Heritage High School Makes History With School Grade
Pullen
Talon Editor-in-Chief
Heritage High School received a B grade on the school report card for the first time in school history.
The school grade is based on four factors that are taken into account. The first one being if students are achieving high levels on state assessments, secondly if students are achieving their individualized
growth targets, thirdly if the lowest 25 percent of students are growing, and finally if students are graduating and entering either enlistment, enrollment or employment.
“Growth is our number one focus as a whole always, because we know that when we grow we’re going to continue to see higher achievement,” said Assistant Principal Janya Moffit. “But I give all the credit to our students [and] our
teachers, because they’re the ones who are in the trenches doing this work and they’re doing a great job.”
Arkansas law has required annual school report cards along with a school grade. However, unlike the traditional grading system, the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) recently began to grade on a 900 point scale. At the high school level they consider 0-348.89 as a F, 348.90-385.95 as a D, 385.96-
457.10 as a C, 457.11-531.99 as a B, and 532.00-900.00 as an A. For the year 2023-2024 Heritage was graded 450.5 which classifieds as a C. All years prior have also been graded a C. However, for the academic year of 2024-2025 Heritage High School has been graded 492.5 which is considered a B. This is a
Grade continued on p. 2
“Bell to Bell, No Cell” Calls for Change at Heritage
Pullen Talon Editor-in-Chief
Arkansas Act 122 of 2025, also known as The “Bell to Bell, No Cell” Act, is a new state law that prohibits students in public schools from using personal electronic devices during the entire school day, from the first bell to the last bell. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, and Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as Air Pods.
This law was put into effect at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year and states that devices may not be used in classrooms, hallways, restrooms, cafeterias or study areas. This includes having a phone on your body during the day and it is even preferred that the
devices remain in students’ backpacks or off campus. The only exceptions to device usage are during emergency situations approved by school administration or for medical needs and IEP/504 plans. Of course, school-issued devices are acceptable.
Overall, many teachers have reported positive improvements in student engagement and participation since the implementation of the Act.
“My students in the classroom don’t even pull [their phones] out and are more engaged,” said English teacher Deanna Reed. She went on to say how the ban has even positively impacted students outside the classroom. “There’s less drama because someone is not on
[social media talking] about how someone did something to someone else. [Also] people are talking more in the hallways; there is more one on one communication.”
While this law was passed with the expectation of said improvements, teachers are also realizing the reality of such a ban on technology.
“It’s been a learning experience. I’ve had to stop saying ‘get out your phone and take a picture’, [so] it has slowed down the teaching process some. But more students are engaged because they don’t have that option to take a picture and move on. But it’s been an adjustment for teachers and students,” said math teacher Jami Bice.
As it has been over two months
since the start of the school year, administration reports an overall positive response. Admin even specifically noted the amount of push back from students is less than they were expecting.
Heritage’s disciplinary plan for students caught with devices includes 4 levels. The first step is a written warning telling the student to put their device away. The second step is having the phone confiscated in the office for the student to receive at the end of the day. The third step is having the phone in the office for the student’s parent/ guardian to receive at the end of the day. The final step is the student being sent to in-school suspension (ISS).
Bell to Bell continued on p. 2
Fraire
English teachers help to better support and educate students leading to greater success, therefore improving the school grade.
Grade from p. 1
huge achievement for Heritage staff and students with a 42 point growth. Out of 1,032 schools statewide, 291 of them scored a B, making Heritage within the top 40% in the state.
Principal Chip Greenwell thinks it wasn’t one change that caused the grade, but it was a number of factors.
“Everyone across the school has really been focused and it’s been great. And so this is not a me thing, this is not an admin thing, this is a whole school thing,” Greenwell said.
He acknowledged the efforts of students and teachers, but he also credits the improvement to the wider Heritage community.
“There were a lot of questions over the summer by both students and staff on how [the law is] going to work. I want to give credit to and shout out our students and our staff. I would say while we have some referrals, while we have some issues, it is nowhere near the level of disruption that we’ve seen in other districts throughout the state. Overall, I would say it’s been positive. We’ve had a couple dozen students we’ve talked to on
front office staff [provides] a welcoming environment to everyone who comes in the door.
So it [was] truly a community and team achievement and it [took] everyone,” said Greenwell.
With the relatively new grading system based mostly on growth, Heritage has proven its devotion and dedication to growing its students.
CTE instructor and Debate Coach Wayne Levering said, “The growth of Heritage is completely attributed to the hard work and dedication of students and teachers who want the absolute best. It is not done for praise, not done for glory, those are fleeting rewards, it is done for the genuine and longterm benefits provided through high quality education.”
However it is not just the staff
an individual basis tell us how it’s going, and the vast majority say as long as no one else is on their phone the temptation to use [their] phone is less,” said Principal Chip Greenwell.
However, some students still find the ban unnecessary and/or annoying, especially those who weren’t part of the crowd who abused the phone usage during the past school years.
One of these students is Ashley
who has the urge for greatness and the drive for success.
In 2023, Laney Sellers (12), expressed concern over the low school grade, but now she’s feeling very encouraged about the progress. “It’s all part of our teamwork as a school and we all put in this work together. And now we broke a record. But if we just keep working harder, [of course] everyone has their own 100%, but as long as we give our 100%, we can go up to an A,” said Sellers.
Greenwell absolutely believes in Heritage’s ability to achieve the status of an A grade. “The goal is for us to be the number one high school in the state of Arkansas. So [students] specifically, show up to class every day, do your best and pay attention in class and reach out to your teachers if you have questions,” Greenwell said.
from p. 1
Galdamez (12) who said, “I feel like it’s unnecessary for students who are in class, actually take school seriously, have good grades and show up on time. I don’t feel like it is necessary to put our phones away if you are responsible anyways.”
Despite all the differences of opinions on the law itself, Heritage staff and students will continue to adapt and thrive through the new regulations.
Government Shutdown Affects Students’ Financial Situations
Moreno Talon Reporter
Due to a disagreement between the Democratic and Republican parties within Congress, the government was shut down because of the inability to establish a functioning financial operation.
Recently, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been made available to the public, and many students and families are seeking help with completing it. Many teachers at Rogers Heritage High School are concerned about the absence of government assistance in filling out the FAFSA.
“It affects the students because the FAFSA is a crucial basis of their scholarship process,” said Kristie Daut, College Composition and AP Research teacher at Heritage.
Assistance in the college application process at Heritage is fundamental to all students, especially
the first generation students trying to go to college. With little knowledge in the application process, some families do not understand the importance of filling out the FAFSA, while some families struggle with obtaining the information needed to fill it out.
“The FAFSA is already confusing enough to students, even though it’s gotten better with some of the changes and so this is just another setback,” said Daut.
The FAFSA, being a government-funded program, has little choice over the students chosen to receive funding for their education. It is a first-come, first-served process, making it an even more frustrating moment for all the students who are attempting to receive financial aid.
“Everything I have read says that the shutdown should have minimal effect on students who are applying for Federal Aid with
the 2026-27 FAFSA. The FAFSA and the helpline are considered essential, so they are still up and running,” said Jennifer Pierse, a scholarship coordinator for Heritage High School.
The case of the FAFSA problem is difficult to an extent. Those who have no knowledge of the steps required to complete it may struggle more than they should but with the help lines still up, it will not be as much of a problem as it is stated.
Finally, the problem has been confirmed to be not as bad as it once seemed but few may still encounter various difficulties receiving help while they are trying to get it completed. Still, there are ways that Heritage is willing to help. Kristie Daut, Jennifer Pierse, our FAFSA nights and any senior teacher are some of the many support options available.
Editorial Staff
Pullen, EIC
Henry Fraire
Reporters
Barraza Sanchez
Boyd Cox
Hernandez Morales Lopez
Moreno Perez
Britney McLain-Winters, Adviser Lydia Stone, Co-Adviser Chip Greenwell, Principal
Corrections
The Talon strives for accuracy in its reporting and will correct all matters of fact. As The Talon is a limited print publication, all corrections will be made on the website promptly and prominently. If you believe the paper has printed an error, please send an email to hhsjour@rpsar.net.
Opinion
The columnists’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff, Rogers Heritage High School or Rogers Public Schools.
Memberships
The Talon is an institutional member of the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association.
Student Press
The Talon was created by students for students. It is a public forum for student expression, and all students are welcome to submit content, questions or letters for consideration to hhsjour@rpsar.net. The Talon is governed by the Arkansas Student Publications Act of 1995 (A.C.A. § 6-18).
Pullen
Students hide the newly banned device somewhere easily acceptable but far enough from reach to avoid temptations.
TALON
Oct. 29, 2025
Heritage Football Wins a Game After Two Years
Pullen Talon Editor-in-Chief
On October 17, Heritage varsity football broke the team’s two-year long losing streak by defeating Fort Smith’s Northside with a final score of 41-40.
Heritage started the game with an explosive first drive, which resulted in a touchdown within the first two minutes. This touchdown was scored by none other than Evan Gordan, the starting senior running back. This strong start carried Heritage through the first half, with a half-time score of 27-13. However, the atmosphere quickly changed to one filled with both uncertainty and hope during the third quarter, when the teams were tied 27-27. This uneasy feeling continued throughout the rest of the game.
As the game clock ran down to five minutes left in the fourth quarter, Heritage scored a crucial touchdown and scored the proceeding extra point, bringing the score to 34-27. Shortly after, Northside earned a touchdown and field goal,
bringing it to a tied-game once again. The unease and concern of everyone present rose, especially since time was running out. With a few seconds remaining, Northside fumbled the snap in an attempt to score a game-ending field goal, allowing Heritage to recover it and send the game into overtime. With high stakes on the line and the audience on the edge of their seats, Heritage proceeded to score both a touchdown and field goal, bringing the score to 41-34. Tragically, Northside scored yet another touchdown, and decided to go for the two-point conversion to hopefully seal the deal. However, Heritage’s defensive pressure caused the Northside to make a poor passing choice, giving the well-earned victory to Heritage.
“It was great to see all the excitement on the players, coaches and fans’ faces after we won. There is a ton of work throughout the year that goes into the game of football and to get a win means a lot to this team,” said Football Coach Eric Munoz. “I am extremely proud of the relentless work ethic that these
The Season of Volley Ballin’
Cox Talon Reporter
After a tough 24-25 season in which the Rogers Heritage volleyball team managed to win only one set, the Lady War Eagles are entering a new era under head Coach Sharon Felker with winning five games and two ties this season.
Taking over the struggling program last year, Coach Felker is determined to change the team’s culture and rebuild confidence through discipline, teamwork and a fresh approach aimed at turning the program around. Coach Felker focuses mainly on renewed energy in practices, a focus on accountability and stronger team chemistry. She aims to transform the Lady War Eagles into a contender in the 6A West. Players say the change in leadership has already brought a new sense of motivation and belief that success is within reach.
Leah Phinney (11) thinks Coach Felker has greatly impacted the team. “She’s definitely helped with
our mentality and our energy and we’ve grown a lot closer as a team and friends,” said Phinney.
One thing that is always hard when trying to rebuild a team is making amends with all of the returners and letting them get comfortable with new management and where they fall in. Coach Felker takes pride in that a team starts with its roots and they need to set the focus together.
“One of the first things I did when I got hired was get all of our returners in a room and have them decide as a group what we wanted our program values and standards to be,” said Felker.
Despite the obstacles the team has faced in the past year, Coach Felker remained committed to the core values by putting the work in and being a team.
“I think the players have done a great job of working to put the team first and learning to work as one to show up and compete day in and day out regardless of who is on the other side of the net,” said Felker.
players have each week. I’m even more proud of the grit they showed during the game and how they kept playing and finished.”
Starting varsity quarterback Braedon Carroll (11) expressed how proud he is of the team and the hard work put into the game. “It felt amazing to win, especially that we got to do it in front of all our friends and family on our home turf.”
The student section was electric like never before. With the theme being ‘frat’, students were dressed to look like an authentic college student section. As soon as the game finished in Heritage’s favor, the student section erupted - students jumped up, yelled, and some even rushed the field to celebrate with their peers.
“As soon as we knew we won, I started leading everyone down to the field and we were all jumping up in excitement. With it being my senior year and winning this game in overtime it felt bittersweet and memorable. I was so happy to be there,” said senior Monica Howard who is a regular attendant at all football games.
Despite the reputation Heritage football has, students like Carsyn Coleman (11) have noticed improvements despite the score. “Something that a lot of people who are really knowledgeable about football and that know a lot about high school football know that although our score doesn’t always reflect our performance, our performance is getting better.
We’re becoming a stronger team [all] around. We just really needed to learn how to execute four solid quarters and how to overcome our mistakes.”
Winning the first game of the season is obviously an amazing feeling, but winning the first game in two years fosters a feeling like no other. Heritage’s school spirit seems to be flying high ever since last Friday night, and there is a noticeable anticipation to see all the hard work and dedication pay off once again in the final home game of the season on October 31 versus Fayetteville.
“I believe [the winning streak] will continue because we know we can win now so we are going to play like it,” Carroll said.
Coleman
Football team huddles below the score borad to celebrate their long awaited win.
Langrine
Volleyball team huddles up during a time out as Coach Sharon Felker instructs the team on how to better play during the set.
FEATURES
Never Skipping a Beat
Henry Talon Editor
Hailey Mason, a new and phenomenally bright coach and teacher has struck the cheer scene at Heritage, with skill and passion like no other.
Day to day, Heritage cheer is hard at work, applying the desire and hard work it takes to become
Heritage High School Students Balance School and Work Life
Morales Lopez Talon Reporter
Entering High School can be very exhausting for many students, so imagine how students who have jobs to go to after school with 5 hour shifts and getting out with barely any sleep must feel. With all that being said, it could be very stressful and lead to many negative habits like lack of sleep, poor academic performance and more.
Numerous upperclassmen have expressed their thoughts about the fact that balancing both can be challenging. Since the last two years of high school are recognized as the most complicated, with huge exams coming up including the ACT and SAT and college applications, things can pile up fast. Therefore, it can be frustrating to balance every-
the best version the team can reach.
Both Competition and Game Day cheer teams are thrilled to have the chance to learn from Mason, with Game Day beginning in September at the start of football season and Competition just recently making their opening performance. In the meantime, Mason’s goal this year is to make it as far as the team can, making it very possible with such a head strong attitude.
“One goal that I want my athletes to reach this year is feeling confident in their skills. I believe that small goals that are achievable will get you to your big goals. Setting small goals, such as feeling confident, will get us the ‘hits’ (zero deduction routines), getting our hits
will get us wins and ultimately wins will help us feel ready headed into the State Championship,” said Mason in an email.
Coming from the perspective of a previous student and cheerleader at Heritage, it’s clear that Mason does not only believe in the success of the team as a whole, but she believes it takes everybody to make an impact. On top of that, she finds it crucial to provide an environment that her students feel comfortable in, a place they can blossom into their best selves.
Audrey Price (10) believes the best tactic Mason has put in place for cheerleaders alike is to allow the athletes some time to work independently. Price said, “She’s hands
off as she lets us do our own thing and lets us work how we want to work and then we all come together for full outs. She just kind of lets us do our thing.”
With a combination of passion, energy and a love for cheer, Mason’s students are being set for the utmost success in their futures, whether it be through cheerleading or any other careers they decide to pursue.
“Another reason I chose this career is that I believe we need more people in secondary education who care about high schoolers. We see a ton of young individuals eager to go
Cheer continued on p. 5
thing out, especially with not having enough hours to sleep, not having any time to get work done, or study for tests but that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible.
“I work at Mojitos Modern Mexican grill, the reason I started working is to obviously gain that work experience at a young age and gain a sense of responsibility.
I think compared to most students with a job, I think I handle [it] pretty good with my grades, showing up and having everything done. With exams too I think I do pretty well with just managing both. I think obviously it will be easier to do that without a job but I do think I do a pretty good job handling that,” said Donovan Rodriguez (11).
Many Heritage students seem to have adapted into their environment with being employed while still attending school. Rodriguez is one of the many students who seems to have prepared himself with school and to try to not fall behind on his
Henry
Gameday Cheer team adores their new beloved Coach, Hailey Mason.
Sanchez
Student employee hard at work at her after school job.
Never Daut Yourself
Sanchez Talon Reporter
After 24 years of teaching at Rogers Heritage High School, Kristie Daut has been all across North West Arkansas from graduating at Bentonville High School to earning her degree at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
Daut was born 1977 in Potsdam, New York. Shortly after, she then moved from New York to Michigan then to Berryville, Arkansas with her final destination being Bentonville. Daut was raised in Bentonville from 7 years old all the way to graduation. When talking about her high school experience, Daut never fails to mention how she was always helping her peers, specifically as a mathematics tutor – yet she never considered becoming a teacher. After high school, Daut applied for and attended the University of Arkansas on a full ride for her undergraduate degree. Daut had always maintained a high interest in English, however her parents believed that getting a degree in English would not support her financially which led them to the fear that she would waste her scholarship. So, as a solution, Daut went into Speech Pathology.
Work
from p. 4
school work and his studies. Although it can be a challenge Rodriguez seemed to make it work with the sense of responsibility he has developed while being employed.
“I work at Pinnacle Springs retirement community. The reason why I’m working is, for starters, I wanted to feel what it was like to have a responsibility and make my own money. I thought it would just be a little job, nothing serious but I’ve made amazing connections with my residents and it’s motivated me to keep working. In all I feel like I do a good job managing school and my education, although some-
However, Daut felt as Speech Pathology was way too particular and detailed, yet she managed to get an undergrad and made it into a Speech Pathology program in Missouri State. It was a two year associates program, yet Daut only finished one year of the program due to her choice of switching majors to English. After time, she managed to earn her masters.
“Not many people [switch majors and I] highly do not recommend doing that in your masters work, but I switched to English and I was so much happier,” said Daut.
She later goes on to explain that the reason for her happiness was because she was able to take classes about Shakespeare and Mark Twain. Around the same time was when Daut was introduced to teaching. Daut began her career in teaching for college freshman, not having any plan as to becoming a high school teacher. Unexpectedly, she received a call that Rogers was in need of a sophomore English teacher. Since Daut was planning on becoming a professor, she snatched the opportunity and took the job while she awaited to apply at more PhD programs.
“I went in and had no idea how to teach high school classes, and
times it can be frustrating because I just want to go home and sleep. I balance both by getting off work at 7:30 everyday so I think it’s super chill only working a few hours after school and after I go home [I] do my homework. It becomes a cycle and [a habit you have to learn],” said Alicia Salinas (12).
Although Salinas has been open about having difficulties with adjusting to this new lifestyle, she has expressed that she has learned to turn her schedule into a habit, therefore, making her more responsible in balancing her education and work place. Salinas has explained that this habit won’t be her life forever, suggesting that her hard work will pay off.
how to have discipline, and to teach all day six classes a day. I had no training and it was horrible at first, like I cried everyday of the first week. It was awful because I was so young and the kids were just taking advantage [of me],” said Daut.
Amidst the struggle, she later mentions that after a few months of teaching high schoolers, she came to the conclusion that this is what she truly wanted to pursue. Daut later got hired at the Rogers High School’s original campus as a sophomore English teacher.
Now 24 years later, Daut is mostly known for her incredible help with college readiness and teaching the concurrent class of College Composition I and II.
“I love Heritage because I feel like I have more of a purpose. At Heritage, I know the students [and] I know the population,’ said Daut. “So for me it’s not just a job, but it’s a wonderful purpose everyday when I come to work to mean something and to help. I like to help other people [either] when something is hard for them, or when they feel left out or when they feel like they can’t do something, I like to be their supporter and encouragement.”
These two students are examples that even with having a job it is possible to still get work done, and develop responsibility through that work experience as well. They have both gained responsibility by managing their time and creating habits that better themselves. This shows that the obstacle of having a job during school is a challenge that many can get through.
Cheer from p. 4
into elementary education, and high schoolers need that support system too. I love my job and wouldn’t trade it for anything. Coaching is a calling,” said Mason.
Sanchez
Kristie Daut loves the safe space that she has curated in her classroom.
OPINION
Oct. 29, 2025
Sanchez
Teachers use Go Guardian to monitor and restrict student’s computer activity.
Is AI Our Downfall?
Hernandez Talon Reporter
Since the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become more prevalent across the country, the question of how pressing of an issue its use is at Heritage has arisen.
Teachers across campus have been encountering the active use of AI among students for as long as it has been an issue. Many find the use of the technology to be disruptive to the learning experi-
ence and a way for students to finish their assignments faster and easier without all the time and effort being put into it.
The extent to which the use of AI in the classroom setting is an issue that has been highly exaggerated, especially with new methods of detecting its use being long in place.
In the setting of a classroom, methods of detecting the use of AI range from using Google Chrome extensions as well as an understanding from previously knowing the level of vocabulary and grammar among students.
“AI has impacted [English] because I do find students using it to
Is GoGuardian a No Go?
Sanchez Talon Reporter
A number of students have had complaints about the program Go Guardian with a majority having concerns towards their privacy.
Many teachers use this program to make sure their kids stay on track, but many students claim that this program is nothing but an invasion of privacy. The software company was founded in 2014 and is still widely used in many states, including Arkansas. At the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, students were introduced to the Bell to Bell No Cell law. The restriction on cellular devices has led to more use of school-provided devices and therefore, more activity on the GoGuardian program.
Assistant football coach Robert Staggs said, “Having Go Guardian helps keep students on task as far as what they need to do. If they get off track you’re able to limit certain pages or keep them off
cheat, especially on essays or assignments that they were not prepared to complete,” said ninth grade English teacher Madison Dean. “It is helpful for some students if they have their ideas and need to expand on [them] but sometimes they don’t know how to use it that way.”
Michael Gaucin (9) said, “[There is the] person who actually studies and actually knows the material and does it themselves [and there is] the person who uses AI [and] just puts it into a computer.”
There are arguments to be made against the use of AI and arguments for the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence. However, its use provides
the hall like confused penguins and squeeze past packs of friends who think they’re the stars of a music video walking in slow motion.
Jessica Aguilera (10) said, “[Because of] laziness [or] a lack of want to go to their classes [this] causes students to walk slowly.”
certain pages. I can see why they think [it could be an invasion of privacy because] somebody is looking at what you’re doing at all times but also think if you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing then it’s really not an issue. Students who believe [it’s an invasion of privacy] are probably the ones who need it the most.”
However, some students at Heritage High school seem to disagree.
“Some features that I don’t like is that they’re able to look at what I’m looking at. What if I’m just trying to write an email about something personal and they can see what I’m writing about,” said Ashley Hernandez (12).
Overall, our school seems to have some mixed opinions about Go Guardian, with some believing the system is used for student safety and to keep students on track. On the other hand, other students believe that Go Guardian could be an invasion of their privacy. However, the software seems like an unnecessary tool our district has implemented. Important academic factors such as grade point average are all a student’s responsibility, therefore they should not require extra supervision or be controlled.
an unfair advantage for students who need to make up for a lack of proper planning or a lack of effort. Those who do spend the time and effort to put in the work on their assignments will gain the experience and skills needed for life after high school while AI reliant students may find difficulty in scenarios where the use of AI will be unavailable to them.
“You can see the differences in their patterns of speech and their patterns of writing versus AI,” said Dean. “AI has a specific format. It is an issue because you run into plagiarism and students are just full on copying. It’s not fair to people who do work hard.”
Students fall behind a group of slow walkers during passing period. classes or pop quizzes. No, the real enemy strikes every passing period in every hallway: the slow-walkers—the human traffic jams that clog the flow and test everyone’s patience.
The Epidemic of Slow Walkers
Boyd Talon Reporter
At Rogers Heritage High School, we have exactly five minutes to get from one class to another. That’s barely enough time to walk across the school, dodge freshmen standing in the middle of
Hallways are meant for walking—not sightseeing, gossip sessions or existential pauses midstride. It’s called a hallway, not a hangout. There’s an unspoken social contract: keep right, keep moving, and for the love of all that is efficient, don’t stop in the middle. Yet somehow, these slow-moving speed bumps seem to believe they’re the main characters and the rest of us are just background extras waiting for them to move. What’s worse, they often walk in herds—a full wall of sluggish motion, forming an impenetrable blockade that no polite “excuse me” can break. You either weave through like it’s a stealth mission or accept your fate: a painfully slow crawl to class.
Not everyone moves at the same pace, and that’s okay—some students might be carrying heavy backpacks, recovering from injuries, or simply trying to avoid getting shoved. Calling them ‘vil-
lains’ ignores that schools should accommodate different needs, not punish them. Instead of waging war on slow walkers, maybe we should focus on better traffic flow—staggered release times, clearer hallway routes or even just more patience. After all, school isn’t a racetrack; it’s a place for learning—and that includes learning to share space respectfully. While it’s easy to blame slow walkers for hallway chaos, that view overlooks the real issue—overcrowded schools and poorly designed passing periods. In my experience, it takes at least two minutes to leave my classroom because of traffic, and even longer to get around clumped groups of students in these narrow hallways, which nearly makes me late to all of my classes. Five minutes might sound like enough time to some, but when 2,000 students flood narrow hallways at once, even the fastest walker ends up stuck.
If you can’t keep pace, step aside—this world moves too fast for the molasses-footed to clog the arteries of progress. Slow walkers aren’t just an inconvenience, they’re a daily menace and it’s time we call them what they are: the traffic jam of humanity.
Let’s stop pretending the biggest problem in high school is hard
Boyd
Oct. 29, 2025
Autumnal Activities - How to Spend Your Fall
Barraza
Talon Reporter
The fall season is always felt throughout Heritage with colder weather, football games, and the changed color of leaves. Students are layering up with sweaters and hoodies, with the addition of pumpkin spice lingering off English teachers and the sun is fading quickly from our days.
Students alike adore the fall
due to the various opportunities that arise such as visiting pumpkin patches, which are a huge part of student’s plans. From things like haunted houses and apple orchards, there are numerous things Heritage students participate in throughout the season. Places to visit that take part in such activities are Fayetteville’s RiverCrest Orchard, Exeter’s corn maze and Bentonville’s Turnbuckle Farm. With a blend of family and friends as well as the warm fun of the harvest season, these are
just a few places that fall nothing short of perfection.
“Exeter is one [place] I go to every year. I really enjoy the time I spend with my family,” said Ali Fannert (11).
Along with pumpkin patches, haunted houses are also a popular pick. From the fear of the stillness in the air to the thrill of scare actors charging at you, students enjoy a good scare. For a majority, haunted houses may be offputting but to others, it’s the one thing they look for-
Bad Bunny’s Appearance: A Normal Halftime Show?
Moreno Talon Reporter
Bad Bunny, a prominent Hispanic figure in the music industry, is making an appearance in the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, making it politically controversial, after previously stating that he wouldn’t be making an appearance in the United States.
The upcoming appearance for the halftime show has sparked backlash against Bad Bunny and the NFL. Various Bad Bunny fans are angry about his reluctance to tour within the United States due to fears that ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) could raid his concerts. Conservative pundit Tomi Lahren made the claim Bad Bunny is “not an American artist” on her podcast “Tomi Lahren is Fearless” during the episode that aired on September 30. This comment caused backlash since Bad Bunny was born in Puerto Rico and all Puerto Ricans have been classified as U.S. citizens since 1917. Since then the president of the United States called the choice of his appearance “absolutely ridiculous” during an interview on News-
max TV’s Greg Kelly Reports on October 7.
Bad Bunny has made his political statements towards the U.S. clear, with some of his songs, such as “NUEVAYoL”, indirectly stating his opinion towards the Trump administration and anti-immigration policies.
“I think his performance will be somewhat political, but I really just think he wants to show off his Puerto Rican culture,” said Manfredo Aguilar, a Heritage senior and prominent fan of Bad Bunny.
Heritage High School is a school with a diverse population, a majority of them being Hispanic students, many of whom are excited for the upcoming appearance of Bad Bunny in the Super Bowl.
“I feel like many people were shocked when it was announced, just because he’s known as a Puerto Rican singer, so obviously Spanish music. I think they did an amazing job on choosing him because his music has so many different meanings behind every song,” said Anai Caldero, a Heritage junior and a listener of Bad Bunny since 2017. “He definitely deserves to be part of the Super Bowl halftime.”
ward to most. Places like The Asylum in Cave Springs, Nightmares Haunted House in Bentonville, and Riverside in Siloam Springs tend to fulfill any fearsome cravings.
Sutton Crittenden (11) said, “It was an experience I won’t forget. I still get nightmares to this day.”
Thanksgiving is a holiday synonymous with the fall. It’s a time for families to gather, talk, and be thankful for each other. Yet it is more than a holiday, but a day to demonstrate your care for the ones around you and show your gratuity. Along with the get together is always the feast of delicious foods like turkey, mac and cheese, cornbread, green beans and so much more. The feast is meant to symbolize abundance and beautiful blessings from throughout the year. It’s the day to be thankful, the day to love one another and appreciate the people who stand with you and support you.
“I love spending time with my family and just getting together for a good time,” Adrian Pabon (12) said.
Up And Coming Cinema
Perez Talon Reporter
This year movies have been a huge influence on media and culture and now Heritage students are looking forward to what great movies are coming out this year.
Starting off with November movies, the year-long wait is over as Wicked: For Good is set to release November 21. Wicked is the musical-movie creation of the original play which is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz. The movie highlights friendship and the difference between following a corrupt leader just to fit in rather than following what is right.
Bad Bunny has been known to speak about his opinion on world affairs, and his audience acknowledges that. Still, a large number of his fans are looking forward to his performance.
“I’ve watched the Broadway production and I really like the second act way more than the first act because it really shows more about Elphaba’s character,” said Vilma Alvarez (10).
Speaking of sequels, after nine years there will finally be a sequel to Zootopia coming out November 26. Zootopia emphasizes the idea of never giving up as the main character struggles to achieve her dream and become a police officer.
“I think [Zootopia] is a great family bonding movie and I am excited for the release,” said Denis Landeverde (10).
Leading into movies coming out in December, Five Nights at Freddies 2 is coming out December 5.
Fnaf 2 is an adaptation of the Five Nights at Freddie’s video game series which are mainly horror based. Even though Garcia is excited about Fnaf 2 he expresses that the casting is a bit odd, specifically criticizing certain voice actors like Megan Fox for her poor voice acting in previous films she has featured in.
It seems that many students around campus are excited for the movies coming out
Henry
A vintage pinwheel on display with pumpkins at McGarrah Farms in Pea Ridge, AR.
Creative Commons License Bad Bunny is offically annouced as the half-time preformer for 2025.
Passing Time: McGarrah Farms Edition
After the warm welcome, a simple turn of the head points viewers over to one of their wonderfully constructed stacks of pumpkins. This structure comes to show the time and effort farm-builders put towards the people who take time out of their days to stop by this aesthetically pleasing setting.
Activity after activity, people are then completely immersed in the experience and the joy that follows. A scenic place like McGarrah Farms is no stranger to tending to the outdoor life, with several different animal exhibits open to the public view. From the sound of braying from donkeys to the silent flapping of butterflies wings, this farm is nothing short of vitalizing.
Heritage students are thrilled to enter the season with a cozy vibe, and with the idea of pumpkins and knitted sweaters in mind, students are seeking for the perfect fall activities – McGarrah Farms being a dream destination. As soon as sightseers enter the gates, they are greeted with a barn labeled “McGarrah Farms” with a small outline of a horse. The sign is not only a welcome to all visitors who adore this cozy time of year, but they’re reminded of McGarrah’s roots – connecting people to the land and loving local.
Once folks become familiar with the area, another attention grabbing scene catches the eye, with large bouncy pads, games, and families gathered. McGarrah holds their values close to their heart, with one of their biggest being the love for the people around you. It’s a place for communities to gather, get comfortable, and enjoy the surrounding life.
