The Jag
December 2020
ROAR This Edition:
Kira Farrell: Summertime blues, Page 3 Julia Ostrowski: Homework? No, thank you, Page 4 Julia DiBlasi: Safe Shopping, Page 5 Elliot Clarke: Feeding the community, Page 6
Photo by Joel Saget Syringe and bottle reading “Vaccine COVID-19” next to Moderna biotech company logo.
Covid Vaccine Moderna comes out with an effective Covid-19 Vaccine By Kira Farrell JagRoar Staff UNITED STATES - Moderna, a biotechnology company located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has recently developed a COVID-19 vaccine which could turn around this pandemic. This new vaccine could be the solution for the world’s biggest health problem. Moderna’s scientists have been studying the coronavirus and testing many patients since March. They want to bring their technology, which has been developed for 10 years, to help
this pandemic. Scientists are glad they have been able to advance the vaccine to help in any way possible. Meanwhile, Windham High School staff and students are hopeful about the vaccine’s effectiveness. Mrs. Carter, one of the school’s nurses, commented, “I am still open for more information to come my way about this new vaccine. But I think that it has been fast with the way it’s been manufactured and it’s a really good tool going forward for us.” Story continues on Page 4
Alexis Benjamin: Reservations six feet apart, Page 7 Tim Martin: Food and fitness, Page 9 Kaden Lemay: Music for the mind and soul, Page 10 Nathan LeVine: NBA creating a way to play, Page 12
THE JAGROAR
Jag Opinion
DECEMBER 2020 • PAGE 2
Face Masks Make a Bigger Impact than You Think
By, Elliot Clarke JagRoar Staff WINDHAM- Masks are a vital piece of equipment needed to help stop the spread of the global pandemic (COVID-19). The protection that a mask brings, if everyone would wear one, everywhere they go, they can certainly stop the spread of COVID-19. Masks are enforced in most stores and businesses but they should be enforced in states especially highly densely populated states with high rates of infection. According to the CDC in the United States about 318,600 people have contracted the virus and died. Based on data provided by the WHO, US virus deaths account for around 20% of the global COVID-19 deaths. It could be concluded that due to the lack of people wearing masks the US has one of the highest death rates out of the globe. It is crazy that we are having this debate after all. Dozens of countries have already mandated mask-wearing in public. Due to the lack of masks, it is not a coincidence that the United States remains the world’s coronavirus hot spot. Wearing masks saves lives, they have been doubted by many, inferring that they are useless and don’t have an impact on the virus. Think about it as good hygiene and common courtesy. Would you sneeze into your hand and then not wipe it off before shaking the hand of a person standing next to you? Of course not. So why
wouldn’t you wear a mask? So even with masks, we also need distancing, hand-washing, contact tracing and bans on large assemblies. I’m also a big believer in more widespread sewage testing to provide an early warning that the virus is in the neighborhood. Matthew Tye who is a seventeen-year-old athlete has to play soccer wearing a mask. He describes masks to be ‘uncomfortable’ and ‘sweaty’ while playing, but he understands the importance of wearing a mask, so even with these minor problems he still wears his mask. A University of Washington computer model suggests that 33,000 American lives could be saved from Covid-19 if more people wore masks. The implication is that inconsiderate Americans unwilling to wear them could in the next few months kill thousands of their neighbors. Public messaging matters. Unfortunately, President Trump has retweeted messages that mock the use of face masks. He has avoided wearing one in public, leaving a tainted image of a mask for the supporters of Trump which could have caused damage to the country. Although it has not been peer-reviewed, a Stanford University study claims that some of President Trump’s campaign rallies have spread the coronavirus and led to more than 700 deaths. Masks are to protect you and everyone around you, wear one.
The Challenge of the Driving Test For the Elderly
By Julia DiBlasi JagRoar Staff
When Justin Rogers, age 25, an instructor from Thin Blue Line driving school, in Windham, NH, was asked whether it should be a state law for elders to get tested, he replied, “Yes, I do believe NEW HAMPSHIRE — One of the most important topics on that this should become a state law because it would help the safe driving is whether or not adults ages 70 or older should be safety of the person driving and the other drivers on the road.” required to take a driving test. It is noted that after a certain age, One of the counterarguments that came up during the interpeople’s motor skills tend to weaken, which views was on the subject of “If you have a family can lead to attention deficiencies. These factors member in that category what do you think they support the argument that elderly drivers should would say?” retake a driving test at a certain age. Dom Fiore, age 16, a student at Windham High An article on Aging Care mentions many School, who works with cars, answered, “I believe factors ranging from vision impairment, hearing that my grandma would get offended. She definiteloss, limited mobility, and other medical conly would not want to take this test again. She beditions which can contribute to many elderly drivlieves that she is a very good driver.” I think many ers’ involved in accidents. of us would agree that we would encounter this The CDC stated, “in 2017, almost 7,700 older type of resistance from an elderly family member. adults (aged 65+) were killed in motor vehicle It is a tough topic to address but a very important crashes, and more than 257,000 were treated in one if explained properly. emergency departments for motor vehicle crash In conclusion, elderly individuals are impaired injuries.” with various factors that can lead to an accident The majority of elderly people have medical and/or a fatality. It would be in the best interests problems that make it harder for them to travel. of not only the person driving but also for the According to the National Highway Traffic and Photo by Julia DiBlasi safety of everyone else on the road if people at a Safety Administration (NHTSA), “in 2018, about certain age were required to be tested to make sure 19% of all traffic fatalities were people older than DiBlasi’s grandmothers car that their abilities were adequate to perform safe following a crash. driving on the roads. 65. Older people are more susceptible to driving-related fatalities.”
THE JAGROAR
OPINION
DECEMBER 2020 • PAGE 3
Why Windham Lacrosse Needs New Helmets By Nathan LeVine JagRoar Staff WINDHAM - The Windham High School boys lacrosse team currently has the STX rival helmets, which are uncomfortable and do not allow the boys to play to their full potential. The team should purchase the Cascade S. helmets, which are more comfortable, look sharper, and would allow the boys to feel safer on the field. The Windham Highschool needs to make the effort to purchase these safer, more comfortable and better helmets for the boys. New technology and innovation is playing a big part in our society today so why not capitalize on it? The Cascade Helmet Holding Company, the main producer of lacrosse helmets, writes on their website, “The Cascade S helmet was built with game changing technology. It uses a balanced and aligned vision bar face mask, that allows players to see the field more clearly.” This will
allow the Windham boys to be agile and team has not had the same flair they used aware on the lacrosse field. Cascade also to. Alex Ryan, a Junior attackman for the writes, “The trilinear system Windham Lacrosse team that the helmet uses allows said, “When you look good PERSPECTIVE the helmet to distribute blows you play good,” a phrase and absorb the impact to commonly used throughout better protect the player.” It the lacrosse community. is always important to keep players away Purchasing these helmets is an achievfrom injuries and keep them active. The able goal as well. Joe Young, coach of protection of the current lacrosse helmets the lacrosse team, says, “With the current is very limited and Junior defenseman budget, the team could buy around 23 Patrick Furtado has proof. “They chipped helmets, that leaves about 17 helmets to very easily and bent. I was hit in the head fundraise for.” In conclusion, by the time from a ball and my head hurt for many the season comes each player needs to days afterwards,” Patrick said. Contact raise $94. High School students can find a with the helmet is made frequently during way to make $94 in the span of 4 months. a game so it is important for helmets to The Windham boys lacrosse players have successful protection and to keep the are prepared to do their part in purchasing Windham Lacrosse team healthy. An unthese new helmets. With everything that derrated factor in lacrosse that affects play the Windham boys lacrosse team had to is how the player looks. When walking lose last spring, they deserve to start this onto a field with a great style and uniform, season fresh with a new team, new year, confidence is already high. Since owning and new helmets. the STX Rival the Windham Lacrosse
Why Summer is Favored More than Winter By Kira Farrell JagRoar Staff WINDHAM- More people enjoy summer than winter. There are many attributes that make summer more valuable than other seasons during the year. Summer gives off a positive atmosphere where people can do many things on a daily basis. Summer is the warmest season compared to winter where it’s long with frigid temperatures. Summer is the most stress free.The possibilities are endless for having fun, whether it’s indoor or outdoor activities. Summer let’s teenagers rest to recharge for the fall quarter. It helps relieve some of the pressure experienced during the academic year they’ve had. Summer provides both the physical and mental state of any individual’s well-being. Experts say you may be more likely to get sick during the winter months, but not because of the rain. Elizabeth Pratt, a physiologist doctor in Brookline, MA states, “cold weather forces people to be in enclosed spaces longer and increases the risk of infection.” Winter is a great season to do some activities outside but there’s a high risk
factor of illnesses that comes with it. This season affects an individual’s mood and their health. “I love the winter, I love skiing but I just love the freedom of summer. You get to be outside, I don’t have to keep track of how many layers I have on all the time. As well as getting a bad cold or being sick for a week,” said Mrs. Gauvin, a Biology teacher at Windham High School who also agrees that summer is better than winter. Lukas Rondeau, a student athlete at Windham High School, expresses his opinion on why summer is better than winter. “The change in season does make a difference in how I feel. During the winter, I feel unhappy compared to the summer where I feel a lot more happy.” According to Dr. William Leasure, Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota “The change in seasons can influence your body’s melatonin and serotonin — natural substances that play a role in sleep timing and mood. When combined, these factors may lead to SAD with change in season, especially winter.” Aria Constantine, a senior at Windham High school, states, “I would rather spend more time in the summer than winter
because it’s less stressful and I can walk right out the door without worrying about putting layers on so I don’t catch a cold.” Aria loves spending her time outdoors when she can’t during the winter season. “During the winter, people spend more time indoors with the windows sealed, so they are more likely to breathe the same air as someone who has the flu and thus contract the virus,” Hannah Foster a PhD candidate in the Molecules, Cells, and Organisms program at Harvard University. She explains how winter once again can cause harm to individuals if someone got sick from another person from being inside so much. All in all, summer is supported by more individuals than winter is. People are able to not only enjoy the outdoors but be able to eat outside, not catch any bad illnesses or colds and soak up the sunshine. Everyone is able to have a happy state of mind. with the health benefits that come with it. Have something to say? Email ksullivan@windhamsd.org WANT TO JOIN? Contact Mrs. Sullivan!
THE JAGROAR
OPINION
DECEMBER 2020 • PAGE 4
Speed Limits Should be Readjusted By Tim Martin JagRoar Staff
UNITED STATES - Driving is a major part of everyone’s lives, being a fast and easy method of transportation to get to and from work or school. But a main part of driving is following the speed limit, which instruct drivers to go below a certain speed. These limits are essential as they force drivers to go a certain speed to make it easier to break, thus preventing accidents. Yet, they have been outdated since the 1980’s, at which point they were calculated using different cars. Since then, technological advancements have improved the engines, breaks, and cameras of cars. Therefore, speed limits should be readjusted based on the cars we use today. The speed limits on main roads and highways should be increased, leading to more efficient traffic. An article written by Steven A. Holmes brings up the last time Congress raised the speed limit, which was in 1987. The speed limit was raised from fifty-five miles per hour to sixty-five miles per hour because of improved cars. Since this has happened in the past, it should reoccur now, due to even better and smarter cars. As the car technology progresses, speed limits should
evolve as well. Jacob Swalegen, a police academy recruit, commented, “From what I’ve learned, many main roads and highways can be increased by at least five or ten miles per hours because of how cars are today.” Additionally, Auto insurance companies claims that cars built today are safer than those manufactured fifty years ago. Cars are built a lot more studeir and safer for transportation, which is why the speed limits should be readjusted. Highways and main roads speeds should be increased, since it would be more efficient and faster for people to get places. But the ones that shouldn’t change are those in school zones and residential areas because of the risks involved. Alex Barry, a drivers’ ed instructor, agrees, “Speed limits are the law of the road, but it needs to change on the highway most definitely.” He added that these changes were tried “with the left lane being a passing only or going faster.” Barry concluded by saying, “You’re always gonna have speeders and people who drive slow so you need to eliminate both.” Increasing the speed limit should help increase the balance between speeders and those who drive slow. Cars are becoming smarter every day
with companies such as Tesla making innovations. For example, now we have electric cars and cars that are safer with better braking and engine control, as well as cameras to check your blindspots easier. The future has more in store for transportation, so why not allow speed limits to be
not believe in homework because I do not think students spend quality time on homework. Most students just do their homework to get it done and our intention for homework is to make students learn.” Mia Savastano, a 17 year old senior at Windham High School, said, “I get a lot of homework from my science teacher and it is overwhelming for students and it should not be a thing especially now because of covid and stuff and how we are remote. We are already on the computer for 6 hours plus homework time.” Julia DiBlasi, a 17 year old senior at Windham High School, agreed with me that she hates to study and do all her homework at once. We both get distracted easily and we find it kind of boring but we know that it has to get done. We feel sometimes that we just do it to get it over with because we have other things to do. The two of us get overwhelmed with the amount of assignments we get each night sometimes.
Some people may feel completely different, including teachers. Some teachers find homework beneficial and good to practice with, but others do not feel the same way. Some teachers think it is a good way to bring your grade up as well. According to Heathlines “Is Too Much Homework Bad for Kids’ Health?,” elementary kids are getting three times the amount of homework than normal, which can lead to stress at such a young age. Another article called “Do our kids have too much homework?” by greatschools, states that kids today are overwhelmed, citing an example of a first grader who was required to research a significant person from history and write a paper of at least two pages about the person, as well as include with a bibliography. Kids, regardless of their age, should never be stressed with homework, because of the negative consequences this mentality can bring.
JagRoar Staff Drew Anderson: Co-Editor Nika Luchanok: Co-Editor Marielle Hall: Opinion Editor Anabella Tran: Features Editor Mia Akin: Features Editor Olivia Chik: News Editor Riley Ergin: Positivity Editor Journalism I Class: Contributors Mrs. Sullivan: Advisor
Should Students be Given Homework? By Julia Ostrowski JagRoar Staff
WINDHAM - Do you think students should be given homework during after school hours? Many people have their own opinion on this question, making it a debatable topic. I believe that students should never get homework because they have come from such a long day of learning at school and it is not fair to stress them out even more. Homework stresses kids out to the max, which leads to their mental health declining. And if mental health declines, then general well-being declines. Even to this day I feel that students just want to get their homework done and not learn about anything. Homework also takes up so much of a student’s day and it is hard to fit it in if they have a busy after school schedule. Jillian Wudarczyk, a teacher at Windham High School, said, “I personally do
THE JAGROAR
Jag News
DECEMBER 2020 • PAGE 5
Photo by Julia DiBlasi Many people have rushed to stock up on their groceries.
Grocery Shopping in a Pandemic New guidelines change shopping experience
By Julia DiBlasi JagRoar Staff NEW HAMPSHIRE - The Coronavirus has forced local citizens to change their grocery shopping habits in an effort to maintain safety. Leaders of large grocery store chains are limiting the number of shoppers in their stores, decreasing the amount of human interaction and, thus, lessening the risk of spreading COVID-19. Additionally, curbside pickup and online shopping have been beneficial to shoppers and provided another method of limiting the spread. Mia Savastano, a WHS senior whose dad started purchasing grocery items online due to the pandemic, expressed that “it is more beneficial to do curbside pickup because it causes less interaction with people and you do not touch as
many items either.” Savastano also said, “Purchasing grocery items by curbside has been a lot easier than I thought.” Julia Ostrowski, another Windham High School student and Market Basket employee, states, “It is a personal opinion on whether or not you want to enter into a grocery store. There are plenty of other options that you could follow.” She comments on her employer, Market Basket: “I believe that it is safe, and we do follow the CDC health regulations, including wearing a mask, sanitizing hands, and practicing social distancing.” According to the Centers for Disease Control, people should “wear masks in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Make sure to practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet away from others.” The Centers for Disease Control focuses on helping everyone stay safe. Practicing the proper guidelines will benefit yourself
and others.
Photo by Elliot Clarke Signage at local Shaw’s indicates Covid-19 safety precautions
THE JAGROAR
Continued from the front page...
Matt Logue, a Windham High School graduate who is now attending Southern New Hampshire University, says, “I think this new vaccine will affect older people who have bad health conditions. This vaccine could honestly change this whole pandemic. I just want things to go back to normal.” According to an article written by to James Gallagher, the BBC’s health and science correspondent, Moderna hopes
NEWS
DECEMBER 2020 • PAGE 6
to have up to one billion doses available for global use around the world next year and is planning to seek approval in other countries too. This new vaccine could be the answer to turning the pandemic around, which has brought a lot of stress to families and businesses. Dr. Stephen Hoge, Moderna’s president, said, “I don’t think any of us really hoped that the vaccine would be 94% effective at preventing Covid-19 disease, that was really a stunning realisation.”
Scientists continue to encourage everyone to wear their masks while in public to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. While this vaccine is a step towards restoring life before the pandemic, citizens must still regard the social distancing guidelines. It’s very exciting to have a vaccine that could fix everything, but we all must keep in mind we still need to do our part and social distance.
them. She expresses, “I am excited to help fill a need for a local community organization, especially during the holiday season. I can bring additional awareness to the student body and they can fulfill their service learning hours.” Across the world, people are also making an effort to help others. Miriam Murphy, a consistent contributor to food drives in Liverpool, England says that “It makes me feel emotionally better, as I know once I’ve helped out somebody who isn’t as fortunate.” Murphy continues, as a result of the food donations, less fortunate people “don’t have to scavenge for their next
meal and can spend the money they do have on warmer clothes” for the fast-approaching winter. Similarly, in Windham food donations are tremendously helpful. With one in seven people in the United States counting on food pantries for some of their nutrition, more fortunate people should not underestimate the impact of food drives. As Norman Borlaug, an American biologist, humanitarian, and Nobel laureate states, “The first component of social justice is adequate food for all mankind. Food is the moral right for all who are born into this world.”
Food Drives are Critical for Society By Elliot Clarke JagRoar Staff
WINDHAM - Recently, Windham High School held a food drive to try and help the local community. Students could gain service hours by donating food, and the donations that were collected within the school are being distributed this following week. Food drives are an easy way to give back to the community and help families, especially during these tragic and depressing times. Katie Napierkoski, a staff member at WHS, who brings a lot of awareness to the food drive really enjoys
Photo by hungertaskforce.com Members of the Summit county come together to hold a food drive.
THE JAGROAR
NEWS
DECEMBER 2020 • PAGE 7
New Restaurant Restrictions COVID-19 has forced restaurants to modify their procedures
By Alexis Benjamin JagRoar Staff WINDHAM—When the COVID-19 Pandemic started, restaurants were originally deemed unsafe; however, they reopened in May of this year. As a result, restaurant goers and owners are experiencing new restrictions. Some of these restrictions are that
everyone must remain 6 feet apart at all times, as well as must wear a mask until your party is seated. Many people have different opinions on these restrictions. In a brief interview, Loren Pappas talked about what restrictions she has in place and how she feels about them. The thirty-two year old restaurant owner states, “I know they are in place for our safety, but I can’t help but think how ridiculous it can get.” Pappas claims that she sometimes “has to chase people around just to ask them to wear a mask.” Jen Cadieux, a 38 year old local, that eats out occasionally asserts that in every
Photo by fona.com COVID-19 is forcing many new practices to be implemented in restaurants.
Some Profit from Pandemic Supermarkets are seeing new growth and profits By Elliot Clarke JagRoar Staff WINDHAM - Supermarkets over the world have benefited due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With online supermarket shopping increasing by over 40%, many companies have invested highly on their e-commerce sales and logistics. According to data from the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) and Nielsen, supermarkets’ sales of private brands jumped by double digits in the first quarter of 2020 as U.S. consumers stocked up on groceries and daily essentials. This huge positive impact happened as people began to fear a deficiency of their basic necessities. As soon as COVID-19 became classified as a pandemic and documented as
being fatal, many people raced to grocery stores to stock up. Collin O’Donnell, a worker at Shaws Supermarket said this behavior is“vicious hoarding.” To deal with the crisis, grocers are also having to balance an increased demand for workers with the needs of employees who may need to take time off because they (or loved ones) are sick. Retailers will likely be in this situation for months as the outbreak drags on. Within grocery stores, the sanitary paper product manufacturing market especially encountered a boom. In fact, it is expected to grow from $65.8 billion in 2019 to about $107.9 billion in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increase in demand for paper products as people are increasingly preferring disposable paper products to curb the spread of viral infection. Furthermore, as a result of the pandemic, many consumers have switched to online shopping.
restaurant she has been to, “everyone has been adhering to the rules and restrictions.” Cadieux says she always “wears a mask and washed her hands anytime she goes anywhere.” A source from CNBC News talks about what kind of guidelines are being put in place. In New Hampshire, “everyone must have their name and number put down before they enter the restaurant, so they can be notified if there is a Covid case reported in the restaurant.” Although some restaurant-goers may be inattentive to these restrictions, others can protect themselves and those around them by following the imposed guidelines. Miss Miriam Murphy, a customer who converted to online shopping due to the fear of coronavirus within stores, says that it is “perfect” and makes her “world a lot less hectic.” Miss Murphy chose the newly introduced AmazonFresh as her method of shopping, which was launched in her area in late August 2020. Amazon, one of the most wealthy companies in the world, expanded their online grocery shopping service in late August 2020 to provide fresh food to customers and delivered right to their doorstep. Amazon is already a large company that delivers goods, so this food delivery business was destined to be successful. Amazon signed a contract with the supplier “Whole Foods Market” to give customers high quality products. Of 1,152 consumers polled, 52% had bought groceries online in the past 12 month. Despite the volume of the coronavirus cases in America, many people actually feel safe within the supermarket due to the clear safety precautions implemented for the protection of employees and customers. “I don’t feel exposed to the pandemic as much as I will be just by going to work,” said Mrs. Erin Grainger a customer of Shaws. Shops have created very clear precautionary measures to minimize the exposure of customers. U.S. online grocery sales grew 22% in 2019 and propelled by high demand from nationwide COVID-19 lockdowns, stood to surge about 40% this year, according to the Coresight Research U.S. Online Grocery Survey 2020. Therefore, it is clear that COVID-19 has had a positive impact on supermarket sales, both in-person and online.
THE JAGROAR
Jag Features
DECEMBER 2020 • PAGE 8
Photo by Chuck Swierad
WHS football coach, Jack Byrne (middle), coaches a football game pre-COVID.
COVID-19 Affecting Fall Sports WHS athletes being affected by the Coronavirus By Kira Farrell JagRoar Staff
WINDHAM- Massive sport cancellations, due to the continued onset of Covid, are causing stress and anxiety to both athletes and families for this Fall season. There will be different rules and regulations athletes must follow. Sports will feel different this year with the new guidelines, but they are designed for our safety. According to the Division of Health and Human Services, protocols have to be strictly followed to prevent the spread of the virus. All athletes must stay six feet apart with the prominent six-feet-apart rule. According to the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletics Association website, Neal Weaver mandated no hugging, shaking hands, or fist bumping for support/encouragement. There are requirements to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and exercise equipment, which includes balls. Two main organizations have published guidelines concerning sports. I have covered multiple sports but what stuck out to me was this past week, Amy Lanouette, a junior field hockey player was
able to play field hockey with her teammates at Windham High School who competed against Bishop Guertin to advance to the next round. Unfortunately, there are fewer games and practices this season and practices. Furthermore, games may be rescheduled. Lanouette states, “People should know that we have taken everything seriously and we have worked so hard to turn this team into something incredible”. She wants everyone to know the team will be ready for anything in order to become D1 state Champions just like last year.” with “defend their D1 State Champions title.” The Senior Team captain “of the Varsity Soccer Team”, Kate Burzlaff expressed, “The season has been shortened by a lot, and we have to wear masks during practice and while on the benches.” This season has been shortened by a lot compared to other years but Kate is still confident they will do great. Matt Bryant, Human Anatomy & Physiology teacher and Varsity Soccer Coach, posts information on a Facebook page giving all of the game’s schedules. He states that athletes should be wearing masks to practice and when riding the bus seating 6 feet apart. Across the country sports and athletes have patiently been waiting with the hope they will be able to play. Unfortunately, Story continues on Page 9
THE JAGROAR
FEATURES
DECEMBER 2020 • PAGE 9
Story continued from Page 8 Covid-19 has impacted the way sports has been originally known to be. To play or not to play still remains unknown and is the question. Jack Bryne, Physical Education teacher at Windham High School and Varsity Football Head Coach, is proud to see his team work hard so this season’s challenges and obstacles. Although there have been fewer practices during the beginning of the season, the team has continued to stay dedicated and the players spirits have not diminished even though a virus has put a damper this fall. “Football is different for so many reasons, but what makes it different and special this year is that we’ve had both the fear and the short-term reality of losing the sport we love. Our players and coaches always show so much dedication for the game, but watching them practice now, knowing that it really can be taken away at any point, makes me so proud because I see how much they care,” said Bryne. Even though there has been a pandemic going on, athletes and coaches have all been supportive by working together to ensure the wellbeing of the community. We are all in this together, taking this pandemic day by day.
Photo by Chuck Swierad Kate Burzlaff in November of 2019 during a soccer game. Moments after, Burzlaff scores a goal for her team, an unforgettable moment.
Why Fitness is More than Working Out By Tim Martin JagRoar Staff
WINDHAM - With the start of 2020 having many people working from home and having more time to themselves many have decided to try to workout or focus on their bodies more since they now have the time to do it. Despite popular belief, fitness also includes a healthy and well-balanced diet, which can then lead to a healthier lifestyle. Diet is very important to maintain the state of fitness because the body needs nutrients to maintain the new found muscle mass or change of habits. Protein helps gain and keep muscle mass. People need to eat enough protein to equal their mass. So if someone weighs 150 pounds, they need to eat 150 grams of protein per day to maintain their muscle mass. In an interview with a college student who recently got into fitness, Ashley discusses why she made the change.
“I rarely ate one day and ate some food the other day. My body started to be affected by the lack of food and water I consumed, and I wasn’t really happy.” Ashley explained why she wanted to make the change and how it was difficult for her at first to meet the requirements each day for her body to feel good. She explains how at first it wasn’t easy to make the change but staying determined is how she is going to get through this. An article by Abby Ellin shows the statistics and scientific facts about how people changed during these drastic times. “The difference between losers, gainers and maintainers during the pandemic, experts say, is largely dependent on your mind-set: how you approach a new set of circumstances and cope with change.” Having your mind in the right place and being determined to change can be difficult but if you want something you gotta work for it. This
Photo by Chuck Swierad 3 year varsity player, Amy Lanouette assists a pass to her teammate. has led to many people with free time to make this drastic change for themselves As people increase their levels of exercise, they need to understand that working out is only half of the formula, and nutrition makes up the other half. People need to get the proper amount of nutrition their bodies need to grow and keep up with the state of fitness. Protein, carbohydrates, and fat make up the main nutrients which can help the most to make the body better and stronger. With the start of this pandemic and the drastic change
in lifestyle people have changed in either good or bad ways. With many people exercising more they need to maintain the muscle mass on their body by consuming enough protein.
THE JAGROAR
DECEMBER 2020 • PAGE 10
Music Affects Our Emotions Music helps students reduce stress By Kaden Lemay JagRoar Staff WINDHAM-Music is used in today’s world for more than just listening. In fact, it is an escape from society as a whole. Additionally, music can help relieve stress and anxiety, and put people in a better mood. Studies have found that music has multiple effects on one’s persona, such as creating better communication skills, assisting in repairing brain damage, and making a person overall smarter. “I’ve always had a strong relationship with music. I played piano and sang for many years growing up and still enjoy singing today (even if it’s only along to the radio). I connect with music on an emotional level and it has always given me a release for my energy, be it positive or negative,” said Mrs. O’Connell, a psychology teacher at Windham High School who teaches and studies the brain. Mrs. O’Connell listens to various types of music depending on the type of mood she is in or the type of mood she wants to be in. “If I’m feeling stressed or anxious I’ll often listen to music by The Offspring, Soundgarden, Puddle of Mudd, Seether, Breaking Benjamin, etc. If I just want to mellow out and relax, I’ll listen to a lot of acapella 90s pop,” said Mrs. O’Connell.
According to news source Healthline, a study was conducted where over 7000 patients were chosen who experienced pain and those who experienced a slightly greater, but insignificant, reduction in pain and needed the least pain medication were the ones who got to pick their own music. After reviewing the results, it was found that more people become genuinely healthier when they get to choose and listen to the music that they desire. Nate Levine, a 17 year old senior at Windham High School said that when “homework starts to pile up” and he gets “stressed out,” he will go on drives and “put on soft music” to help him “rejuvenate and calm down.” Nate is not alone, many students find music to be a very helpful way to calm down after a long day full of stress and schoolwork. An article produced by students at the University of Central Florida supports the idea that music has a positive impact on the psychological part of the brain, stating,“music can help change your ability to perceive time, tap into primal fear, reduce seizures, make you a better communicator, make you stronger, boost your immune system, assist in repairing brain damage, make you smarter, evoke memories, and help Parkinson’s patients.” “Music is very influential on people’s behavior and helps cope with modern day stress and anxiety. It is [also] a way for people to communicate,” said Dalton LeMay, 19 year old electrical college student
at Manchester Community College. Music is everywhere, and can affect you in many positive ways, so listen to different types of music and fully enjoy the art of music as a whole.
Photo by Kaden Lemay Many students listen to LoFi beats to relieve stress.
Photo by Kaden Lemay Student using a Macbook to listen to music.
How Yoga can Improve Lifestyle Photo by By Nathan LeVine JagRoar Staff Nathan Levine Kaden Lemay, a WHS student participating in yoga OCTOBER 15, 2020 – The fastest growing drug free stress reliever in toin a nice environment. day’s word is Yoga, said the Mayo Clinic, a healthcare company. Many Americans are constantly struggling with stress and many do not know how to deal with it. Stress makes the human body feel tired, angry, and upset, so working to eliminate it is in everyone’s best interest. Through exercise and meditation, yoga frees the mind from stress and rewards a happier mental state. Vanessa Voto, a 5 year trained yoga teacher, said that, “Yoga is a great way to decompress, and a way for people to take time for themselves and move their bodies.” Sometimes, all a person needs is some alone time in the right environment. Story continues on Page 11
THE JAGROAR
Story continued from Page 10 Furthermore, scientific studies have found that yoga relieves stress. The Mayo Clinic explained how yoga can reduce heart rate, stress, and blood pressure. Hatha yoga is most well known for stress management. This form of yoga really focuses on breathing, the body, and the mind. Hatha poses consist of the tree pose, bound angle, and warrior pose. Ann Pizer, a yoga instructor who received an education at Tufts University, wrote that, “Any exercise will help relieve stress by keeping the body healthy and releasing endorphins, natural hormones that make you feel better. Yoga also relieves stress through stretching.” As well as releasing hormones, yoga also helps with breathing. Yoga teaches people how to properly breathe, which is important, as breathing the right way can allow one to control their mind and come to the realization that everything is okay.
FEATURES
Ann Pizer wrote about this in her article. Katie Hawkins, a highschool student who participates in Yoga said, “Yoga helps me in a physical way because it is a good way to improve flexibility as well as improves body awareness. It helps me mentally because it helps me relax and relieves anxiety and stress,” Katie is just one of the many people who use yoga to relieve stress. Yoga is starting to be advertised as a class in different schools around the country as well, which results in many people being exposed to it. Jack Byrne, a physical education teacher at Windham High School recently started teaching Lifetime and Personal Fitness, a class where students get to do yoga and meditate. He went over how the class has had
DECEMBER 2020 • PAGE 11
great success and most students walk out really enjoying it. Mr. Byrne said, “Yoga is great because, like meditation, it can be many things to many people. Some take it to a more spiritual place, some like it for relaxation, others like the flexibility or muscular endurance benefits.” Lastly, Yoga is also great because it can be done at any time of the day. From interviewing different people it seems like it just comes down to preference. Vanessa’s favorite time for yoga is in the morning to help start the day and rejuvenate cells. Katie and Jack’s favorite time was at the end of the day to digest everything and finally relax. If looking for a yoga class, go online and find one nearby. If there are none nearby, a great thing about yoga is that it can be done virtually too!
Yoga is a great way to decompress... for people to take time for themselves
Covid Affects Nurses and Students
By Julia Ostrowski JagRoar Staff
The Corona Virus has affected many people in the health field, including nurses and doctors who make sure their patients are ok. Not only does it affect medical professionals , but it also affects students. Nurses put extra hours into their work days to make sure their patients have everything necessary. The world today is very different than it was a few months ago. Sanitization around schools and more PPE in hospitals will result in a lesser chance of getting the virus. People have adapted to the changes from never wearing a mask to wearing a mask in public. While school nurses put so much of their time into having to learn new procedures,students also have to adapt. They have to wear their masks at all times in school and must sanitize their hands whenever entering a classroom. Masks are a great way for anyone to prevent the spread of Covid, whether it is to help yourself or another person. Nurses have seen an increase in positive Covid cases ever since school reopened. Hopefully, students will not be forced into remote learning again due to the increase of cases. Kelly Carter, a nurse at Windham High School wrote in an email, “I’m quite impressed at how WHS has adapted to CoronaVirus. We have adhered to state guidelines and have implemented all the safety measures needed to safely have students and staff in our building.” Through a video call, Phyllis Tanso, a nurse at Woburn North Andover Pediatrics said, “My biggest struggle for me has been trying to remain confident during these times of unknown. Patients are calling and they are scared and always ask a lot of questions about the virus. I always try to be honest.” Tanso also stated “In March, when it hit hard, we had to close our North Andover office and put more of our staff on furlough. We installed a new medical record system that we barely had any training on. In September, it became the hardest and we started
seeing the office increase with patients, and as school reopened, we started to see a higher volume with sick children.”
Photo by Julia Ostrowski Disposable masks are commonly seen at WHS. Both Nature.com and the New York Times have commented on the pandemic. According to Nature.com’s “Progress report on the coronavirus pandemic” article, “In March, data from the cruise ship Diamond Princess revealed that 17.9% of those who tested positive for COVID-19 on the ship had no symptoms.” Although scientists are frantically searching for a vaccine, the New York Times predicts that an effective one is months or possibly years away, as said in “The Coronavirus? - What Scientists Have Learned So Far”. Julia DiBlasi, a seventeen year old senior at Windham High School, states “The virus has affected me emotionally because it is sad that I cannot see anyones face when I go out in public, and when I do go out, I have to be very careful and I just want everything to be back to normal.” At the end of the day, we have very hard working nurses and doctors and students that go out of their way to prevent the spread of the Corona Virus.
THE JAGROAR
FEATURES
DECEMBER 2020 • PAGE 12
Traveling During the Pandemic By Julia DiBlasi JagRoar Staff NEW HAMPSHIRE - Many families who have planned to travel are left wondering whether or not it is safe to do so during the global pandemic. Most states across America have begun to reopen, but the coronavirus cases are still escalating in populated areas. Being well-informed of the risks while traveling during the pandemic is extremely important not only for yourself but others around you. While taking these safety precautions into consideration, there are ways to travel safely and responsibly. Joe McNamra, age 45, who traveled this month from Detroit, Michigan to Tampa, Florida, expressed, “Traveling during the pandemic is a lot different than you may expect. People are a lot more fearful to travel so there are barely any people in the airports.” Flying does not come without a risk, but airlines and airports have actions put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19. According to the article “What It’s Really Like To Take A Beach Vacation During Coronavirus” on Forbes.com, “the coronavirus has interrupted travel on a global scale. If you decide to plan a trip anywhere during the pandemic, you should check local travel restrictions for the destination you are hoping to visit, consider warnings from the State Department and CDC and be prepared for
quarantines or restrictions that could make travel challenging.” Taking a getaway may appear to be fun and relaxing but in reality there are many different factors that individuals have to look into before traveling. For example, a lot of public places are closed due to the coronavirus. “I believe that people can travel at their own risk. If individuals feel safe enough and follow the proper precautions then they will be okay. On the other hand, traveling to heavy populated areas can be unsafe because the virus can be contracted a lot easier,” said Grace Porcaro, a WHS student age 14, who traveled from Boston, Massachusetts to Charleston, South Carolina. COVID-19 has redefined the ways of traveling. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Airports, bus stations, train stations, and rest stops are all places travelers can be exposed to the virus in the air and on surfaces. These are also places where it can be hard to social distance. In general, the longer you are around a person with COVID-19, the more likely you are to get infected.” Before traveling, give yourself time to research the place you are staying, surrounding areas, protocols in airports, and the CDC regulations for traveling. Adam Marotta, another WHS student age 17, who traveled over thanksgiving break, mentioned, “Traveling is very fun. I love to go on vacations with my family
and friends. There are a lot of guidelines you can follow while traveling but it is a huge risk. As of right now, I think it would be best if families held off on traveling to not only benefit themselves but also others surrounding them.” While traveling is fun, it is very risky. Staying home is the best way to prevent COVID-19 from spreading. If individuals need to travel then following the proper regulations needs to take place. “In any other year, we’d be happily flying over the rivers and past the woods to get to Grandma’s house more quickly for the holidays,”said Sandee Lemotte, CNN, “but it’s 2020, and globally there are more than 1.3 million deaths from the novel coronavirus so far with no end in sight.”
Photo by Julia DiBlasi Waiting to board a flight at Logan International Airport.
The Upcoming NBA Season 2020-21
The Official Start and Details By Nathan LeVine JagRoar Staff
UNITED STATES - One of many exciting U.S sports will be starting soon—the NBA. The 75th NBA regular season will be starting December 22, however, with the continuation of COVID-19, some are worried there will be a twist on the season. Although it is not ideal for the many basketball fans out there, the NBA aims to do their best in creating a season. The official NBA website announces that there will be arena suits open to fans at 25 to 50 percent capacity for the 20/21 season as local state regulations allow. Regulations
may differ based on arena and state. Fans must obey certain protocols such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and possible coronavirus testing. In th worst case scenario, arenas may not allow indoor seating due to the crowd of people and ventilation issues. Joey Disilva, Windham high school senior shares his thoughts on this NBA season. Joey says, “I’m excited to see how people adapt to the new changes to the next NBA season. They shorten the games by 10 games, which means players’ salaries are gonna be cut. This will lead to NBA players possibly performing differently due to their thoughts about lower pay.” Due to the virus and all necessary precautions taken, players will be receiving a lower salary because of the limited games
that they are playing. This impacts the outcome for many teams and the players’ attitudes as a whole. Jake Gebo, high school student and avid basketball watcher says, “I think the NBA is going to be awesome this year. There will be a lot of players moving teams and a lot of teams will have a chance to win the finals.” Jake shares a positive outlook on the NBA’s Coronavirus twist. The season will feature 72 games for each team, however, they may play out differently. As Coronavirus has changed the course of many events and traditions, the NBA is working hard to put together a season that is safe, competitive, and memorable. With the combined efforts of the staff, players, and fans the season will be a good one.
THE JAGROAR
FEATURES
DECEMBER 2020 • PAGE 13
What Quarantine has Done to Teens By Alexis Benjamin JagRoar Staff
WINDHAM - Quarantine has been hard on many, but teens have been hit the hardest, as evidenced by studies showing teen depression is at a record high and climbing. Teens’ mental health has taken a turn for the worse in the US since march of 2020 due to the isolation of quarantine and Covid-19. It has been especially difficult for teens who are also fully remote. Many High School students have taken a turn for the worse during this time. Julia Diblasi, a 17 year old Senior at Windham High School, says that “a lot of my friends have struggled with their mental health throughout quarantine. Mental health is very important and it is something that we should never just push aside.” “The number of young people admitted to mental health services soared by 47 percent, while ‘triage episodes’ for young
people requiring urgent care increased by 35 percent compared with the same period last year,” states Cameren Hufton, a Journalist exploring teen depression. These numbers are continuing to rise as well. A school psychologist, Roberta Abery, was interviewed for a more educated look regarding the mental health of teens. Abery talks about what she thinks is a big struggle for kids during quarantine, saying “I think the biggest struggle for the majority of students was and is the lack of social experiences over these past 8-9 months.” She also says, “although this generation is very technically savvy, when it comes to socializing students prefer to engage in a face to face situation and save the technology for backup socializing.” This generation heavily relies on their friends to help them cope with things and need them around them a lot. As a parent many are wondering where this came from? And how can they help?
An article by Annalize Maniz answers, “help find creative ways to help your teenager spend time with their friends is really important.” Maniz also states, “if your teen seems off, don’t push it off, talk to them.” WHS senior Julia Ostrowski also talks about what she did to help herself through quarantine, “I became active and went on many runs at deer leap,” she says “I liked to facetime people to make the time go by faster,” she adds. Additionally, Ostrowski said she “went on walks and on car rides.” Quarantine has hit many, and unfortunately, it does not look like it is going to change too much in the near future. But, we can help spread awareness to the world about what the younger generation is going through and how real of a problem is. If it is more recognized many might hope something can be done about it and it can start to improve.
Photo by Vyto’s Pharmacy, Medical Equipment & Compounding Solutions Mental health issues are increasing due to quarantine and the pandemic.
THE JAGROAR
Jag Positivity
DECEMBER 2020 • PAGE 14
Photo by Windham High School Theatre Company Chuck Sweirad A Brother’s Grimm Spectaculathon flyer.
Grimm Brothers Spectaculathon The Theater Club’s unique comedy production
By Riley Ergin JagRoar Staff WINDHAM - At the beginning of November, the Windham High School Theatre Department put on their very own production of Grimm Brothers Spectaculathon, a fast-paced comedy production that attempts to recount all 209 Grimm Brothers stories in about an hour and a half. Given current COVID-19 regulations, this hilarious production was especially interesting to attend. While off stage, all actors were wearing masks at all times, but in order to not muffle the actors’ voices, performers on the stage were not. This called for an inno-
vative use of blocking to insure that each performer was placed a safe distance from both each other and the audience. This unusual blocking allowed for an unorthodox use of props, as well. In scenes where a physical fight between characters had been scripted, the actors on stage would throw shoes and other various projectiles at each other from twenty feet away. Despite the abnormality of the situation under which this production was directed, the humor was not stifled in the slightest. The audience seemed to thoroughly enjoy a couple of highly comedic scenes in particular, one of which was performed by actor Sam Hoyt, a senior at WHS, who, in this particular scene, was playing Snow White. The second of these scenes concluded the show, with WHS senior Elle Fuller, who attempted to play the roles of seven different characters in the Grimm Brothers
classic, Cinderella, simultaneously. With nobody else on the stage, Fuller flung different wigs and outfits around, attempting to distinguish each character with a unique voice as well. Overall, this production of Grimm Brothers Spectaculathon was one for the books. Although pandemic-related regulations inhibited traditional production and rehearsal, the cast took on the challenge, and the turnout was a well put-together play, comedic in its own right, but still compliant with current safety regulations. Congratulations to all cast and crew members!
Photo by Chuck Sweirad Sam Hoyt, senior, acts as Snow White.
THE JAGROAR
POSITIVITY
DECEMBER 2020 • PAGE 15
Club Activities at WHS By Julia Ostrowski JagRoar Staff WINDHAM - Club activities have become a major part of Windham High School’s community as we offer a wide variety of activities to choose from! If a student wants to do an extracurricular activity, but does not play a sport, clubs are a great option as they are less of a time commitment, yet are still very fun to be involved in. Overall, clubs are a great way to build the WHS community. When asked about her involvement in clubs, Maura Sampson, a teacher and club fair organizer said, “I volunteered to help organize the club fair because extracurriculars are a really important part of the WHS experience that I didn’t want people to miss out on. I co-advised the yearbook for years and I’m the advisor for the GSA, so I know all of the great opportunities that clubs provide.” Sampson also states, “the biggest clubs are always SALT, DECA and Model UN,
but I’ve heard that advisors had a ton of new kids sign up for each of their clubs at the Virtual Club Fair, so we’ll have to see how that turns out!” Julia DiBlasi, a 17 year old senior here at Windham High School, who wants to join a club states, “I think the clubs are going to be very different due to Covid and it might result in half of the kids going into the club after school and the other might be zooming.” DiBlasi also states, “I got an email talking about a virtual club fair and I was interested to see what the school has to offer.” On the school district website, there is a page titled “Clubs and Activities” that lists all the clubs offered here with a quick description of club activities, along with information regarding each club advisor. This page has proved helpful in relaying information about each club offered here to the student body. This club directory is equipped to aid students who may be struggling to find
What’s WHS Up To? What are our favorite socially distant activities this year?
By Riley Ergin JagRoar Staff WINDHAM - Even though this year may be different than the rest, there are still many ways to get creative about going out and enjoying New Hampshire’s four seasons in a remote fashion Over on our JagRoar Instagram page, we ran some polls to find out YOUR favorite fall activities. Though voter turnout wasn’t astronomical, the polls still yielded some interesting results! First, following the Halloween theme at the time these polls were taken, we asked our followers whether or not they like horror movies, with a brave 77% of participants answering ‘yes!’ When given the choice between apple picking, pumpkin carving, corn mazes, and hiking in the woods, the most picked choice ended up being corn mazes!
Even though corn mazes won the largest percentage of votes, hiking in the woods and pumpkin carving were tied close behind corn mazes, both racking up a whopping 25% of votes respectively, and covering half of the total votes counted. Although apple picking appears quite popular in practice, our polls revealed that only 17% of the Windham High School population hold apple picking as their favorite fall activity. Thank you to everyone who participated in these polls! We hope to run more polls like this in the future, so make sure to go follow @the_jagroar on Instagram so that you can be a part of the next round of polls, and ultimately see your vote featured here, among the rest!
more information about extracurriculars. Students will always be able to refer to this page seeking information about clubs, and with the contact information of each club advisor so readily available, joining a club has never been easier!
Photo by Julia Ostrowski
Activity Polls
Question: Do you like horror movies? Yes - 77% No - 23% Question: What is your favorite fall activity? Apple Picking - 17% Pumpkin Carving - 25% Exploring Corn Mazes - 33% Hiking in the Woods - 25%