicate with players well, develop there skills, and push there players hard,” Tyren Hendrix, 12, said.

“A good coach is someone who is very interactive, loud, engaged, helpful, can take and give criticism in the right way and gives fairness to every player on the team. Also holding everyone accountable,” Dwayne

Andrews said.

“They taught me the importances of being a hard worker and as long as you at least try hard good things will always happen,” Andrews, 12, mentioned. Having a new coach leaves a mark on every player and Andrews, 12, shows by what he’s saying his coach is making a positive impact on his abilities as a player and student.

“I feel he’s been a great coach he’s used all of his players well and coached all of us great,” Hendrix, 12, added.

Overall, the boys basketball players feel Epps has stepped up and helped this team on the path to success. Being a leader and coach isn’t easy but already he has made such a difference for this team and each and every single player that has nothing but respect for their new coach.

SPORTS / 21

CENTRAL’S BOWLING TEAM GETS THE BALL ROLLING THIS SEASON NATALIE REECE / REPORTER

C

entral hosts a variety of sports and activities for Bulldogs to enjoy and Central’s bowling team is an excellent example of this sentiment. While many students may not have heard of the Central bowlers before, they are a fun and fast-growing team that is ready to strike down their competition.

Central has been involved in the bowling scene for more than 15 years, and the coach, Bill Tilley, has been around since day one. While working in Ozark, Tilley coaches both Central students as well as students from middle schools that feed into Central. The team itself is very impressive.

“Technically bowling is a ‘club’ sport. But we do have a varsity team and a JV team,” said Tilley.

Photo courtesy of 417mag.com

22 \ SPORTS

For the last 6 years, Central bowlers have qualified for local and state competitions around Missouri. The team participates in the Greater Springfield USBC High School League, a high-school-level bowling league for students. The league currently consists of Central, Parkview, Glendale, Kickapoo, Catholic High School, Willard, Republic, Nixa, Ozarks, and Lebanon. The team has found great success recently, with four students finishing in the top 10 in state competition last year and two students finishing in the top 20. Students are encouraged to try out if they have an interest in the sport.

“There is nothing they specifically need to know,” claims Tilley, “They just need to have an interest/desire to learn how to bowl, and be able to compete in a team atmosphere.”

Practice began for the team in January and is hosted at Enterprise Lanes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30.

“It is never too late to start,” said student bowler, James Fiddler.

“We have people ranging from absolute beginners to pretty good bowlers out here so everyone is welcome.”

For many of the athletes, the bowling team is a memorable and fun part of their year and a place that offers a solid community. No matter the skill level, Central’s Bowlers will make sure that you have a great time while also helping you improve your bowling prowess.

Regardless of who you are, Central’s bowling team has a place for you. With support from the bowling team’s coach, as well as the student-athletes, any student will be sure to have a great experience.

“Our current crop of new Bowlers combined with our returning Bowlers give me the confidence to say big things are in store for Bulldog Bowling, “ noted Tilley.

o G s k c o r The Sham M.A.D.

P

laying sports as a child can build memories, teamwork skills, and future friendships. One volleyball team in the Ozarks wants to provide that to as many children as possible.

The Shamrocks Volleyball Program is run by Patty Singleton.

Her program is for girls who love to play volleyball for more of the fun and less of the competitive culture. Many sports in today’s world are very competitive in harsh ways and have the potential to cost a large chunk of money. Many families cannot afford to play on the expensive club teams, so finding a lovedriven sports program is a great choice. Based in Rogersville, the Shamrocks practice functional volleyball skills and learn the rules of the game without competition, comparison, or a harsh environment. However, they also compete against the more competitive teams so they are given real situations and learn how to use their knowledge and abilities to win the game as a team. Coach Patty believes in celebrating the small wins and raising up the girls confidence not only within themselves but also in creating positive relationships based on kindness with other people around them. In addition, Coach Patty runs a program one night a month called Junior Shamrocks that allows children with disabilities to participate in the sport.

Singleton has always had the desire to build a program that impacts the lives of kids who may not be able to participate in club sports. She has partnered with Freedom City Church to present the Go M.A.D. program. Go M.A.D., also known as Go Make A Difference is a two-hour volleyball camp that will occur the last Saturday of every month from 10am-12pm starting March 26th. This camp will be located at Freedom City Church.

“Our mission is to Make A Difference in our local community by offering children an opportunity to learn a sport, enjoy a meal, and hear about God’s unfailing love!” Coach Patty said This camp for all children ages 3rd-6th grade will provide breakfast, beginner volleyball skills, lunch, and Bible time all for free. Any child who is interested in volleyball, learning a sport, or having fun is invited to join Coach Patty. She believes in teaching the youth in our community compassion, having servants’ hearts, and spreading love to everyone. The Go M.A.D. Program is designed to show all of these things and provide fun to the children in the local community.

EMMARIE LOGAN / REPORTER

SPORTS / 23

BETTY AND BOBBY ALLISON SPORTS TOWN ADDISON JORDAN / SENIOR REPORTER

Supporting Springfield’s athletes for generations to come

S

ince late April of 2021, a new sports complex has been under construction. The $70 million project is going to be near the Springfield-Branson National Airport, and already features multiple soccer fields, parking lots, restrooms, a paved road, and storm drainage systems.

According to KY3, once finished, the complex will have eight natural grass fields, and the number of artificial turf fields will be increased from one to four.

These new features, notably the lights and artificial fields, will allow more flexible play schedules during evening hours and harsh weather. Artificial turf is better for these conditions because it does not wear and tear as easily as natural grass fields.

The quality of artificial turf is apparent in its price; while a grass field would cost about $30,000, turf fields cost half a million dollars.

Along with the complex, the area next to the highway will one day be inhabited by a $45 million commercial retail complex, guaranteed to generate more tourist revenue.

The price of the complex will be hefty, but that has not stalled the progress nor the determination of those behind it. It is expected that tourism alone will generate $16 million.

Donors are contributing greatly as well. The co-owner of the complex, Rob Philips, told KY3 that Tim O’Reilly, founder and CEO of O’Reilly Media, showed interest in one of the sites.

Additionally to the $2 million aid from the Springfield City Council, the developers of the site have also submitted an application for $4 million of the city’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which would help cover the rising cost of steel. Business person Bobby Allison contributed between $3 million and $3.5 million for fields and naming rights, hence the name “Betty and Bobby Allison Sports Town”.

Those working on the complex hope that it will not only give the west side of the city the attention it deserves, but that it will open more opportunities for Springfield’s athletes for generations to come.

24 \ SPORTS

Pictured above, the groundbreaking event for the Betty and Bobby Allison Sports Town

Pictured above, one of the many fields at the Betty and Bobby Allison Sports Town.

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Laborers Local 663 invites you to consider joining the construction industry!

Construction laborers can be found on almost all construction sites performing a wide range of tasks from the very easy to the potentially hazardous. They can be found at building, highway and heavy construction sites; residential and commercial sites; tunnel and shaft excavations; and demolition sites. Many of the jobs they perform require physical strength, training and experience. Other jobs can be learned in a short amount of time.

While most construction laborers specialize in a type of construction, such as highway or tunnel construction, some are generalists who perform many different tasks during all stages of construction. Construction laborers, who work in underground construction, such as in tunnels, or in demolition are more likely to specialize in only those areas.

Learn more about Laborers Local 663 online at www.lu663.com.

Human Highlight MORGAN MARTENS / REPORTER

E

arning a $100,000 merit scholarship is no joke, and something worth recognition.

Senior Malia Joe earned this impressive sum.

Joe will be using this scholarship to go to The Art Institute of Chicago. Joe’s passion for art started at a young age.

“I’ve always felt strongly about art. As a child, my mother would always encourage my sisters and I to create, to draw and paint,” Joe said. Her family already knowing what is up and coming for this young artist.

“I remember being surrounded by the art my parents had studied and created. I grew up seeing the drawings my mother had made during her school years around my maternal grandparent’s house, framed and posted proudly on a few of their walls. Weavings made by my paternal grandmother and drawings in the blueprints made by my father,” Joe recalls.

“The strong feeling that art is important and essential to expression and living as a whole, has alway been there,” Joe said about always having strong feelings regarding art.

Joe has been surrounded by art for as long as she can remember. Growing up and seeing all these different pieces of art in her life drew her to the art she loves and does today.

“I’d say my passion really grew in my freshman year. I had to fill a gap in my schedule and one of my best friends recommended I take Sculpture I with her,” said Joe. “I look for inspiration everywhere. In class, at work, at home, in the media, just everywhere,” Joe claimed.

26 \ FEATURE

Joe feels art has made her more attentive.

She is able to see art in a different perspective.

She sees it in ways only those who love art can see.

This scholarship has opened doors for her that she had hardly dared to dream. Getting into this school has made her quite grateful for being surrounded by art for so long.

Robotics Club: Tech’s Future CADEN RECTOR-CURRENT / REPORTER

T

here are many interesting clubs and teams at Central. One such club is the Robotics club, seemingly a fan-favorite. Teams from a multitude of different schools participate in Robotics to compete and achieve difficult challenges applicable to what is happening in the larger world. This year, the challenge is delivering freight. Competitors program and drive robots to deliver small cubes onto an unstable surface, simulating a shipping hub. This provides a real world experience for the Robotics team’s members.

Daniel Huinda, a member of the club, is an avid fan of what he does.

“I would say that the most fun part by far is the programming challenge,” Huinda stated.

Programmers are a crucial part of the club, but they do not make up all of it. Drivers and builders are also needed to have a successful result at a

The team workings on their latest robot competition. Each plays their part, forming a team.

“We have spent this season making the biggest transformations in our robots that we have ever made. Being able to build a robot and watch it change is one of the most fun parts of the club.

Watching the robot grow from a hunk of metal to a robot completing tasks relative to the real world is great,” Huinda said.

The club often faces challenges during and prior to the tournaments.

“During our competition in mid January, we unfortunately did not plug in the cables that

One of the robots created by FTC transmit this data. The robot rammed itself into a wall, flipping itself over, all while being penalized.

Instead of reeling and giving up in frustration, the beauty of FTC and CHS Robotics is that we just laughed it off and acknowledged our mistake,” Huinda stated.

There are many reasons why the CHS Robotics team is such a popular club--they have fun while still putting their best into what they create, and face challenges without compromising a friendly atmosphere. The field of Robotics is only growing in influence over our world, and these students are joining this broadening landscape early on in their lives.

Update: FTC made it to the state competition and collected several trophies there.

FEATURE / 27

The A+ Program: More Than A Scholarship ANIA KOVACS / ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The A+ Program at Springfield Public and that her experience will guide her in making Schools is popular due to its valuable scholarship a decision. opportunities. If requirements are met, the A+ Dr. Donita Cox, the A+ Program Coordinator scholarship covers any participating community at CHS, explained that tutoring at elementary schools college or technical school tuition-free. The is not as popular as staying at Central, but students scholarship alone makes applying for the program love going back to their elementary or middle worthwhile, but its benefits extend further than schools and tutoring in classes they once were in. funding for college.

“The students [learn] so much out of Parker Panza, 11, began her time in the A+ [tutoring at elementary schools] too because they program during the 2021-2022 school year. Her are working with younger students and are viewed choice to tutor at Boyd Elementary School is not one as positive role models for kids. It also includes she regrets— in fact, she says it is the best part of her pretty fun activities for them,” Dr. Cox said. school day.

The progress that Panza has “I would definitely consider seen in her kindergarten students “...I also help tutoring elementary school as a over the course of the past school positive experience,” Panza said. “I year makes it evident that her them learn how loved my kindergarten class so much position as a role model for the kids that I decided to stay with the same is beneficial to their academic success. to make comgroup both semesters this year.”

“At the beginning of the promises and Panza tutors at Boyd three year they knew a few letters and days a week. On two of those days, numbers. Now they can put treat others she arrives as they are doing reading together sentences and even add well.” practice. She will usually help them and subtract,” Panza remarked. “I with writing the letters of the alphabet. think I have had some influence on The teacher will then send her into the their growth. Along with helping hallway to help a small group of students that were them with academics, I also help them learn how struggling with the lesson. The last part of her tutoring to make compromises and treat others well.” hour is typically spent playing outside during recess.

Panza has noticed that the students’ social “I chose to tutor younger students because skills have developed since the beginning of the I thought I would have more opportunities to year, which is likely due to her influence as well. really help the kids learn. Teaching kindergarten The A+ program allows students who struggle is a lot of work and there is always something in class to receive extra academic help and in turn, I can help the teacher with,” said Panza. it gives a sense of accomplishment to the tutors Tutoring elementary students is not only themselves. Furthermore, its scholarships are highly accommodating to the teacher and children, but to beneficial to those who want to continue education those who are considering teaching younger students after high school. All aspects considered, tutoring as a career. Panza said that A+ tutoring has shown her students of any age in the A+ program opens a number the pros and cons of being an elementary school teacher of opportunities for anyone interested in applying.

28 \ FEATURE

Cellphones + at Home Learning EMMARIE LOGAN / REPORTER

Technology has taken over much of the world and people’s daily lives. With the click of a button on the latest smartphones, you can pay for groceries, preheat your oven, or turn off the lights. Schools and the workplace are also seeing extra advancements through technology. Central released new cell phone policies in the classrooms at the beginning of January designed to encourage students to focus on their schoolwork instead of their phones.

“More than half of educators–56 percent–said that students are too often off-task on their mobile devices, using the technology for one thing when they are supposed to be focusing on another. And a majority of educators, also 56 percent, said that when students are off-task, they are most likely playing digital games.

About another quarter said students are listening to or watching videos or on social media when they are offtask,” said Alyson Klein at Education Week.

All students can admit to being distracted or off-task at times, however, the amount of students technologically affected by COVID and being out of in-person classes has increased significantly. Being at home all day with no outwardly encouraging motivation to do work other than through zooms leaves kids to play, sleep, or sit on their phones. Students have been dancing around with this type of education for two years in Springfield and the negative effects are showing through more and more. Teachers are trying their best to keep their classrooms running smoothly, but students who are not willing to participate or give effort are a battle many teachers will never be able to win. As much as educators and administrators are responsible for a student’s education, it is in the hands of the student to decide what they do with their knowledge.

A student might ask for advice or tricks to “expose” how much time they actually spend on their devices for non-educational purposes and many cell phones do actually provide help for that purpose. On both iPhone and Android, you can set time screen limits on certain

apps or times of the day. These limits can be helpful for wisely distributing time on social media apps such as TikTok or Snapchat. There are also strategies to improve the number of work students accomplish at home or even in school including the 1/10 rule.

With this strategy, students work for an hour, then take a 10-minute break and complete that cycle until their work is done. In some cases, students are less motivated to complete a task based on the size of it, so breaking the task work time down can encourage the student to be more motivated. Education for anyone, especially the teachers and students, is a hard challenge right now. Using strategies and working together can help students and teachers to rebuild the old culture of the classrooms. No one knows if at-home learning will end soon but the ability to work together for a greater purpose is something that all students and teachers can do with the healthy use of technology.

FEATURE / 29

The Staff Recommends: NED PICKETT / REPORTER

L

ast year, the Central High Times ran a story consisting of the members of the magazine staffs recommendations to compile what we called Spring Playlist. Although the days do not feel anything like spring, this is the spiritual successor to that story, this time including both films and songs.

This iteration of the story underwent

several changes, beginning with only films along with short reviews, but eventually, the music was added in. There were also several attempts to actually get the answers from the staff, hindered by the number of snow days. In any case, and without further ado, the Central High Times presents our team’s movie and music recommendations.

Maverick Hill Paul Blart, Mall Cop Toxic by Britney Spears

Emmarie Logan Sing 2 The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill

Nathan Sharp Tootsie Water Slide by Mcbaise

Kaitlyn Silkey Tick, Tick... BOOM! Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac

Reid Biggers Red Notice Good Time by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen

Madi Taylor The Giver Decode by Paramore

Morgan Martens Spider-Man: No Way Home Any Harry Styles Song

Arden Below Three O’Clock High Springsteen by Eric Church

Natalie Reece Rango Sunflower by Vampire Weekend

Ania Kovacs Ferris Bueller’s Day Off All Things Must Pass

by George Harrison

Addie Jordan The Labyrinth 4th of July by Sufjan Stevens

Ned Pickett Paddington 2 Once in a Lifetime

by Talking Heads

Ms. Chrismer The Book of Boba Fett 5000 Candles in the Wind by Mouse Rat

HYPE / 31

Food Review: Boba Tea

KAITLYN SILKEY / REPORTER

La Boba Cafe I

have been to La Boba Café quite a few times before. It was the only boba place I really knew of in town before writing these reviews. I ordered a peach tea with mango bursting boba this time. I kind of already knew what to expect since I have had a similar tea from them before. It was pretty good but nothing too exciting. The tea was really sweet, almost too sweet. The boba had a nice flavor. However, it seems like it was not as smooth as the others I tried. They also had bigger straws than any other place I went to. It was about $5 after tax, which is a decent price for a regular-sized portion.

Rating 4/5

S + L Donuts I

will not be ordering this drink again, that is for sure. I ordered a mango milk tea with bursting boba and it really disappointed me. Honestly, I did not like it at all. The flavors did not go well together and it was way too sweet. Their milk was just not good enough for me. It tasted wrong. They are pretty far away from me too, so it was kind of a let down to drive quite a ways and buy something I did not like.

On the other hand, it was the cheapest at $3.75. It was pretty much the same sized portion as La Boba Café. They were also really fast at making them.

Rating: 1.5/5

Sno Bubble

Rating: 5/5 32 \ HYPE

I

can definitely say I was genuinely impressed by this place. I ordered a drink called “Boba Girl” which is sparkling raspberry, slices of kiwi, white peach tea, and kiwi bursting boba. It was so refreshing. I loved all the flavors together. The carbonated drink mixed in was really nice. It was something I had never tried before in boba, but it works really well. The fruits were all so fresh and flavorful. I liked the atmosphere a lot too. You can see the employees make your drink right in front of you and the fresh ingredients are all in plain sight. It is really just a nice vibe there. I thought it was cool how their menu had suggested mixes they thought went well together.

It is a great aspect for someone who might not be familiar with boba and does not know what or how to order. The serving size is really big and costs $5.95. It is only a dollar more than La Boba Café and much bigger.

Horoscopes

CADEN RECTOR-CURRENT / REPORTER

Aries: Mar. 21-Apr. 19 Taurus: Apr. 20-May 20 Gemini: May 21-June 21 Cancer: June 22-July 22 Leo: July 23-Aug. 22 Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Libra: Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Scorpio: Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Sagittarius: Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Aquarius: Jan 20-Feb. 18 Pisces: Feb. 19-Mar. 20 ARIES Professional opinion on the use of synthetic chemical testing of animals for the production of hair products?

CANCER You need morals.

LIBRA You need help

CAPRICORN POOF! You can now speak Klingon. Go out and talk to people and make them wonder what you are saying.

TAURUS I wonder how, I wonder why, yesterday you tole me about the blue, blue sky...

LEO I think you need some waffle fries. Do you think you need some waffle fries? I think we should go get waffle fries.

SCORPIO Go find an electron.

Take this electron and yeet it through an interdimensional portal to poke your parallel world self in the eye.

AQUARIUS Have you drank your water yet? You know you need it...

GEMINI You don’t exist.

You are a figment of your own imagination.

VIRGO NERD

SAGITTARIUS You were never gonna give me up, never gonna let me down, never gonna run around, desert me.

PISCES You need a hobby. Like seriously, start collecting thimbles or baseball cards or something.

HYPE / 33

Photo Essay

Reid Biggers / Photo Editor

Jamarius Lawrie, 11, shoots a free throw. (Morgan Martens)

Tymon Parker-Reece, 11, prepares to shoot at the target. (Reid Biggers) Talia Dyson, 9, jumps to get the ball into the basket. (Ainsley Daccache)

Claire Sheeley, 12, follows through after letting go of the bowstring. (Reid Biggers)

An art sculpture of the brain is shown in the art display next to the library, created by Jade Dodds, 10, for a Art Foundations class. (Olivia Francis)