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GROSSE POINTE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
MID-WINTER BREAK Monday Feb. 18 to Sunday Feb. 24 for all students S.A.T. SEMINAR Monday, Feb. 25 to Tuesday Feb. 26 from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in room B312
SKILLED TRADES CAREER NIGHT Tuesday Feb. 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the gym
INSIDE " WHEN I
THINK ABOUT MY
EXPERIENCE IN HIGH SCHOOL. . . THE THINGS I THINK ABOUT ARE THE ACTIVITIES I DID BUT THE
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THURSDAY, FEB. 14, 2019
Charity week conquers winter storm
By Hannah Zalewski PAGE EDITOR Though the Student Association was expecting to kick off Charity Week with a pancake breakfast in the cafeteria, plans for this event changed after three days of school were canceled due to sub-zero temperatures. Set to begin on Jan. 26, the festivities regarding Charity Week were both postponed and called off due to missed school days. The three snow days meant that certain activities had to be canceled, such as the Red Crown restaurant night. However, other activities such as Cookie Monster Day, t-shirt sales and the pancake breakfast were simply rescheduled. English teacher and Student Association Advisor Jonathan Byrne said that while their fundraising efforts were hurt by the days off, members of S.A. are undeterred and will continue to raise money throughout the school year. Byrne said that not only is this week of fundraising a chance to help others, it is an opportunity for students and staff to work together for a common cause. “The school community thrives when everyone is pushing in the same direction,” Byrne said. “To have students working with teachers and seeing their teachers act silly or get involved in things
outside of the classroom, I think makes everybody feel more welcome at the school and it creates an environment where people feel safe to take academic risks."
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The best thing about it is that we not only promote unity within the schools, but also through the community. Clare Loch JUNIOR
The charity theme this year was Operation Backpack. This means that students were encouraged to bring in school supplies to their third hour class to support the organization, and whichever class brought in the most items would win a Union cookie party.
Junior Clare Loch, who helped run Charity Week last year, said she is glad they rescheduled the activities as she thinks many students are eager to participate. Further, she believes that student involvement will only continue to increase in the future as people become more receptive. Byrne and Loch both said one of the greatest parts of Charity Week is the collaboration between GPPS High Schools. “I think it promotes community and unity rather than this rivalry that we have going on,” Loch said. “The best thing about it is that we not only promote unity within the schools, but also through the community. I think that just helps me get a better understanding of how involved, caring and generous our community is.” Although some fundraising activities were canceled or rescheduled, some activities went on without a hitch. Junior and member of S.A. Amanda Nguyen said the TCBY fundraiser night, the pizza and breadstick sale as well as the blood drive in the PAC couldn’t have run smoother. Nguyen said she believes that anyone who can should get involved and try to help others. Additionally, she truly enjoys giving back and is glad she was able to be a part of charity week this year. “For me, charity is a big thing,” Nguyen said. “Just being able to help someone makes me feel better
VENGAGE & HANNAH ZALEWSKI
Skilled trade career night offers Recent statistics from College students college alternatives Board show decline in AP By Arzoo Chhaya & Victoria terms of workers. test scores Wittenberg “All skilled trades have been severely PAGE EDITOR & INTERN The first ever Skilled Trades Career Night will be held in the gymnasium on Tuesday, Feb 26 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Representatives from different trades are expected to attend and share information about their occupation to provide an alternate option to a four-year university: going to trade school or entering the workforce right after high school. Tim Wittenberg is a North parent who has worked with various skilled trades for 30 years. He hopes that by sharing knowledge with students, this event will provide another perspective. “I hope that many younger people will consider learning a skilled trade to provide the need society has now and in the upcoming years,” Wittenberg said via email. Sophomore Lucy Tranchida said that she is excited at the idea of having more information about career choices that she will eventually have to make. “I think it’s a good idea,” Tranchida said. “It helps students explore other options about what they want to be when they grow up, and if they don’t want to just be a lawyer, or a doctor, it’s something that would benefit the world more.” According to Forbes, almost 60 percent of the skilled trades workforce was made up of people between the ages of 45 and 64 in 2012. With the majority demographic moving closer to retirement and a minimal amount of younger people entering the workforce, the skilled trades have seen a steady decline in
declining for at least two decades leaving a huge shortage,” Wittenberg said. “The current workforce is aging and anticipated to increase the shortage as they separate from their trade.” A 2015 report by The Manufacturing Institute suggests that around 3.4 million manufacturing jobs are going to come up in the next decade, and around 2 million of them will go unfilled. A large factor in this shortage isn’t that there is a lack of capability, there is a lack of willingness to enter the line of work. According to a poll by Machinery Lubrication, only 6 percent of high school students plan on going into a career related to the skilled trades. With events like Career Night, Wittenberg hopes to see more students explore more options for their futures, as he believes it could both benefit students and fill those gaps in the workforce. “Most skilled trades can provide secure employment with dependable income comparable to traditional bachelor's degrees,” Wittenberg said. "These areas are often overlooked because they weren't pushed by colleges and society but now the shortage has become more apparent.” Foods teacher Michael Viviani believes that regardless of what field students are planning on going into, this event can be beneficial because they are going to need to work for their career “I hope everyone makes decisions on what their future is going to be," Viviani said. "and understand what it takes to be a certain career.”
"THE DRIVE TO ACHIEVE "GET SHOULD INFORMED NOT BE WHAT AND MAKE PREVENTS YOUR VOICE US FROM HEARD. LIVING WE THE CANNOT REST OF OUR AFFORD LIVES TOLOSE THE TO FULLEST THEM." ." PAGE 7 PAGE 3 VICTORIA WITTENBERG
@thenorthpointe www.northpointenow.org
VOLUME 51 | ISSUE 9
News Life
By Abi Murray STAFF REPORTER High schoolers are no strangers to high pressure stress of Advanced Placement exam season. After taking the accelerated class, students are able to demonstrate their knowledge on a $90 test that offers them the chance to earn college credit if they get a passing grade, which is a three or higher out of five.
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You're surrounding yourself with people who want to succeed just as much as you do. Rachel Sexton SENIOR
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Though she acknowledges that AP tests may not be the most accurate reflection of every student’s knowledge, senior Rachel Sexton approves this method of testing. “It's probably the fairest way to compare everyone just because the course can be taught differently in each school but the test is always going to be the same,” Sexton said. “But at the same time, when a test is that long, your brain obviously can't do the same things it can do with just writing one essay or just taking one multiple choice passage.” Over the past several years, commonly taken classes among students, like AP English Literature, AP Biology and AP Calculus BC, have been experiencing a slight decrease in passing scores across the nation. AP English Literature teacher, Emma Huellmantel, attributes the class’s 8.9 percent increase in failing scores since 2015 to the growing amount of time teenagers dedicate to technology instead of familiarizing themselves with literature. “As technology changes, I think students attention spans change," Huellmantel said.. "And I think that
has changed standardized testing in general, not necessarily AP but just standardized testing,” Huellmantel prepares her students for their AP test in May by assigning impromptus every other week and weekly multiple choice tests. She insists anyone preparing themself for tests like the AP Literature exam should be regularly reading outside the classroom. “So much of the AP Lit. and AP Lang. exam is that skill based reading,” Huellmantel said. “If they don't have that practice of sitting down and (paying) attention for that amount of time, I don't know how they can be successful the same way that they would have been had they been reading.” Even if a student is unsure of whether or not to take an AP course, senior Sam Boggia, after taking five AP classes in her high school career, recommends students take at least one AP course. She believes that in the end, even if they do not receive a passing score for the class, they will be able to take away something important from it as long as they have worked to the best of their capabilities, in addition to a grade multiplier that will improve their GPA. “I know AP classes have really helped me build important skills that I use in my classes today and probably will continue to use in college,” Boggia said. “Because of classes like AP U.S. History and AP Lang. and I can definitively say that I am much better at critical thinking and writing comprehensive essays.” Sexton also encourages students to not let the threat of failing their AP exam intimidate them, because taking the class will rarely reflect negatively on a hard working student, who can take comfort in the fact that most other students in the course share the same worries. “You're surrounding yourself with people who want to succeed just as much as you do,” Sexton said. “It's a hard course and you're all going to be struggling together, but I think that makes you learn a little bit better and challenge yourself.” Contributing: Brooklyn McWhorter
1 Editorial 3 Reviews 5 2 Indepth 4 Sports 6
By Hannah Zalewski & Kylie Duke
LIFE
2 - North Pointe – Thursday, Feb 14, 2019
Clique Culture:
Study indicates rise and fall of cliques with decreasing adademic streses
By: Amelia Nowicki & Julia Magnan
high school cliques. She said cliques provide students the opportunity to allow themselves to express and identify with others. “However,” she said, “I think that with cliques, you stay in your group (only) and you don’t venture out.” In addition to addressing the stigma surrounding cliques, the study found the status of each group ref lected the societal norms at the time. With this, Dean believes enrollment in different programs are impacted by whether or not students want to join a club or activity, and the idea that a friend or a group is in a club can play a part in a student’s decision. Dean also thinks the difference between a “clique” and a “friend group” is important in regards to the well-being of students. “Well see, I think (the term) “clique” has a negative connotation,” Dean said. “I think a friend group is about inclusiveness and I think a clique is inherently about the haves and the havenots or the members and the non-members.” Cosio, who agrees with Dean and Maki about the negative connotation around cliques, still remains in favor of them for their ability to keep a group stable. “I’m in a clique myself,” Cosio said. “It just keeps everyone with their own friend group, so I’m not against them at all.” Although not in favor of groups prioritizing the exclusion of other students, Dean believes peer-to-peer connections are a crucial part of a student’s school experience, and being able to have a good relationship with one’s peers is a great thing to have. “When I think about my experience in high school long, long ago, and my experience in college, the positive things I think about are not the activities I did,” Dean said, “but the people I did those activities with.”
STAFF REPORTERS
The categories of high school cliques vary extensively. From the labeled nerds to jocks, most students have experienced some aspect of them — through social media, television shows and even music. To some, they may not seem as prevalent today as they are in movies, but there is still the presence of social categories — and some are becoming more common than others. According to researchers at the University of Illinois, cliques have been changing in recent years, some becoming more prominent than others due to external stresses such as “academic anxiety.” The study conducted last month found that 12 groups could be defined and, in a less broad manner, divided in half, into what can be called the “conventional” and “counterculture” groups. The defined groups were given the stereotypical labels of jocks, populars, good-ats, f loaters, fine arts kids, brains, normals, druggies, goths, anime fans and ethnicity groups, with the numbers of those in the fine arts on the rise. Despite this, freshman Samantha Cosio and Deputy Superintendent Jon Dean are aware of students who may have slipped through the cracks. “When I hear a story about a kid who goes to high school and doesn’t make any connections, that makes me feel sad because I think the best part about high school are the connections you make,” Dean said. “There are the kids who aren’t as fortunate, for whatever reason, who aren’t able to make those connections.” English teacher Katie Maki believes she is very well-versed in
AMELIA NOWICKI
Combination of winter weather leads to high amount of days off for the district BUSINESS MANAGER & STAFF REPORTER
This winter, extreme cold and snowy weather have put many Michigan schools in a slippery situation. There are six built-in days off throughout the school year in GPPS, and within the past three weeks, the district has used all six. However, other surrounding schools have exceeded their limit and will be taking that out of their vacation. Junior Alex Jakubiec, along with many fellow students and staff, is worried about the possibility of having to make up snow days during summer vacation. “If we continue missing days, then yes, some will likely be tagged to the end of the year, and seeing that we have missed days already, I wouldn’t discount that possibility,” Jakubiec said. “Especially if we do, in fact, have more days off.” With the increased amount of snow and ice days this school year, students have noticed changes in their school and home schedules. So far this winter, sports, clubs and many Charity Week festivities have had to be rescheduled due to weather. Although the way the school community will reschedule may vary, many feel that the weather set everyone behind. To Spanish teacher Tamara Shepard, missing school unexpectedly for the weather disorients students and teachers alike when coming back to school, and allows them to slip out of their normal routine. The fear of falling behind particularly difficult for Jakubiec, who is involved both in choir and the school musical this year.
“As for the missed clubs, it would depend on the activity and the teacher, but for the musical, we don’t have many opportunities to make it up,” he said. “So what we do is try to make the time up as productive as we can.”
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If we continue missing days, then yes, some will likely be tagged to the end of the year and seeing that we have missed days already, I wouldn’t discount that possibility. Alex Jakubiec JUNIOR
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By: Victoria Wittenburg & Kylie Duke
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 1,301 people die of frostbite yearly on average, and Jakubiec and Shepard agree that extra preparation is vital to staying safe in the inclement weather. When hit
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with the temperatures, like the ones in Michigan recently, it is important that everyone puts effort into avoiding the effects his weather might have in day-to-day life. For Shepard, this means waking up a lot earlier than she normally would and shoveling, as well as finding her kids’ snow pants. For those with a longer drive to work, icy roads can prove to be dangerous during winter. To Jakubiec, this is one of his biggest concerns for safety during snow and ice days at school. Shepard agrees, and said that a main issue is those who rush without taking the conditions of the road into account, despite the fact that the weather is not under the commuters’ control. Sophomore Lindsey Brewer feels the same. “Well, sometimes it’s really scary because there’s a lot of other drivers on the road,” Brewer said, “Sometimes they don’t drive like they’re supposed to. So it’s really nerve wracking.” With every absence, students run the risk of missing important information, and often have to make up schoolwork in their classes due to the amount of days that were taken off because of weather conditions. When missing five days of school, Brewer believes that the workload from seven 50-minute long classes can be hard to make up. “Well, I always like having days off,” Brewer said, “But there comes a certain point where you’re just missing more and more information and your teachers still have you do the work for it. That’s frustrating.”
EDITORIAL
NORTH
POINTE
“Grosse Pointe Public School administrators and teachers are responsible for encouraging and ensuring freedom of expression and freedom of the press for all students, regardless of whether the ideas expressed may be considered unpopular, critical, controversial, tasteless or offensive.” BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY Syeda Rizvi EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Michael Hartt PAGE EDITOR
Emily Widgren PAGE EDITOR
Sofia Ketels MANAGING EDITOR
Abi Murray STAFF REPORTER
Hannah Zalewski PAGE EDITOR
Maggie Carron PAGE EDITOR
Adam Schwartz PAGE EDITOR
Amelia Nowicki STAFF REPORTER
Brooklyn McWhorter Arzoo Chhaya PAGE EDITOR WEBMASTER Our editorial represents the opinion of the North Pointe Editorial Board consisting of the editors above. Members who have a conflict of interest with an editorial topic do not partake in that meeting or vote.
AMERLIA NOWICKI
OUR EDITORIAL
A working perspective Getting accepted into top notch colleges, such as the University of Michigan, has become increasingly difficult over the years. The requirements to enter these universities have increased dramatically and are much more rigorous than when the previous generation of students applied. However, there are alternatives for str uggling learners, or those who aren’t ready for the open college environment yet. There are sk illed trade jobs that are also options for after graduation. Most of us don’t even think about sk illed trades as an option. We live in the Grosse Pointe community, and there are high expectations for all of us. Places like Grosse Pointe and Birmingham see no alternative to college as a suitable and well-accomplished choice. There is the tradition that a family wants to keep their relatives going to college. Or perhaps families want their children to become the first one in the family to get a higher education. It is assumed with simple think ing that college is the best option and that sk illed trades are not, which completely ignores the option that would benefit the student best. Skilled trade jobs are needed, and there are benefits gained from going to a two year skilled trade school that teaches you how to do more hands-on jobs that require physical labor. These skills simply cannot be acquired from four-year universities. Sk illed trades are jobs like being a plumber, electrician or constr uction manager are alternatives to students who may have a hard time learning in a college environment. We are not usually presented with this k ind of information because we have always been told that we’re going to college, because college is the only choice that will give you a steady career and successful life. This toxic mindset ignores the diverse needs many students have, and it is completely ir rational to assume everybody will prosper in an academically challenging environment. Students who enter skilled trade jobs can be very successful. Skilled trade workers can also receive steady pay, equal, if not more, than someone who went to a four-year college. Students can go to many skilled trade schools to learn the skills required to be a electrician, with a median salary of around $54,000. Skilled trade jobs are just as important as going to a four-year college. If a student can get the same benefit and education going to a skilled trade school instead of college, then they shouldn’t be looked down upon for doing so. Education is about how students are using the time to discover new skills and as long as they pursue something they have an interest in, we have no right to judge their choice. This isn’t to say that college isn’t important, but if someone gets into a four-year university and abuses it by par tying and slack ing off, then no benefit is gained for anybody. Sk illed trades are declining and more people are needed in the field. Not only could an inf lux of people into this line of work improve the lives of str uggling learners, but it can also increase jobs that would require much more demand in the physical labor department. As residents of Grosse Pointe, we want to have all options given to us. Not all of us are able to handle the physical and mental demands of the college environment. Sk illed trades give us equivalent benefits and schools are always rapidly changing. A career in a sk illed trade can help benefit many studaents, and would increase the number of sk illed trade workers in the world, alleviating the strain on the profession.
MY TURN SOFIA KETELS
North Pointe – Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019 – 3
Stretched too thin
Our culture worships the idea of a perfect multitasker. The adult who can balance parenting, work and a thriving social life with grace. The student who takes on advanced classes while also working part-time and giving back to their community wholeheartedly, and still getting a good night’s sleep. Flaws in this archetype of perfection are only accepted if they add character or build your persona as a Superman or Wonder Woman — you have to have it all. It’s our American Dream. Yes, stretching ourselves too thin comes with many benefits, but there is also a point where those benefits no longer outweigh the harm a packed schedule can cause. We work ourselves beyond reason in order to achieve this idea of overarching success. According to the International Labour Association, Americans work 499 more hours per year than French workers, and 137 more than workers in Japan. Japan is one of the countries most associated with job and school-related stress, and we outwork them by almost six days per year. According to the LA Times, the average American works the equivalent of one day of overtime every week, but there is a certain point where this is no longer healthy. A report issued by the Centers for Disease Control stated that overtime hours were associated with decreased “perceived general health,” along with an increase in illness and mortality. Still, business, exhaustion and stress are all glorified in the eyes of our peers. Without those things in our lives, we must be empty. How can we go on knowing that there is so much more we could be doing with our lives, but aren’t? So, when the tasks we have to complete start piling up, we proudly wear the stress like a heart on our sleeves. Our lack of sleep becomes a form of competitive suffering, our daily caffeine intake a proud symbol of our dedication.
Mental health and emotional stability are set aside while we chase after perfection as it inches away from us, ta k ing on more com m itments and burdens as we strive to earn the status symbol of an overcrowded, but supposedly fulfilling, lifestyle. Our definition of success is deeply flawed in ways that I cannot even scratch the surface of in these few words. It is incredible and noble and selfless to want to save the world in one fell swoop, but the desire to achieve greatness should not come at the cost of one’s well being. The drive to achieve should not be what prevents us from living the rest of our lives to the fullest as well. Despite the 40-hour workweeks that have become standard in the United States with the rise of unions, overtime is again on the rise. According to Business Insider, 58 percent of managers report working more than 40 hours per week. While this may boost egos and create the illusion of increased productivity, research says that it may be doing just the opposite. Another Business Insider article reported that people can handle working 60 hour workweeks, but only for about three weeks. After that, productivity drops significantly, and eventually extra time spent working becomes counterproductive. The University of Toronto found that putting too much effort into one task at any given time can both reduce motivation and decrease performance ability in that task. When we spend an excessive amount of time doing something, whatever it may be, it is inevitable that we will burn out. Dedicating everything we have to something is indeed noble, and it provides an unspoken level of status that helps us to rise above. But no amount of praise or decorum is worth sacrificing personal sanity or the quality of work that we do.
"I’d prefer to go to a university, but by chance if I don't make it, I would pursue plumbing because it is very simple and you can easily start your own plumbing business." Steven Jarecki
"Well, I wouldn't consider it, but if I had to I would go into welding, because that can lead to bigger jobs."
"Yes, I would consider taking up skilled trades to be an electrician, rather than attending a university."
Preston Navarre
Frank Colella
SOPHOMORE
SOPHOMORE
SENIOR
YOUR TURN: Would you consider going to a trade school? By Giacobi Bush
"Yes, I would go into construction management."
Ben Hartley SENIOR
"Yes, I would go into welding."
Garrett Vanmarter SENIOR
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Syeda Rizvi MANAGING EDITOR: Sofia Ketels BUSINESS MANAGER: Victoria Wittenberg WEBMASTER: Brooklyn McWhorter PAGE EDITORS: Maggie Carron, Arzoo Chhaya, Michael Hartt, Adam Schwartz, Emily Widgren, Hannah Zalewski STAFF REPORTERS: Colin Duffy, Kylie Duke, Farrah Fasse, Ray Jason, Julia Magnan, Abi Murray, Amelia Nowicki INTERNS: Giacobi Bush, Niklas David, Ray Hamilton The North Pointe is edited and produced by Advanced Journalism students at Grosse Pointe North High School and is published every two weeks. It is in practice a designated public forum without prior review.
"No I wouldn’t, but if I had to choose a skill, it would be carpentry."
Luke Schock SENIOR
Comments should be directed to the student editors, who make all final content decisions. The views expressed are solely those of the authors or the student 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. We subscribe to McClatchy-Tribune Information Services and iStockphoto.com. One copy is available free to all community members. Additional copies may be purchased. Our editorial policy and advertising rates are available online at northpointenow.org. The North Pointe is printed on 100% recycled paper. CONTACT US 707 Vernier Road Grosse Pointe Woods MI, 48236 Email: gpnnorthpointe@gmail.com Phone: 313.432.3248 Twitter: @TheNorthPointe Website: northpointenow.org FACULTY ADVISER: Allison Dunn
EDITOR'S DESK SYEDA RIZVI
Technology doesn't equal happiness O u r l ive s s e em t o r evolve a r o u nd t e ch nolog y. T h e r e i s no way fo r u s t o go t h r o ug h a d ay w it ho ut t h e i m p u l s e t o g r a b o u r p ho n e s , wh e t h e r that i n clud e s b r owsi ng a c a d em ic pl a t fo r m s su ch a s S cho olog y o r t u n i ng i n t o s e e wh a t t h e r e st of t h e wo rld i s up t o. So c ia l m e d ia pl a t fo r m s , e sp e c ia l ly o n e s l i ke Fa c eb o ok a nd I n st a g r a m , a r e a g r e a t way t o ke e p i n t o u ch w it h o t h e r s. But t h e r e i s ju st o n e sl ig ht p r oblem : st o p p i ng cu e s. Ne t wo r k s that d o n’t h ave st o p p i ng cu e s m a ke it n e a rly i m p o s sible t o p ut yo u r p ho n e d ow n . We h ave no way t o d e c id e d ly m a r k t h e e nd of o u r t i m e sp e nt o n s o c ia l m e d ia — we c o u ld e nd le s sly ke e p s c r ol l i ng d ow n o u r s c r e e n s a nd a lways m a n a ge t o st u mble a c r o s s n ew c o nt e nt . Ad a m A lt e r st ud ie d t h e way s o c ia l m e d ia a nd st o p p i ng cu e s h ave b e e n i m p a c t i ng o u r d a i ly l ive s fo r t h e p a st f ive ye a r s. He d i s c ove r e d t h a t a s t i m e go e s o n , p e o ple a r e i n c r e a si ng t h ei r a mo u nt of d a i ly s c r e e n t i m e, wh ich wa s a p r e t t y e a sy p r e d ic t io n t o m a ke. Howeve r, it ’s c r u c ia l t o r e a l i z e t h a t i n o u r d ays we o n ly h ave a c e r t a i n , ve r y l i m it e d a mo u nt of t i m e t o sp e nd i n o u r p e r s o n a l l ive s. T h i n k a b o ut it : how mu ch t i m e d o yo u r e a l ly h ave t o sp a r e a f t e r f i n i sh i ng yo u r piles of homework and extracurricular activities? Our personal time is sacred to us, and we spend majority of it, hours and hours on screens. I n a su r vey c o ndu c t e d by A lt e r, mo st p e o ple s a id t h ey e njoy u si ng a p p s r el a t e d t o r el a x a t io n , exe r c i s e a nd r e a d i ng. But t h e ve r y s a m e s a m ple s a id t h ey sp e nd t h r ic e t h a t a mo u nt of t i m e o n a p p s t h a t d o n’t m a ke t h em fe el go o d — a p p s l i ke s o c ia l m e d ia , ga m i ng, e nt e r t a i n m e nt a nd n ews. So wh a t c a n b e d o n e t o e n c o u r a ge l i m it i ng the a mo u nt of p e r s o n a l t i m e we wa st e o n a d a i ly ba si s? Fi r st , we need to a ck nowle d ge t h a t fo r t h e m ajo r it y of u s , t h e ho u r s we sp e nd o n I n st a g r a m , s c r ol l i ng t h r o ug h o u r fe e d s a t n ig ht sho u ld n’t b e t h e p r i m e of o u r e nt e r t a i n m e nt . We sp e nd fa r t o o mu ch t i m e o n t h i ngs t h a t d o n’t d e s e r ve it . T h e ho u r s yo u sp e nd o n s o c ia l n e t wo r k i ng a nd ga m i ng sit e s c a n b e u s e d t o t h i ngs t h a t d e s e r ve a p r io r it y: t i m e yo u c a n sp e nd i ng b u i ld i ng a c t u a l , fa c e - t o -fa c e r el a t io n sh ip s. Ti m e t h a t c a n b e u s e d fo r r e a l r el a x a t io n; p e r h a p s a wa l k t o t h e p a r k o r a n ic e ba t h o r r e a d i ng by t h e f i r e pl a c e — l it e r a l ly, a ny t h i ng that d o e sn’t i nvolve st r a i n i ng yo u r eye s u nd e r yo u r bl a n ke t fo r ho u r s a t a t i m e. At t h e ve r y m i n i mu m , m a k i ng s e t s ch e du le s c a n b e a b e t t e r way t o m a n a ge yo u r t i m e. Fo r ex a m ple, b eg i n w it h a t le a st h av i ng no p ho n e s a t t h e d i n n e r t a ble. It d o e sn’t m a t t e r i f yo u’r e e a t i ng w it h yo u r fa m i ly o r a lo n e. Ke e p yo u r p ho n e a s fa r away f r om yo u a s p o s sible. F r om h e r e, c o nt i nu e o n t o t h e t i m e s t h a t yo u k now a r e u su a l ly sp e nt i n yo u r p e r s o n a l l i fe. Bu i ld up t o no p ho n e s a n ho u r a f t e r yo u r p a r e nt s c om e hom e f r om wo r k . A ny t h i ng t h a t c a n a c c omo d a t e yo u r ow n n e e d s , b e c a u s e we sp e nd fa r t o mu ch t i m e o n s c r e e n s , no t r e a l i z i ng t h a t t ho s e wa st e d mom e nt s a r e t ho s e we c a n ut i l i z e t o t r u ly t a ke f u l l a dva nt a ge of t h e t i m e we sp a r e fo r o u r p e r s o n a l l ive s.
4 – North Pointe – Thursday, Feb. 14
IN-DEPTH
GPPSS debates reconfiguration plans: What each potential alternative means for the district By Michael Hartt & Farrah Fasse PAGE EDITOR & STAFF REPORTER
Sophomore Annaliese Thomas’ sister attends Parcells Middle School. With the new GPPSS reconfiguration plan, Thomas is worried this will force her parents to drive her sister to a middle school far away from their home in Grosse Pointe Woods, making it more difficult for Thomas to get to school on time every morning. “I’m definitely concerned on the impact that it would have on my family’s commute to school every morning,” Thomas said. “But I am also concerned because most students feel really comfortable at their current school so it would be really upsetting if they ended up having a bad experience in their new school.” Currently GPPSS has two high schools, three middle schools, nine elementary schools, one early childhood center and one administration building. However, the GPPSS reconfiguration plan introduced seven different plans that all include closing the administration building in addition to closing either middle schools or elementary schools. The plans are preliminary and are still being modified by the Blue Ribbon Committee before they are voted on by the Board of Education. As of right now, none of the plans include any specific schools that would be closed. Superintendent Gary Niehaus said the idea of reconfiguring the district was a result of a school board policy. “In June of 2018 our board put together a resolution that said if you hit any of these triggers of declining enrollment (that the board specified), then you need to come back to us with a comprehensive reconfiguration plan,” Niehaus said. “We hit a trigger, so on November 26 of this year, at our last board meeting the Board of Education meeting (we agreed to create a reconfiguration plan).” Niehaus explained that the Board of Education wants to assure that the $111 million worth of bonds, that was recently passed by citizens, will not be wasted improving the infrastructure of schools that may eventually close. In the event that schools do close, he said the Board could either choose not to sell the second series of bonds or allocate money to different needs in the district. Additionally, Niehaus said the districts enrollment is expected to continue to drop. Therefore, by not closing schools, the district would be losing approximately
$10,000 a year on funding from the state of Michigan while still maintaining the same district footprint. The plans also include new concepts to the district: a single elementary school with 500-700 students, eliminating a middle school while changing the grade configuration or introducing up to two gravity schools. As suggested by the Official District Reconfiguration Presentation, gravity schools are schools that are not limited to a student’s location in the district with special programs such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEAM (STEM with art included), yearround schools or another unique focal point. Niehaus said there are limitless opportunities for what a gravity school could look like and that most districts similar in ranking with GPPSS already have gravity schools. “I don’t think that we want to (concretely) define it until we have a chance to present it in hope, that when we present it there would be some ideas,” Niehaus said. “We have formed a subcommittee that is working on the definition of it.” Niehaus believes having 50-75 children per grade level is the best choice to make and the current magnet programs at Kerby and Ferry may be included in a possible gravity school or they may continue their programs separately. Although it is being discussed by the Blue Ribbon Committee and the Board of Education now, a district reconfiguration would not go into effect until the school year of 2020-2021, at the earliest. The next steps include committee meetings led by a professional facilitator, the official GPPSS reconfiguration report being presented to the Board of Education by April 8, community town halls and meetings, and the Board of Education recommending a reconfiguration plan with options for a vote in June 2019. Kevin Ketels, a Blue Ribbon Committee member, said the possible reconfiguration is not just about saving money, but about changing the face of the district. “If there is an opportunity to reimagine how our schools are structured and to add value to an education in Grosse Pointe then I think that would also be a goal,” Ketels said. “We don’t want to just cut expenses… we want to re-do this to add to an education in Grosse Pointe.”
REVIEWS
5– Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019 – North Pointe
Thank U Next: Offering Inspiration
By: Emily Widgren PAGE EDITOR Last August, pop artist Ariana Grande released her fourth album, “Sweetener.” On Feb. 8, she followed it with “thank u, next,” her fifth studio album. Before the main release date, Grande dropped three singles that were featured on the 12 track album named “7 rings,” “imagine” and “thank u, next.” Grande’s new album tells the story of the last six months of her life — which has been full of drama and break-ups, along with the death of her ex-boyfriend, Mac Miller. The first song on the album, “imagine” is a slow, catchy tune that depicts the fantasy relationship she dreamed of. This track was not my favorite. I felt that it strayed from the tone of the album and was not necessary for the story she was telling. The second track on the album, “needy,” was also slow and is about a relationship Grande was in, where she always wanted to be with her significant other, but was not given as much attention. I liked this one more than “imagine.” It was needed because it contradicts many of the other songs later on the album such as “bloodline.” By far my favorite song on the album was “NASA.” This song was so different than both “needy” and “imagine.” The fast-paced and energetic track discusses the concept of needing space in a relationship. This is fitting, since it was a needed break from the slow songs that had come before it. The track “bloodline” reminded me of “R.E.M” on her “Sweetener” album. The track was the complete opposite of “imagine” and “needy,” with lyrics revolving around detachment instead of infatuation.
Towards the middle of the album, two tracks stood out as tone shifters — “fake smile” and “ghostin.” “Fake smile” talks about the pain that comes with being in the spotlight with a slow R&B inspired vibe. Grande’s strength is creating tunes to go with her lyrics. She crafts a mood that continues with the other songs, such as “a season of a show.”
According to Grande, “ghostin” is about loving someone when you still love someone else — in this case, Mac Miller and her ex-fiancé, Pete Davidson. The slow and sad tune continues the theme of her last six months, which have been mainly characterized with gloom. This track was well executed and is one of her best slow and sad love songs. The two tracks that had
been released before the whole album, “thank u, next” and “7 rings” both took the world by storm, breaking records and being named top track in over 30 countries. The track “thank u, next” deals with Grande looking back at her ex-boyfriends and preaching ideas of self-love and independence that are somewhat missing from today’s entertainment business, which primarily promotes couples and
love. “7 rings” is a catchy R&B inspired track where Grande raps about money and power. Both of these tracks are amazing and I listen to them at least once a day, but I like “7 rings” a little more. Unlike “thank u, next,” it is not only catchy but energetic and easy to dance to. The final track on the album, and by far one of the most anticipated, is “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored.”
This track also has the R&B influence with a techno feel to it as well. I love this track because it stands out from the rest of the album. While she uses the song to talk about lovers again after preaching independence, self-love and confidence, the song is fun and has a beat that is different than anything else found on the album. Overall, Grande’s newest album is something we have
never seen from her, talking about being single and the last tumultuous six months. Previous albums have dealt with love and being in love, but this one breaks that tradition with many new beats, and is more subtle than some of her last albums, which is refreshing for listeners.
"Thank U Next" (2019)
UDISCOVERMUSIC.COM
DOCUMENTARY
SHOW
ALBUM
TV SHOW
SHANE DAWSON
MAROON 5 PERFORMANCE
DODIE CLARK
ONE DAY AT A TIME
S h a n e Dawson’s new pseudo-documentary could have been great. The first piece of a two part series, “Conspiracy Theories with Shane Dawson” was a bit of a dissapointment. TWITTER.COM The general expectation for the nearly two hour long Youtube video was for it to be a deep dive into some of the darkest conspiracy theories out there. Instead, what was delivered seemed like a teaser trailer for the second part of the series, littered with advertisements all the way through. Despite the lack of real content in the video, Dawson’s charisma along with his eclectic group of sidekicks make up for the lackluster theories and excruciating run-time, making it bearable to watch. One of the theories that was explored was the notion that our phones are always listening and recording us. This theory has been proved to be true hundreds and hundreds of times over throughout the years, rendering the near 40 minutes that this segment takes up as redundant. The crew of five also explored the wreckage of the California fires, giving high quality footage of the carnage. Although more of a memorial than a conspiracy theory, the second part was extremely engaging. The group tapes themselves walking through burnt down houses and shriveled playgrounds while commentating on the severe extent of the rubble. This projected a sense of awareness and reality onto the viewer, potentially impacting one’s perception of safety. The jarring footage of melted kitchens and scorched teddy bears paint an image so powerful, that the only sounds that accompanied the footage were loud gasps and soft cries. Then immediately after the scene, you’re taken right out of the moment by an unskippable 15 second advertisement for a poorly made mobile game. Overall, it seems the general expectation of the documentary was much higher than the real outcome. However disappointing it may have been, the journey was entertaining. The only thing Dawson’s fans can do for now is wait patiently for the second part and pray that it makes up for the first.
WIKIPEDIA.ORG
The Super Bowl, watched by millions nationwide each year, is viewed by more than just football fans. The iconic night is home to the most popular sports event of the year, but also unique commercials and an
intriguing halftime show. The Super Bowl halftime show has a different performance each year, ranging from Prince’s legendary showing in 2007 to Janet Jackson’s disappointing performance in 2004, most remembered for its “wardrobe malfunction.” This year’s show was far from legendary. Travis Scott and Big Boi performed alongside Maroon 5 in the disappointing show. First off, the trio had little chemistry on stage and their style of music and rhythm simply did not mix well. Travis Scott and Big Boi’s style of rap should have been an easy mix with Maroon 5’s Hip Hop style, but limited collaboration time with Travis Scott and Big Boi left viewers with an overpowered, boring Maroon 5 performance. Although the tribute to Spongebob, which was petitioned by thousands of Americans, was played at the show, petitioners and viewers were let down with only a 15 second clip from the loved “Sweet Victory” Spongebob episode. The expectations for this halftime show were through the roof but not even close to met as the tribute was short-lived and inaccurately presented. “Sweet Victory” was collaborated with Travis Scott’s breakout song “Sicko Mode.” The popular song from Travis Scott was also a disappointment as it was short-lived and poorly performed and did not mix well with Maroon 5’s style. Although the disappointing show had very few highlights, Big Boi’s performance of “The Way You Move” was a clear highlight of the show. Adam Levine’s soft tone covered up Big Boi’s chorus making the collaboration a success. Not only was Big Boi’s song a success, but also his arrival in a vintage car along with his extravagant fur coat was amazing. Although Big Boi’s entrance to the show was stylish, viewers’ eyebrows were raised. They labeled his clothing style as inhumane as, his fur coat was made entirely out of animal fur. This Super Bowl performance deserves a low rating and falls in the category of disappointing performances along with Janet Jackson’s nightmare of a show in 2004.
In just seven songs, ‘dodie’ shows listeners what it means to be human. From love to hate, learning to take a step back, accepting bisexuality and the bubbly feelings of GENIUS.COM a crush to the dark spirals of depression, 'dodie' explores all of the morals of humanity as a whole. The artists’ third extended play, “Human,” begins with “Arms Unfolding,” which was written about her two friends learning to fall in love again. This track is so contradictory; it’s so simple yet so complex. There aren’t any instruments but with the amount of emotion 'dodie' puts into her lyrics, there are multiple layers of complexity. The second track, “Monster,” couldn’t be more different from the first. With an electronic sound and an upbeat rhythm, 'dodie' captures the feelings one gets when looking into the eyes of someone who hates them. It has a fast tempo but a slightly minor key, inducing some uncomfortable feelings, to say the least. At first glance the title track, “Human,” is a song about unconditional love, but it underlies the concept of unhealthy reliance on one’s partner. The song “She” was originally uploaded to YouTube on Sept. 27, 2014 as 'dodie'’s way of coming out as bisexual. While it seems like an average love song, it’s a lot more relatable. This woman meant everything to 'dodie', but she had to play it off because, while this woman infatuated 'dodie', she didn’t feel the same. “Burned Out” is a perfect example of ‘dodie’s’ struggles of not feeling like she’s enough. This artist has always been very open about her mental health online and she tackles the mentality of just giving up on her dreams, moving on to something that could have been less work but uneventful. Overall 'dodie’s’ third EP is her most personal and relatable of them all. I would strongly recommend this to people who enjoy relaxing yet serious music.
The old but new Netflix original series “One Day at a Time” is a easy to watch, funny and current show to add to your next binge session. This American sitcom is based off IMDB.COM of a series of the same name by Norman Lear that ran from 1975 to 1984. Netflix's version has three seasons, with the third being recently released on Feb 8. Each season has 13 episodes ranging from 26 - 35 minutes, and each episode has a recurring theme of humor and relatableness of everyday family struggles. The show revolves around the Alvarez family, which includes Penelope (Justina Machado), who is a single mom, a nurse an Afghanistan veteran with PTSD. Penelope and her fiery proud Cuban mother, Lydia (Rita Moreno) are working together to raise Penelope’s kids; social activist and progressive daughter Elena (Isabella Gomez) and witty teenage son Alex (Marcel Ruiz). The storyline plays out all the different events happening in each character’s life very well, and how they deal with those events as a family. Penelope is dealing with juggling two kids, trying to get back into relationships after a divorce and going to school. Elena is struggling with finding out who she is as she goes through her teenage years, figuring out her gender identity and dealing with the disapproval of her father. Meanwhile, Alex is experiencing the shift from being a kid to a teenager, learning to cope with what goes alongside being the only man in the house. Lydia, not wanting to say goodbye to her Cuban roots, is questioning whether or not she wants to be a United States citizen while dealing with health issues. Although the show has a lot going on at once through many storylines, it captures the complexity of everyday people’s lives. Each issue is taken on cleverly with openness and never-ending passion within the family. The values this show excels in most is those of the heart, showing the significance of family above all else. Overall this series, despite the occasional cheesy moment, has a lot of spirit. The passion of the show makes it well worth watching.
"Shane Dawson;" 2019; Available to watch online on Youtube
"Maroon 5 Performance;" 2019; Available to watch online on Youtube
"Dodie Clark;" 2019; Available to buy on itunes
"One Day At A Time;" 2018; available to watch on Netflix
By Brooklyn McWhorter
By Colin Duffy
By Ray Jason
By Maggie Carron
SPORTS
6 – Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019 – North Pointe
UPCOMING GAMES
Athletes commit: Q&A By Maggie Carron & Ray Hamilton PAGE EDITOR & INTERN
Following student athletes who signed into college for their sport
BOYS VARSITY ICE HOCKEY Away game against Romeo High School on Friday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. at Suburban Ice Macomb
Zach Hogrebe: Football at Concordia University
What sports do you play loved it and wanted to play and what sport are you for another four years. I feel like I got into it late getting signed for? I play football and then I throw shot put and discuss. I am getting signed for football.
How long have you been playing those sports?
I have played football since my freshman year and track since my sophomore year.
GIRLS VARSITY ICE HOCKEY Away game against Cranbrook Kingswood School on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. at Wallace Arena
GIRLS VARSITY CHEERLEADING Districts at Warren Mott High School on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. against multiple opponents
Describe what you were feeling when you got signed. TWITTER.COM
ZACH AND ZACK| Hogrebe signs with Concordia University alongside his best friend, Zack Mendelez. “My best friend Zack pushes me more than most people,” Hogrebe said. “I just don’t want to let him down.”
I was ecstatic — it’s everything I have wanted to do since I started playing football. As soon as I started playing football I
What sports do you play?
intensity and growing close to all my teammates.
How long have you been playing lacrosse?
When I got signed I was so happy. I was so happy that I got to go to a great school and play my favorite sport.
I play field hockey and lacrosse. I got signed for lacrosse at Calvin College.
How did you feel when you got signed?
I have been playing lacrosse since 7 grade so this will be my 6 year playing.
Why did you commit to this school?
My favorite part of playing lacrosse is the competitive
about it and it has an excellent nursing program.
I committed because when What is your favorite part of playing lacrosse? I visited I loved everything
GIRLS VARSITY GYMNASTICS Home meet against Bloomfield Hills School District on Monday, Feb. 18. at 6:30 p.m. in the gym
friends everyday for games and practice.”
What made you start playing football?
I didn’t have a lot of friends coming into high school and I was told it was a good way to make new friends and it was. I went onto the football team and everyone warmed up to me.
Whats your favorite part of playing?
Who has inspired you throughout your athletic career?
Really my team. I have a lot of people on the team that ended up pushing me really far.
What do you hope is in the future for you at the university you signed for? I just hope to finish my degree and then go off and get a well paying job.
Just being on a team and
Who has inspired you throughout your athletic career?
Lainey Aldridge: Lacrosse at Calvin College
Throughout my career my parents have inspired me to do my best always. I also have looked up to all my coaches and upper class players. What do you hope is in the future for you at the university you signed for? I hope to have a successful TWITTER.COM lacrosse season and I hope FINALLY SIGNED | Aldridge signs off alongside her supporters. “It to do well in academics and was also very special to be surrounded by my coaches, friends and family,” Aldridge said. make lots of friends.
What sports do you play and what sport are you getting signed for? Baseball and basketball. (Lorkowski has signed to play baseball.) How long have you been playing baseball? Ever since I was 5 years old. Why did you start playing baseball? TWITTER.COM My mom made me play a sport NEXT STEP FORWARD | Lorkowski signs his commitment letter and I didn’t like soccer so I tried to Saint Xavier University. “(My) favorite part is just being around my baseball.
Chad Lorkowski: Baseball at Saint Xavier University
and I didn’t have enough time with it so I was just really happy that I got that scholarship and was able to do this.
being able to help everyone else live up to their goals. Being able to move on to college and being able to pay for it just through what I love doing.
What is your favorite part of playing baseball? My favorite part is just being around my friends everyday for games and practice. How did you feel when you got signed? I felt relieved when I was signed. All the searching for schools was finally over. What college did you sign with? Saint Xavier University. Why did you commit to this school?
It has a great campus, the coach has high expectations for the team and there is a lot of money going into the baseball program. Who has inspired you throughout your athletic career? I’ve always looked up to Justin Verlander. (Verlander is a professional baseball pitcher.) What do you hope is in the future for you at the university you signed for? I hope we have a solid 4 years and win some titles.