NORTH GROSSE POINTE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
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MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2020
Liberated Learning Students seek out uncommon learning environments
FARRAH FASSE & JESSICA MEYERS
@thenorthpointe www.northpointenow.org
News 2-3 Editorial 4 OnCampus 5
InDepth 6-7 Life 8 OnPointe 9
Reviews 10 Sports 11 VOLUME 52 | ISSUE 4
2 — Monday, Jan. 6, 2020 — North Pointe
NEWS
Evaluating grade inflation through: Test retakes
S
cience teacher Kristen Lee is just one of many educators who allow their students to retake tests in order to earn back some of the points they lost through taking a test the first time.
She says that allowing students to retake tests makes them learn and retain the information they got wrong better than any other form of test corrections. “Especially in science, the content builds on itself so if they get it wrong once then they may never bridge that gap and then they are more likely to struggle in later units," Lee said. Although many question test retakes and their link to grade inflation, Lee said she doesn't think they constitute grade inflation because of the retake's nature. “(The retakes are) based totally on their knowledge of the content and with my reassessments it's not the same questions again,” Lee said. “(Students) can’t just memorize the answers when I give back the tests. It is truly showing what they learned so their grade reflects their learning.”
Student perspectives
J
unior Amari White says that she often sees the effects of grade inflation through curves and extra credit.
“Grade inflation is everywhere. I feel like an A (grade) doesn’t mean as much anymore because almost everyone has As or Bs,” White said. “All the things that teachers do to boost grades are causing the problem.” Although White thinks many things teachers do to raise grades is considered grade inflation, she does not think that test retakes or test corrections, if they give only partial credit back, lead to grade inflation. White is most concerned about grade inflation because she thinks it will give students high expectations for their grades when they enter college, which they won’t be able to match. “All the grade inflation is only going to hurt people in the end,” White said. “A lot of people will go to college, and then not do as well as they think they will because they were so used to perfect and inflated grades in high school.”
By Michael Hartt PAGE EDITOR
Extra credit
A
lthough extra credit opportunities seem to be given away frequently to boost grades, science teacher Andrew Pola thinks it more so impairs a student's learning ability.
Furthermore, Pola says that extra credit is often given in situations where it doesn’t represent student’s learning at all. “I am especially opposed to it if the extra credit is dependent on a student having to buy something like a tissue box,” Pola said. “Some families are in poverty and they don't have the money to go out and buy something for the classroom, so I think then it puts them at a disadvantage.” Pola believes extra credit leads to grade inflation because it represents the achievement of learning a subject matter when the extra credit is based on something else. “If a teacher truly thinks that something is important to learn, it should just be part of the regular class and not something extra,” Pola said. Contributing: Zshaquira Boyd & Kourtney Walk
By Joleigh Jackson INTERN
Bring your own device program to be implemented With the start of next school year, all high school students will be required to participate in the Bring Your Own Device program. Recently in an email sent to parents, Community Relations Specialist Rebecca Fannon announced the new plan. “GPPSS continues to explore initiatives that will expand learning and communication beyond the walls of our classrooms,” Fannon wrote. “Among them are the Schoology Learning Management System and the "Bring Your Own Device.” BYOD initiatives have been in Grosse Pointe middle schools since last school year, so there is already a set rule that will be extended to the two high schools next fall. Director of Instructional Technology Chris Stanley has described the qualifications for the BYOD program: devices must have at least a 10inch screen with a keyboard and students must agree to the Acceptable Use Policy when they are in the building, even though they are on their own devices. Stanley believes that technology is an advantageous tool and that introducing this policy can be used to prepare students for college. He hopes students can learn responsibility skills with their devices and how they are to be used properly.
Coping with midterm stress increases post holiday season As midterms contribute 20 percent to a student’s grade, many have begun to feel the elevated stress associated with studying for them. World history teacher Rebecca Churray thinks that this is because students do not have a proper study method, and that the study process is not something that should be rushed. “I know a lot of kids think that they can cram the information the night before. Some kids definitely can, and that works for them,” Churray said. “But, I know for a lot of kids it’s gonna take going over the material more than once and usually spread out over time.” Midterms will begin on Jan. 14 and will continue through the end of the week. Because large quantities of information are covered on each midterm, Churry said students should study step-by-step to help build long term memory. “I think taking it little by little and going over the material, chunking it out, really helps (along with) using the different mediums,” Churray said.
Supplementary clause to dress code permits various types of cultural headwear
PHOTO COURTESY OF NIA CRUTCHER
HEADWEAR HAPPINESS| Above, Black Student Alliance members take a picture outside the Union after celebrating the rule change which allows students to wear cultural headwear. Junior Tianna Thompson describes the amendments to the dress code as an improvement due to their inclusivity.
By Syeda Rizvi & Emma Sanderson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & INTERN
PHOTO COURTESY OF NIA CRUTCHER
MOTION MAKER| Above, BSA president Nia Crutcher poses alongside other club members. The amended dress code was put in motion after BSA officers met with administrators to discuss rules regarding wearing cultural headwear.
system is making sure the rules fit into our diverse community,” Thompson said. “The original dress code was altered because there was not an actual rule in place for cultural headwear. The new
An amendment to the dress code now allows students to wear cultural head wraps, which is a change in policy from the previous “no headwear” rule. According to Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services Jon Dean, a student may wear a head-dress for religious, health-related or cultural reasons. However, it is expected that the head-dress be generally appropriate for academic and professional environments. “I don't view this (change) as a 'fix',” Dean said. “This is an adjustment based on student feedback that provides more dignity and flexibility to our students.” Dean said this change Jon Dean provides students with more DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES artistic freedom. Junior Tianna Thompson agrees. Thompson also thinks the addition to the dress dress code puts in place actual rules for code is a needed change, and views this cultural headwear and what is accepted.” as a step in the right direction. While this change was anticipated “I would describe the new dress code by many, there are still those who (clause) as a step forward. Our school believe the dress code still has to
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I don't view this (change) as a 'fix.' This is an adjustment based on student feedback that provides more dignity and flexibility to our students.
be amended further. For instance, senior Brian Bessert thinks the dress code has not done an adequate job of defining what is school appropriate. Bessert believes the dress code should be expanded to include other headwears, such as hoods and hats. Bessert said one reason why he supports the idea of an additional change is because he is simply more at ease with his hood on. “I think you should be allowed to wear hats and hoods. It doesn’t affect anyone so I don’t see what the big problem is with (them),” Bessert said. “I sometimes wear hats and hoods because I like the feeling of my hood being up. It’s just comfortable. It makes me happy and it keeps me warm.” However, Dean said there are no expected amendments to be made to the dress code, and that this change does not increase the leniency for other types of headwear. “I trust all of our building administrators to implement the dress code fairly rather than equally,” Dean said. “(This, again, applies) only to students who wear this type of headwear.”
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Keepin g it Brief
NEWS
North Pointe — Monday, Jan. 6, 2020 — 3
4 — Monday, Jan. 6, 2020 — North Pointe
EDITORIAL
The pr ice we pay for ou r col lege e ducation: pros (lef t) a nd con s (r i g ht)
Educating the next generation of Americans — the generation people invest their hopes in to solve the burning crises facing our world today — has driven students $1.5 trillion into cumulative debt. The students of today envision a future where where war is no longer a trite commonality, where they have the ability to gain the knowledge required to address today’s most complex issues, at the price of going bankrupt. As unrealistic as this may currently sound, Americans should look at Finland, Germany and Norway as exemplification of what our undergraduate studies should be: free. The money students save from this will jumpstart the economy, especially the realestate business. According to
with classes they like and dislike, ensuring that the profession they ultimately choose will be best-suited to their curiosities and abilities. As far as where the money will come from, it is no surprise that the government is certainly capable of funding America’s education programs. To get an understanding, the “Waste Report” from the Federal Spending Oversight Subcommittee highlights JUSTIN VAUGHAN more than 30 examples of nearly $1 billion in taxpayer Zillow, nearly 40 percent of home-buyers said their student money that went to ridiculous debt caused them to delay projects, including Yoga Classes purchasing a house. Aside from for Federal Bureaucrats at the fact that debt is causing $150,000 and research on the students to push back settling effectiveness of golf equipment down and starting a family, the in space at $15 million. It is numbers are too high to have just a matter of the government a reasonable solution. Having deciding to prioritize the $1.5 trillion in debt can buy education of this generation. The best answer to our calls every single house in the US market. Twice. That’s more asking for solutions is learning. than a trillion that can be given An Edward Jones survey to students that will invest in showed nearly 83 percent of Americans say they cannot the economy. Making college free provides afford the expense of college. a truly equal platform for That is 83 percent of people students to succeed in. Not whose talents, abilities and worrying about how much one innovation is going wasted. semester at college can cost Having free college benefits not allows all students to not just just students, but economic and learn better but learn more. social aspects in multitudes of This allows students to have the ways that should not be ignored freedom of deciding what they — especially when this debt is want to be by experimenting reaching trillions of dollars.
In America, the federal student loan debt total is approximately $1.5 trillion. I agree, that is an alarming number, however, adopting a free college system is not the solution. According to the United States Department of Education, the elimination of public college tuition could cost upwards of $79 billion annually. That money doesn’t just disappear into thin air. Somebody has to pay for it. And that somebody is you. But I know what you are thinking: what about the other countries that have free college tuition? How do they pay for it? Countries like Germany and France offer free tuition, but their eligibility to attend college is restricted to
In Germany, because fewer individuals attend college it makes it possible for the country to endure the expense of free college through taxes. However, offering free public college in America would increase the unqualified individuals JUSTIN VAUGHAN who attend individuals who are qualified. college, further In Germany, following increasing that $79 billion. the completion of one’s With more individuals postsecondary education, acquiring a degree, the one can take the Abitur value of a college education exam, which is necessary to would also decrease as the gain entrance into university. job market would become Without a passing grade, increasingly competitive. students must either repeat In a country where a a year of schooling or college education is advertised turn towards alternative as a necessity, a degree does educational opportunities. not always equate success. This is the simple fact Instead of looking for a free about college that is often college solution, we should be overlooked: you don’t have attacking the problem at the to go to college. I know source: student loans. What it’s a radical idea here in better way to decrease the America, but there are a lot loan debt than by decreasing of respectable professions the number of individuals who that do not require a college go to college and need loans degree. Dental hygienists, to begin with? Promoting aviation technicians, plumbers alternative educational and electricians are just to opportunities for students is name a few. the only way to decrease and conquer the $1.5 trillion debt.
The hypocrisy a nd a mbi guity of the d ress code
AMELIA NOWICKI
The dress code was recently changed to allow cultural headwear after continuous efforts by the Black Student Alliance. An email from Assistant Principal Geoffrey Young said that there were changes to the dress code regarding “cultural, religious and health-related headdress,” but still clarified that hats and other headwear such as durags would still be prohibited, and all headwear must be suitable for an “academic and professional environment.”
Although this change was an attempt to clarify what students can and cannot wear in terms of headwear, it still fails to describe what this entails for the aforementioned environment. The vagueness of the new addition follows the common theme of ambiguity and inconsistency that is present throughout the entire dress code, particularly regarding sports uniforms. According to the Revised AG 5511 Dress and Grooming Grosse Pointe Public School System Student Dress Code, students are to wear shorts, skirts and dresses that “adequately cover a portion of the thigh at all times.” Even though this rule is very clearly outlined in the dress code, what many fail to consider, or even notice, is that several of our school’s sports uniforms — which some coaches encourage their players to wear to school on game days — don’t follow this rule. Many sports uniforms contradict dress code guidelines in ways that would, in any other case, get a student stuck with a violation. For example, the track uniform has shorts that do not cover enough of the athlete’s leg to adhere to the rules regarding bottom length. Of course, no students have ever been dress-coded for wearing their uniform as it is meant to be worn, but this exception raises the question of why student athletes can break the dress code when it is unnecessary.
Of course, the lack of dress code accordance with sports uniforms is not cause for the uniforms’ design to be changed; students should be permitted to wear the same exact sports uniform they have currently, just not at school. It is unfair for one student to get sent home with a dress code violation for wearing bottoms that are too short, but another student to be given a free pass just because they have a field hockey game that day. However, the recent change in dress code regarding turbans and other cultural headwear is overdue. Just because students are at school doesn’t mean they can’t have the right to freely express themselves in a way that doesn’t impede learning or safety. But despite this change, the dress code still lacks the lucidity of what headwear is deemed “academic,” and “professional.” Hats with a rim such as baseball caps that pose a security hazard and beanies that cover a student’s ears are understandably banned, as headwear that can risk school safety and disrupt learning should always be prohibited. Put simply, in order to keep our dress code fair, an amendment should be made to allow all headwear as long as it doesn’t hurt our safety or education, and student athletes should be made to follow the dress code unless there is a change made which allows all students to wear clothing with similar lengths to sports uniforms without fear of receiving a dress code violation.
ON CAMPUS
North Pointe — Monday, Jan. 6, 2020 — 5
Diversity Club Acoustic Latte Lounge On December 13, the Diversity Club hosted the annual Acoustic Latte Lounge in the library after school. The event featured performances of songs, poems and other creative works. All of the proceeds from admission were donated to the Ruth Ellis Project and the Human Rights Organization.
By Hayley Zalewski & Phoenix Archer DISTRIBUTION MANAGER & INTERN
PHOENIX ARCHER
STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE| Junior Brooke Smith says that performing in front of everyone was nerve racking and emotional. “I thought that I had to show my feelings and stuff,” Smith said. ”So, I thought it'd be able to make a great impact on people here today.”
HAYLEY ZALEWSKI
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS|Freshman Gabrielle Dalmacy says she had a great time going on stage and performing. Dalmacy said she would definitely do it again. “I'm shy,” Dalmacy said. “But, I felt comfortable, and I wanted to do something different. It felt free and opening and fun and I laughed a lot.”
HAYLEY ZALEWSKI
PERFORMING ON A WHIM | Freshman Jenny Magill did not plan on going up to perform in front of everyone. However, she felt like it would be a good push outside her comfort zone. “I wasn't gonna do it, but the club director was like, “hey, you want to do a song?” and I was like, “okay,”” Magill said. “Then I got my saxophone and I was like, I'll play Careless Whisper.”
PHOENIX ARCHER
FEELING THE SUPPORT | Junior Tayah Montgomery felt the experience was fulfilling. Yet, she didn't feel nervous while going up and performing. “It was positive,” Montgomery said. “You know, people were nice.”
PHOENIX ARCHER
SPECIAL GUEST | Ruth Ellis representative I’Sha Schultz-Spradlin said that her reason for attending is because of her interaction with students. “I love talking to young people about ways to get involved and help other young people,” Schultz-Spradlin said. “I love reaching out and sharing the message of themselves and the work that we're doing. So it was really an honor to be here to see all these amazing talented people.”
6 — Monday, Jan. 6, 2020 — North Pointe
IN-DEPTH
Beyond the classroom walls PAGE EDITOR, STAFF REPORTER & INTERN
According to www.education.gov, the traditional classroom setting is subject to change based on the needs of the class and the students’ learning abilities. But what happens when the normal classroom setting doesn’t provide the resources that students need? Classrooms throughout the district are now offering a more unconventional setting, such as a hospital or library. Counselor Kim Deptula said the program options outside of school are offered at a few different locations, through a few different partner programs and districts. Programs include: welding, drone and aeronautics, automotive technology, drafting and computer-aid design, manufacturing technology, dental assistance, medical assistance, nursing assistance, pharmacy technician, physical therapy aide, cosmetology, firefighting, law enforcement and emergency medical technician. Deptula also mentioned that students are offered alternative
experiences on campus through Career and Technical Education programs, which include astronomy and Michigan Virtual.
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We also have been able to participate in really rare opportunities... such as being introduced to various aspects of aviation beyond just pilots.
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By Julia Magnan, Gabbi Bielak & Justin Vaughn
Johnathan Smith SENIOR
According to Deptula, any of these classes can benefit students by offering a more true-to-life experience than a classroom lecture would be. She believes it prepares students for a future job in the field the class deals with. “Some benefits of these specialized courses include developing job skills and learning specific technical skills. With those skills, students are able to earn certificates applicable to jobs in the field they are studying.” Deptula said, “These certificates and skills can open up post-graduate job opportunities. In addition, students have unique opportunities for handson career exploration in these courses.” This unique class type is offered to almost any student in the district, with the condition that they are on track to graduate. Classes that take place off campus also require students to figure out their own way of transportation to and from the location of the course. Deptula encourages any student who is interested to consider pursuing one of these opportunities. “I recommend these courses for students who have an interest in a specific field and are looking for hands-on training and job skills.”
IN-DEPTH said it is up to the student to stay on track with their course. Because this class does come with a lot of freedom, Gooseen suggests students think about the type of student they are before they sign up for an online class. “I think that if you have trouble with keeping yourself on task and doing your work, if it’s not a really strict regimen and you’re not being told everyday what you need to do in a plan or whatever, you won’t do well there,” Gooseen said. “It’s just hard to motivate yourself when it’s so free form.”
PHOENIX ARCHER
Architecture
Coding Michigan Virtual is a system of online classes offered for any student interested in alternative courses, ranging from American Sign Language to coding. Rather than going to a typical classroom, enrolled students go to the library during the period of their class. Michigan Virtual Coding student junior Estlin Goossen says that the class size is much smaller than a normal class. “Online, I don’t even know how many people are in my class.” Goossen said, “But in real life, there are not very many Michigan Virtual students. So, there’s about four people in the room when I’m there.” Goossen said online classes require a certain amount of self control that is higher than a student typically needs. While students do have a teacher online who gives assignments and instructions, there is no one to keep the students on track. Librarian Amanda Pata will check in on Michigan Virtual students occasionally, but Goossen
One alternative option that isn’t widely advertised, is for students to take courses at South. Architecture and Small Engine Repair are just two options that students here can pursue. Architecture teacher Jeannie Dolson finds comfort in knowing that students from this school are truly interested in the subject to take it at South. Students who take her class will learn basic drawing skills, CAD and various career options related to each course. “It does help my enrollment numbers. I enjoy getting to know students from North,” Dolson said. “In groups, they learn all the parts of a lawnmower engine. They disassemble and reassemble one.” Dolson said that on a typical day in class, she will review what they have been working on, and then students work on book work or their assignments in the CAD program. Small Engines I, another class Dolson teaches that is offered to students at South, discusses the process of internal combustion engines and features collaboration projects. Dolson views vocational courses as beneficial, and does not understand why they are only offered at one Grosse Pointe high school. However, she sees value in allowing students to go to another school to receive education. “For students who would like a career in vocations, like construction or welding which we don’t offer, it is beneficial to work with districts that have vocational programs,” Dolson said, “The one drawback is that students need their own transportation, just like North students who come here.” Dolson encourages every student to consider an alternative learning experience. “If a course is not offered at your building but a student is extremely interested and/or might major in that area in college, I would encourage them,” Dolson said.
North Pointe — Monday, Jan. 6, 2020 — 7
Astronomy Unlike the typical classroom, astronomy students spend part of their time studying in the school planetarium. Senior Nick Muccioli thinks the visuals, which immerse students into the atmosphere by incorporating incredibly detailed graphics, enhance the class overall. “It allows the class to see where the stars we are studying are,” Muccioli said. “The special classroom helps with the learning and understanding of the class.” Although Muccioli has enjoyed his time in the class, he realizes the class certainly is not for all students. He thinks that it is easy to let your attention fall from where it should be in the comfort of the planetarium and students who take the class should be ready for an in-depth course in astronomy. “I don’t think the class type would fit everyone, because some people just like the work of the class and don’t like the real world comparisons,” Muccioli said. “People can not pay attention or sleep while in the planetarium.”
Flight Training
The flight training class allows students to train as pilots, letting students operate virtual aircraft through the use of simulators and drone usage. Senior Johnathon Smith attends this class during the last three hours of the day, and uses it as a learning opportunity, to prepare him for his future. “In our classroom, we have three Cessna 172 flight simulators, as well as multiple types of drones which allow us to build flight hours and get hands on experience, which we can use to get jobs and further our understanding of what we are taught,” Smith said. “We also have been able to participate in really rare opportunities, such as traveling to the Detroit Metro Airport and touring delta above wing operations, meeting pilots from various airlines who often visit our class, touring private jets at Detroit city airport and being introduced to various aspects of aviation beyond just pilots.” This class takes place at the Davis Aerospace High School. The wing where the aviation class is held is called Golightly Career Technical Center. As Smith said, students also take trips to the Detroit Metro airport to speak with pilots, tour planes and gain aviation information beyond being a pilot. When in the flight training class, the usual class period starts off with book work and lectures. As a crucial part of the curriculum, the book work allows for the students to gain a basic understanding of the material. Then, Smith said they have the chance to test the skills they learned on paper in simulations. “The last hour is aviation exploration. This is my favorite part,” Smith said. “We have the choice of flying remote control planes on computes, flying different drones (outside too), or flying one of our simulators.” Students in the welding program gain experience in a real workspace to prepare for a potential jobs. By the end of the program, students have gained enough skilled qualifications to use in their future career. Junior Caleb Moore believes he is preparing himself for a successful future occupation. “It’s knowledge that not too many people know,” Moore said, “And it’s an easy way to work for yourself.” Students work at Davis Aerospace Technical High School and are required to find their own ride there daily. At DAT, they build and learn the mechanics of being a welder. Moore said students work with different sorts of metal, torches, gas and oxygen tanks. He also said that even though they are only students, they do a lot of the same work as the professionals. “We do T-Joints and Butt-Joints,” Moore said. “(We) pretty much build just about anything you can think of.” Contributing: Cassady Pierzinski
8 — Monday, Jan. 6, 2020 — North Pointe
LIFE
A world of opportunity: exchange program offers students opportunities abroad By Farrah Fasse & Jamison Townsend PAGE EDITOR & INTERN
LARA HUEBNER
LANGUAGE BARRIERS | Sophomore Lara Huebner says that although she has experienced some communication barriers during her time staying with a host family in America, they are not too much of a cause for concern. “Sometimes when you order something maybe (others) don't understand what you mean and they think you don't know what you're saying,” Huebner said. “It's just funny because some people don't know that you're not American.”
For many students who have a love for travel, combining education with their passion and getting involved in an exchange program is a way to integrate their eagerness for both; math teacher Eric Vanston was one of those who pursued this route. In college, Vanston went on a study abroad program to Madrid, Spain. He said although he did not know anyone before going on his trip, he loved the experience. “(It was) incredible. I absolutely loved it,” Vanston said. “I loved being in Spain and (experiencing) a whole new culture and being surrounded by new people.” Students interested in studying abroad can apply through the Grosse Pointe Rotary Club. Former GPRC president Kim Towar says that the application process is fairly involved, and students can start their application either online or by calling the current president of GPRC, Bill Scott. Towar says that some of the requirements that the GPRC considers is
the student’s grades and maturity level. She also said that interested applicants must be “good students and good citizens” and should be able to pass a “rigorous interview process.” Students can also use other avenues to go on exchange programs by applying online to agencies such as Youth for Understanding and AFS Intercultural programs. Unlike the GPRC, AFS offers programs varying in length, ranging from one week to an entire year. All three organizations offer scholarships and financial aid to assist students, broadening the opportunity for all students to study abroad. Both Vanston and sophomore Lara Huebner, an exchange student from Germany, said they learned a lot about the culture from the countries they studied in. For instance, Huebner says the greatest difference between Germany and America is the style of conversation. “So here, (in America), the people always talk to you and they're very openminded and very talkative and I like that,” Huebner said. “It's a big difference in
Maintaining New Year's resolutions Following the start of the new year, many students and staff are focusing on maintaining their resolutions; however, as school psychologist Christine Kuhl explains, keeping long term resolutions can be difficult due to commitment issues. “As long as you're making reasonable goals and you're focused on things that are meaningful to you, you are more likely to meet your goal,” Kuhl said. According to David DeSteno, who works for The New York Times, many resolutions are health-based, like workout routines and meditation practices. For fitness-based goals, it is important to take small steps and remember change does not occur in a day and goals should be obtainable. Additionally, before deciding on a resolution, it is important to think about the effects it can have on emotional and physical health. Personally, each resolution will have a different outcome on each individual, but they can still greatly impact the process of self-development. Sophomore Kai Lloyd hopes the upcoming year emphasizes that “every community [can] focus more on kindness, giving back to their community
and helping people around them.” Lloyd’s resolution involves giving all students a resource for mental health by creating a district-wide platform. The platform will be announced next year and Lloyd hopes the resolution promotes a safe environment for our school system. To ensure the academic environment is safe and welcoming for all, Lloyd believes the school needs to try and improve the social structure by emphasizing empathy. They also claimed that it is pivotal to not be too quick to assume what someone is going through. “I would say the resolution would be to be kinder, but to be more understanding of other people,” Lloyd said. “Not to just make snap judgements about someone else's situation because of one thing you see.” Whatever the resolution may be, Lloyd believes it is vital for everybody to have at least one resolution. “I think it's great for everybody to practice resolutions,” Lloyd said. “It keeps your focus on yourself and how you can better yourself, which is ultimately all we have control over.” In order to maintain a resolution for the new year, Junior Ethan Lacroix believes
sheer interest is important, especially if someone plans on completely following that resolution through. Lacroix’s own resolution is to focus on skill-based fitness for the upcoming year. “I already work out every day after school,” Lacroix said. “So I’m gonna maintain that and I’m gonna start practicing croquet (with my mom).” Fitness and health has always been a big part of Lacroix’s life, coming from a family that owns a gym and personal training facility, Lacroix Training Center. Lacroix, someone who constantly works out, admits he has problems keeping away from the food he loves, but he knows it will pay off in the end. Kuhl advises students to think carefully and strategically about their goals for the next year, because of the potential impact it can have of them. “I would say, pick something that's meaningful to you, that you can track and measure in some way that you can stick with,” she said. “I think sticking with it is one of the biggest things you can do. Often times we give up too soon before behavior change can really happen. Keeping it at least four to six weeks can really help you to change your behavior.”
Germany. The people there don't always talk to you like they do here.” Vanston also asserts that his time studying internationally has greatly morphed his view of other people and their cultures. He says that his experiences have helped him become more willing and open to “see other people’s perspectives” and left him with a desire to travel and learn more about the world around him. To Towar, every student that studied internationally has had the same reaction as Vanston. Towar said that the GPRC has not yet come across a student who didn’t completely adore their experience living in another country and learning about another culture. “It's absolutely been amazing. Every student that ever goes tells us in all sorts of different ways that it was absolutely the best experience of their life, and that they grew more in that year than they would have, you know, here in school for a year,” Towar said. “They just learned so much about other people and other cultures.”
By Jessica Meyers & Colin Duffy DISTRIBUTION MANAGER & STAFF REPORTER
North Pointe —Monday, Jan. 6, 2020 — 9
IDEAS
On Pointe 2010
Justin Bieber debuted his first studio album, “My World 2.0,” on March 19, 2010. This album contained his hit “Baby.”
POp culture
The decade in review
Abi Murray PAGE EDITOR
OLYMPICS.NBCSPORTS.COM
During the 2012 summer Olympics, the US girls gymnastics team became the second female team ever to win gold for the US and the first to win a team gold on international soil. The girls have since been inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame.
2014 marked the loss of beloved comedian and actor Robin Williams, famous for his roles in “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Dead Poets Society,” as well as television personality Joan Rivers, largely known for her shows “Fashion Police” and “The Joan Rivers Show.”
2014pop culture ENVIRONMENT 2017 FA
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On August 21, 2017, the “Great American Eclipse” marked the first coast-to-coast total solar eclipse in the US in almost 99 years. A report from the University of Michigan and NASA stated that 88 percent of American adults watched the eclipse either directly or electronically, totalling to about 216 million people.
CNN.COM
SCIENCE
AMAZON.COM
2011 2016
In July 2013, George Zimmerman was ACLU.ORG acquitted for the death of 17-yearold Trayvon Martin. In the month that followed his death, “Trayvon” was tweeted over 2 million times as the debate between racial profiling and the standyour-ground law heated. This is also the summer that The Black Lives Matter movement emerged.
CNN.COM
2013 POLITICS On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court repealed all laws which restrict samesex marriage, making gay marriage legal in all 50 states and mandadated that states recognize out-of-state unions.
ENTERTAINMENT
PLAYBILL.COM
POLITICS
2015
On the evening of the 70th annual Tony Awards, on June 12, 2016, popular musical “Hamilton,” won 11 awards, including best musical.
2019
USNEWS.COM
FINANCE
On Valentine’s Day in 2018, 17 students and faculty members died at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, after a gunman opened fire on the school campus. This tragedy increased youth involvement in politics, specifically the national gun-rights debate.
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NEWS2018
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2012SPORTS
On November 26, 2011, The National Aeronautics and Space Association launched car-sized Mars Rover Curiosity from Cape Canaveral. It landed successfully on August 6, 2012.
In June of 2019, musician, producer and entrepreneur Jay-Z became the first HipHop Billionaire. This made him the fifth black man ever to achieve this level of wealth. Jay-Z is also the founder of his own record label, Roc-A-Fella, the recipient of 22 Grammys and owner of a $70 million art collection.
10 — Monday, Jan. 6, 2020 — North Pointe
REVIEWS
True Alternative:Harry Styles' Fine Line Mini Reviews By Marvin Robles
selection Styles provides. No two songs on this album sound the same, and I think that worked to create a truly unique album of music. In addition to this, Styles’ vocals play a huge part in telling this romance story. In the beginning, his carefree tone mirrors how the narrator is ready to shout from the rooftops about how happy they are with their partner. He then switches for a somber tone in “Cherry” to show the initial loss of special someone, and then to a neardesperate belt in “Falling” to convey the raw pain of being alone. He voices what’s described on paper brilliantly, and it adds another layer of depth to the album. While listening to “Fine Line,” I knew Styles must have been going through it. This rollercoaster of emotions takes listeners on a trip through the trials and tribulations of a romance, and the ending title track leaves them with their own feeling of closure. Overall, I believe the album lives up to the hype and I would recommend this album to everyone because its diversity of sound and relatability has something for everyone to enjoy.
Marriage Story: an exploration in division THECRIMSON.COM
Brandon Miller INTERN
Netflix’s “Marriage Story” is a 2019 film starring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver as a married couple going through a divorce. The main focus of the film is the slow divide that takes place between Nicole (Johansson), a stage actress trying to make it in Los Angeles, and Charlie (Driver), a play director doing his best to keep the family centered in New York. Event ua lly, this gap culminates into an explosive crescendo of pure emotion — an argument that ultimately brings the two characters closer together as they start to get
along and understand each other. This movie does so many things right. First off, the acting is incredible. Johannson and Driver give it their all, really capturing the raw emotion of the current state of their characters’ relationship. I actually found myself not really liking either character about half way through the movie because up to that point, I had only seen each character from the other’s perspective and only saw the bad or selfish things they had done. However, there is definitely a point in the movie in which the characters come to an understanding and seem better to the audience because they seem better to each other. A notable motif in this movie is Azhy Robertson’s character Henry, the son of Charlie and Nicole. Throughout the film, he’s used simply as a transition and mostly presented as an afterthought. To me, this highlighted how kids can often get lost in the shuffle of a messy divorce, and I think this was a creative way to present that theme. Something else I found very impressive about the film’s ending is the way that it makes you feel. While some movies make you sad or can leave you feeling happy, “Marriage Story” does something truly unique. This movie has a way of making you feel incomplete, which perfectly goes along with the themes expressed in the film. A very difficult thing for films to achieve is to make you feel the way it wants you to, and “Marriage Story” does this well. The only complaint that I have regarding this film is that the pacing can be a bit jarring in certain places. The events in
the film take place over about a year, but this isn’t made clear to us until the very end. I found it a bit confusing when the movie would jump a few weeks ahead of the events in the previous scene without any indication as to how much time had passed. I’m not saying that it should hold our hand, but it would be nice to have a little more information. Overall, “Marriage Story” was an incredibly realistic look into the lives of two people who are going through a major transition. D e s p it e its R rat i ng, the only m ildly concerning aspect of this movie is the use of strong language, therefore I would recommend this movie to all Netflix users.
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INTERN
ALBUM
Things quickly pick back up as they begin to heal, and the album closes with the reflective title track “Fine Line.” Throughout each track, Styles’ lyrics are artful and beautifully crafted, yet are broad enough where listeners can still relate them to their own experiences. Something else that I found interesting was how Styles reuses certain phrases to really show that these songs are connected. For example, he makes the shift from “Don’t you call him baby,” to “Don’t call me baby again,” perfectly in sync with the different stages of a breakup shown in “Cherry” and “To Be So Lonely,” all the while helping the listeners follow the story. Another thing I loved about the album was the variation of sound from track to track. The previously released “Watermelon Sugar” sounds like a fun, summer pop song, whereas the heavy instrumental in “She” darkens the track. The soft piano on “Falling” shows vulnerability, but “Canyon Moon” sounds like a coming-ofage scene in a Disney movie. While listening to “Fine Line” in one sitting, I really appreciated the cross-genre
HIPHOP-N-MORE.COM
“Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial”
About: This album narrates Roddy Rich’s lifelong achievements. Good:The California rapper had a breakout year because of his authentic style of music on this album. Bad: It has some mature content that younger audiences may not relate to. Rating: 4/5
MOVIE
It’s a good thing when an album tells a story. But whether or not that story can remain up for interpretation is the difference between a good album and a great album and Harry Styles’ “Fine Line” should be considered great. Beginning with a breezy track titled “Golden,” the first encounter with the main love interest sets the stage for an invested relationship. The next songs follow suit, describing how the narrator falls harder and harder for this person. However, things quickly fall apart for the narrator as he splits from his ex and spirals into a devastating period of heartbreak.
VIDEODETECTIVE.COM
“Playmobil: The Movie”
About: The citizens of Playmobil join
forces to find their missing friend. Good: It has a really funny dialogue that kids will enjoy. Bad: It is similar to other toy movies such as “The LEGO Movie.” Rating: 3/5
SHOW
Amelia Nowicki PAGE EDITOR
EW.COM
“Project Runway: Season 18”
About: Four fashion designers compete in styling challenges to take the first place prize and win the competition. Good: This season shows off different fashion styles and unique challenges every week. Bad: The show focuses on drama rather than the work of contestants. Rating: 5/5
SPORTS
Figure Sk ater By Autumn Peck INTERN
Monday, Jan. 6, 2020 — North Pointe — 11
A day on the ice with... & Ashley Sexton Maddi Yee By Michael Burns INTERN
which she now currently coaches for. The program offers lessons for all experience levels including ranging starting at age three and up through adulthood. In the program, participants practice on their own but are supervised by an ice monitor. Laura DeBarba, Sexton’s Learn-ToSkate and private coach, has known Sexton since she started skating. DeBarba described Sexton as a team player. “She works really hard, she understands instructions and she's encouraging to the other skaters,” DeBarba said. “She's one of my Learn-to-Skate coaches as well too, and she works really well with the kids, very encouraging, very optimistic.” Spence finds skating to be largely based on muscle memory and that the more you practice, the easier it will be to improve. She also believes that anyone who is interested can find a place on one of the two teams North offers. “Probably anyone could skate, because all you need to do is take a few lessons,” Spence said. “It's not that hard. It's just like learning the first few things. But it takes a lot of time.” routines.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ASHLEY SEXTON
As a new member of the hockey community this year, sophomore Maddi Yee’s enthusiasm and positive attitude is what sets her apart as a player, according to head coach Casey Quick. “She's a good hard worker with a great attitude,” Quick said. “Since she’s brand new to the team, she really cheers on her teammates. She’s always rooting for the players on the ice.” Although this is Yee’s first official year on a hockey team, she has previous experience skating with her friends for fun. She says the hockey team is on the ice Wednesdays and Thursdays and has off-ice practice on Mondays. Yee is a right-handed winger, or forward. Her main responsibility is to help lead the offensive charge as the front line of the team’s offensive pressure. “The importance of being a forward is to carry the puck down the ice with an obvious goal, to score. For offense, it’s important to keep the puck moving without the other team getting it, and to always follow our shots for rebounds, even when we miss,” Yee said. “For defense, It’s always important to pressure the player and the puck and get the puck away from the other team and our net.” Yee enjoys the offensive wing drills the most. During these drills, the wings work on shooting, getting rebounds, and overall collaboration. Her tenacity for improvement is acknowledged by both coaches and
players. Senior captain Darby Pickford especially appreciates her dedication. “She’s determined, and very hardworking,” Pickford said. “She’s always trying her best and improves each practice.” Pickford keeps the team on task and focused before practice and games. She leads in pre-skate warm-ups to get in the right mindset and get the body ready. Yee and the team participate in all, and stick to this routine day in and out. “We do lines where we do butt kicks, karaoke, lunges, high knees, ect. Then, we get into a circle and stretch as a team.” Yee continues her preparation habits by feeding herself adequately before and after skates while taking supplements to perform well. It’s not just the physical warm up that gets Yee game-ready. Her carpool of Senior Ruth Fradenck, freshman Lucy Driscoll and freshman Gabby Brumme have fun on the way to skates, as well as sing along to their favorite songs together. Community in the locker room is important to Yee. She keeps spirits high and embellishes in the memories she makes with the team. Yee said it is the team that keeps her love for the sport high through the memories they share. “My favorite part about hockey is my team. We’re all so close and we all go to each other for anything,” Yee said. “My favorite part about getting ready to play is when I’m waiting to get out on the ice and I’m focused on what I’m going to do that’s going to help the team.” MICHAEL BURNS
Grosse Pointe United is North and South’s combined figure skating team that competes locally. Senior Ashley Sexton is a member who has been skating since she was in the third grade. Sexton said she didn’t begin to take skating seriously until seventh grade. With the stress of school, Sexton says she now uses skating as her outlet. “It's just very freeing and calming. Especially after school — I come on the ice and it's just calming” Sexton said. “Once we do little moves around the ice, my friend and I do random moves, it's like the most fun thing ever. I like (seeing) the girls getting closer with girls too.” While most other sports practice everyday, according to Sexton, the individual skating team only practices once a week together. This means Sexton often skates in private lessons, on her own, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Freshman Paige Spence is on the individual team with Sexton, but also participates in the synchronized figure skating team. The synchronized team is different from the individual figure skating team because it is more group based and members perform prelearned programs at competitions while members of the individual team perform elements, or tricks such as sizzles and crossovers. When Sexton is not skating for herself, she said she can be found teaching or coaching other skaters of all ages. Sexton learned to skate with the Learnto-Skate program at the Saint Clair Shores Civic Arena,
Hockey Player
FIVE MINUTES WITH Social Studies Teacher Becky Churray
By Areion Swain INTERN
Although social studies teacher Becky Churray is a new addition to the staff this year, she is already focusing on promoting problem solving and critical thinking in the classroom. Churray believes it is important to think critically outside the school walls as well; which is why completing escape rooms is an activity she is fond of. Recently, Churray escaped in her fastest time yet. “My favorite (thing) is when you’re stuck at something and you’re
QUICK HITS Varsity Basketball with Hannah Davis
As the winter sports season has recently started, Senior Captain Hanah Davis says the girls varsity basketball team is off to a great start. Davis believes that this year is more of a transitional year for the team. “After losing eight seniors last year, there are only four returning girls,” Davis said. “The rest are new to the team, so it is definitely a developmental year.” Despite losing so many girls, the team has started off their season with a 4-0 winning streak. Davis expresses her excitement for the rest of the season and sees the team finishing successfully due to the quality coaching staff. “Our coaches are some of the best. They push us very hard at practice but it pays off in games,” Davis said. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s improvement throughout the season and it should be lots of fun.”
grappling with it and can’t figure out what it is. Then all of a sudden, something clicks and you solve it,” Churray said. “Then, the door opens up and you get out. You get this adrenaline rush from solving clues.” Aside from escape rooms, Churray loves to stay active all year round by playing softball, flag football and sand volleyball. She said she enjoys the team-sport environment, one that can be beneficial for students as well. “I love being a part of a team too, so if you make a mistake, your teammates are always there to pick you up,” Churray said. “I think it teaches you a lot of things too.” She also enjoys spending time with her cat, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who according to Churray, is no ordinary cat. “He acts more like a dog than a cat,” Churray said. “If you put your fist out he’ll fist bump you.” Murray and The Rock, also enjoy car rides with the windows down and eating Taco Bell in their freetime.
By Grace Cueter INTERN
Varsity Swim with Louden Fuchs According to Sophomore Louden Fuchs, the boys varsity swim team is off to a great start this year. While Fuchs said that most of the team was out of shape at the start of the season, the team is preparing for their future meets and work everyday at practice. “Normal practice is usually pretty hard, as we are trying to build up endurance for the longer and faster races, towards the end of the year,” Fuchs said. Fuchs said the boys are all experienced swimmers this year and knows that with hard work the team will be conditioned and prepared for the rest of the season. “I believe we are going to have a very successful season," Fuchs said. "We have had a great start."
YOUR TURN: What dress code changes
would you like to see, if any?
Faculty member Renee Borowicz: “I don't really want to see any dress code changes. I think everything's fine how it is right now and I don’t think there's really any necessary changes.”
By Robbert Maddox INTERN Sophomore Devon Felix: “I guess (you should) let people wear whatever they want to wear, and let people express themselves even if it is inappropriate. That's the choice those people made.”
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Syeda Rizvi MANAGING EDITOR Hannah Zalewski PAGE EDITORS Farrah Fasse Michael Hartt Julia Magnan Abi Murray Amelia Nowicki STAFF REPORTERS Gabrielle Bielak Colin Duffy Victoria Wittenberg DISTRIBUTION MANAGERS Jessica Meyers Hayley Zalewski
INTERNS Phoenix Archer Zshaquira Boyd Michael Burns Grace Cueter Joleigh Jackson Robert Maddox Brandon Miller Autumn Peck Cassady Pierzinski Marvin Robles Emma Sanderson Areion Swain Jamison Townsend Justin Vaughan Kourtney Walk
The North Pointe is edited and produced by Advanced Journalism students at Grosse Pointe North High School and is published once a month It is in practice a designated public forum without prior review. Our editorial represents the opinion of the North Pointe Editorial Board. Members who have a conflict of interest with an editorial topic do not partake in that meeting or vote. Comments should be directed to the student editors, who make all final content decisions. The views expressed are solely those of the student authors of the editorial board and do not reflect the opinions of the Grosse Pointe Public School System. We are a member of the Michigan Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association and Student Press Law Center. One copy is available free to all community members. Additional copies may be purchased. Our editorial policy and advertising rates are available online. CONTACT US Email: gpnnorthpointe@gmail.com Phone: 313.432.3248 Twitter: @TheNorthPointe FACULTY ADVISER: Allison Dunn