C ommon Sense Millard South High School • 14905 Q St. • Omaha, Neb., 68137
February 6, 2020
Volume 20 Issue 4
Love Yourself
educate teens on coping skills, mental health and the importance of reaching out for help,” Gohr said. Muhammad’s bubbly personality is well conveyed through her uplifting music. When asked what her hobbies are, she says she enjoys CrossFit, loves to skateboard, and, just like all of us, she loves food! Muhammad has been pursuing music ever since high school. She has six songs on large media outlets. She’s also working on some new music; some of which she performed at the concert. Muhammad took some time between songs to share some of her own stories. She explained how her life experiences helped her to create music. She shared some of her struggles with the crowd explaining that things always get better, and there’s always people who care. “Jocelyn not only has an infectious smile and positive attitude but she is real,” Gohr added. “She is honest about the challenges she has faced in her life and how difficult it can be to pull yourself through them.” Muhammad furthered her Love Yourself tour and partnership with Boys Town by stopping by Millard Singer Jocelyn Muhammad performs at Millard South High School for her Love Yourself tour in South on Jan. 24. She opened by collaboration with Boys Town. Photo by Edith Hickman singing a few of her original songs and introducing her band. She was then joined by a Boys Town representative. They discussed their partnership and how the message Singer Jocelyn Muhammad connects with Milbehind Jocelyn’s music work hand lard South students after performing her songs. in hand. After singing a few more Photo by Edith Hickman songs, Jocelyn sat down to speak Sydney Roberts mental health, specifically connect with her audience. Staff Reporter their help hotline. One of their main messages is “It’s “Jocelyn really portrayed loving yourself in her sing always okay to ask for help.” ing and song writing. She wants people to get better and It was a happy vibe at the Boys Town fundraiser Ginny Gohr, Director of the Boys Town National improve on themselves,” sophomore Maddy Leland said. where singer-songwriter Joscelyn Muhammad perHotline, said they chose Jocelyn to do the fundraiser beI think it’s really cool that she’s done this whole campaign formed her uplifting music. cause “her passion to share that story in her music results with Boys Town.” The venue, Slowdown, is downtown right outside in something that teens can connect with and lean on You can contact the Boys Town Hotline 24/7 through the Old Market. Muhammad, a 2015 Millard South gradu- during their times of need. Being there during someone’s email at hotline@boystown.org or through phone at ate, partnered with Boys Town in order to support their time of need is a mission that is shared by the Boys Town 1-800-448-3000. hotline fundraiser. Boys Town is raising awareness for National Hotline so it is a natural fit to work together to
Jocelyn sings her heart out for Boys Town fundraiser
Bond issue to bring new entrance at South Jake Snelling News Editor After months of planning and convening meetings by the school board, it’s now up to the residents of Millard to approve or decline a $125 million-dollar bond issue for the district. This request comes only two years after the passing of the property tax levy override, which allowed the school board to raise the tax levy by up to 9 cents. The incorporation of the bond will add one cent to the current tax levy, raising it from 2.8 cents to 3.8 cents and increasing the
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Snelling explores two more candidates in this ongoing feature. Graphic by Jake Snelling
tax on a $200,000 house by $20 a year. Millard Public Schools is requesting the bond strictly for improvements to infrastructure and building updates. Twenty-two schools in the district will see renovations of at least $750,000, with significant projects slated for four schools: Cody Elementary, Norris Elementary, Central Middle, and Millard South High. If passed, Millard South would get a more secure entrance, a vestibule that would be similar to Millard North’s entrance area. The school would also receive flooring replacement, repainting, and greatly needed bathroom renovations.
With its addition to the May 12 primary ballot, MPS has over four months to convince Millard to support the bond at the voting booths. It has already received endorsements from multiple influential local groups, such as Millard Citizens for Continued Excellence, a group that was an invaluable supporter of the tax levy in 2017, and even Nebraska Taxpayers for Freedom, a tax watchdog group that’s usually against bond issues. Micki Urban, a member of Millard Citizens for Continued Excellence and representative of the Millard South area, has attended 10 meetings over the bond and
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Sophomore Kylie Shramek participates in World Language Week fun. Photo by Josh Ferdico
Riff Raff concert review and photo by Josh Ferdico
fully supports its approval. She’s says she’s confident the community will pass it once they understand the widespread benefits for our students and for long-term value of the schools. “We need to keep our school buildings maintained, safe, and secure for all students and staff that attend these buildings daily,” Urban said. “This bond issue is a matter of needs not wants.” To get more information on the specifics, Urban suggests attending a public informational meeting. MSHS will be hosting a meeting Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the lecture hall.
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Girls basketball continues to excel and push towards state goal. Photo by Joscelyn Hynes