VOL. 54 ISSUE 1
Cougars control own destiny in playoff hunt by jenna jaffray
There was much uncertainty surrounding this football season for multiple reasons such as COVID-19 and the move up to Class 6A. However, the Coogs have proven they’re up for a challenge, continuously improving and practicing
hard regardless of the unique circumstances. Despite now facing schools with much larger enrollment, they are currently 5-2, 2-2 in district play, with only two games left in the season. They’re at a critical point in which victories are key, especially with the playoffs looming. “It would be exciting to go [to
playoffs],” senior varsity player Mickey Nolen said. “We are doing everything we can.” The Coogs sit in an uncertain playoff position, currently in fourth with only the top four teams advancing. The team needs to win both of their upcoming games in order to secure a spot. “If we win, we’ll go, but if not we
have to depend on other teams to lose,” Nolen said. “I think we can do it; we’re a strong team, excited to be where we are, and we trust everybody.” However, this will not be a simple feat for the Coogs. They face Klein Cain and Klein High in the last two games of the season, both See PLAYOFFS, Page 8
Homecoming
Tomball in the age of C VID
W
e all have been impacted in some way by the Covid-19 pandemic. Schools are disrupted, with many taking classes online. Friday night football is changed. Jobs have been lost. Businesses closed. The nation has lost people. Many people. The Cougar Claw wanted to show how the pandemic has impacted Tomball and all of us who call this town home.
Court
The underclassmen photos are on Page 2, but here are your nominees for Homecoming King and Queen. The King will be announced during the Virtual Parade on Wednesday, and the Queen will be crowned at halftime Friday.
King Nominees
Queen Nominees
Conner DeCorte
Cali Burleson
Turney Lantrip
Alexis Fowlkes
Jermaine Mayes
Sydney Jones
Brock Morales
Abby Rose
Rhett Sewalt
Chloe Tutt
Complete coverage, Pages 4-5
Communication between TVS students, teachers proves to be especially difficult by linda trevino
Drastic changes with virtual school has created a need for teachers to recreate the environment of Cougar Block from last year. Cougar Block created a simple yet effective way for students to get the help they required from their teachers and sometimes fellow classmates. The hour made a huge difference, as those who were unable to meet after school got to see their teachers during Cougar Block. This action led to a bigger turnout of students going to tutorials or showing up for a class study session. With this time taken away from the day leaves many students lost when trying to get help from their teachers. Attempting to find a right day and time to meet is a difficult task for those in TVS, and having this learning gap is leaving those in virtual at a huge disadvantage. Communication is necessary for creating a good learning environment as well as high test scores. The recurring lack of it is leaving teachers clueless when determining which strategies work best for their classes, and students unable to tell them issues and possible improvements that could be made. Schoology’s feature that allows
students to message their teachers quickly can be taken advantage of for students to receive help and get questions answered. The problem is that some virtual students still are not logging into Schoology consistently, and aren’t able to receive in-person reminders about upcoming assignments and tests. “My favorite form of communication is Schoology messages,” DC Government teacher Travis Ferrell said. “Fastest communication comes through Schoology.” While some teachers find that this feature is the easiest, there are multiple ways a student can get in contact with their teachers, includ-
ing via email or Remind. However, the Schoology feature has left some teachers forgetting to check other forms of communication. There is also the advisoratory period for the face-to-face students, but the issue with the advisory is that there are four blocks, and students are not allowed to leave the class to go to another, even for tutoring. This puts students in the unfortunate position of not being able to meet with certain teachers for extra help during school hours. Students must either arrive at school early or stay after, and those in TVS have to plan far in advance to have a virtual
New AP Priwer brings bright spirit to Tomball school.” One of her main goals for the upcoming semester next year is to collaborate with the This year has brought many difficulties, but leadership team to build high quality curricuit has yet to bring down Natalie Priwer, a cheer- lum and continue to build the master schedule ful and bright-eyed Associate Principal individ- during this challenging year of face-to-face, virual who has big plans for THS. tual, and co-seated classes. The hopes of less Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Priwer co-seated classes could potentially make it found her way to Houston, easier for teachers to make Texas with a teaching positime for their students. tion at Aldine ISD, and after Despite already having a bit more schooling acher Master’s in Educational quired her master’s degree. Leadership, Priwer is strivIn August of 2015, she being for her Doctorate’s as came an Assistant Principal she dreams of becoming a in Houston ISD, and a few principal and/or a superinyears later she was an Astendent one day. sistant Principal at Tomball Although being an AssoMemorial doing what she ciate Principal is a time-conloves. suming position, Priwer enOriginally tapped to lead joys many activities outside the first CTE academy partof school. She enjoys worknering with BJ Services ing out at the gym and travNatalie Priwer - the academy was caneling up to Ohio to see her celled after the company family. Her love for music is declared bankruptcy - Priwer came across the strong as well. opportunity to join THS in early September, as “I am the crazy lady dancing at the entrance John Vaglienty was leaving to be Principal at in the back entrance of the school every mornCreekside Park. ing!” she said. The one thing she loves the most about her She has big goals but it all starts with the new position is the staff and students here at students. Tomball High School. “I want to build teachers and students to “Everyone here has been so welcoming become the best version of themselves,” she and nice to me,” Priwer said. “I am proud and said. “Encourage them to follow their dreams honored to be a part of an amazing team and in whatever path life takes them.” by linda trevino
meeting. There is a platform that College and Career Counselor Emily Nichols uses for meetings she has with students. The free online platform is youcanbookme.com, a scheduling tool that is simple for the curator as well as users to easily access a time where both are able to meet. This program would be a simple solution to encourage online students and teachers alike to communicate more frequently and effectively, as virtual meetings can be much more helpful than a message through Schoology. “Using You Can Book Me saves going back and forth finding a mutual meeting time,” Nichols said “I highly recommend using the website.” The booking tool can go as far into the future as the teacher likes and is easily made for their schedule. The student is able to go onto the teachers website link and shift though the times they have posted up to attend a meeting with them. It’s clear that the way communication works this year is leaving many TVS students at a loss when understanding information. Until teachers around the school find a solution that works for them, TVS students remain at a disadvantage.
Fall Final Exam Bell Schedule Monday, Dec. 14 Normal Schedule, 1st-5th 7th Review, 12:55-2:35 Tuesday, Dec. 15 2nd Review, 7:20-9:02 5th Review: 9:08-10:49 6th Review (normal lunch schedule) 7th Exam, 12:55-2:35 Wednesday, Dec. 16 1st Review, 7:20-9:02 5th Exam: 9:08-10:49 3rd Review (normal lunch schedule) 6th Exam, 12:55-2:35 Thursday, Dec. 17 1st Exam, 7:20-9:02 2nd Review: 9:08-10:49 4th Review (normal lunch schedule) 3rd Exam, 12:55-2:35 Friday, Dec. 18 2nd Exam, 7:20-9:02 4th Exam: 9:08-10:49 Remainder of day, normal class schedule (5th-7th period classes)
Note: Not all nominees were available for a photo.
Juniors
Kara Black, Sara Black, Payton Kirtley, Madison Oneal, Aaryn Rye
3 Cougar Claw Staff
Evan Alaniz, Wade Eslick, Tyler Lee, Aidan Moon, Noah Sprague
Sophomores
Editor-in-Chief: Jenna Jaffray
Web Editor: Elise Guerra Selena Arteaga, Ella Beckcom, Lindy Godwin, Anaiz Peres, Karlee Strutz
Noah Hirsch, Mauricio Malave Garcia, Gunnar Ruskin, Colson Snyder, Christian White Womack
Freshmen
News Editor: Linda Trevino
Marin Nordenstam, Brooke Parker, Natalya Rivera, Chris Rodriguez Suarez, Payton Uhl
Matthew Gainey, Brooks Junod, William Klein, Valentina Ochoa Pineda, Aidan Waldron
No Cougar Block, but you can still take advantage of school’s new 30-minute advisory period advisory period.
by jenna jaffray
• Put your phone away to
T
he brand new schedule this school year, which features advisory instead of Cougar Block, has taken a little while to get used to for returning students. Advisory is more than just a study hall, though, allotting time for daily announcements and consistency in programs such as Character Strong. With less freedom than Cougar Block and a designated lunch period, many students are struggling to utilize advisory to the best of their ability. Here are some ways to take advantage of advisory: • “Think about upcoming events, current assignments, and your own schedule to know when you are going to have time at home to com-
Photo Editor: Carly Beleau
Many students feel as though they burn their time in advisory in unrewarding ways.
plete things and when you won’t due to extra-curricular or personal events,” Principal Chris Scott advises. • Set one specific goal of something you’d like to accomplish or finish during the
eliminate distractions when trying to work. • Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do too many things at once. • Ask teachers questions you have through Schoology so you can get direct and quick feedback. For virtual students, following a set schedule can be difficult. However, a daily routine can keep you on track to complete all assignments. Following the bell schedule and taking a break for advisory during the time you would have in person can help establish a routine and keep you from losing focus. For TVS and F2F students, advisory is a new addition that, when utilized correctly, can be beneficial.
Advisor: Jerry Fordyce
Contributing Writers Lucas Botello Cayla Stevenson Coral Herrera Emma Parada & the rest of the journalism class Special thanks to: Yearbook staff
Special Report: The Covid Crisis and Tomball Commentary
For one family, virus hits home in tragic way by cayla stevenson
My
aunt was a beautiful person, the way the sun kissed her dark skin, waving, the lights bouncing off her body. She had this way of making food, the food would be cooked deliciously and delightfully. Her eggs were scrumptious, they were the kind of eggs you would die for. My father called her ‘silverback’ because of the way she stood. She had this way of standing so we called her that. It was funny how she tugged on the children’s ear at church when they didn’t eat all of their food or didn’t drink all of their juice. She would yell at us for running in the building but care and warmth was in her voice. She made jokes about how she wanted to wear your clothing, and we would joke back saying she couldn’t. She would then pretend to faint with fake terror in her eyes. I distinctly remember her yelling at us for squirting water at one of the younger children and her grumpily coming up, smacking us lightly on the shoulder. She made our family complete On a Saturday morning, my mother and I were making bouquets while my father was outside doing his own thing. He walked into the house looking at my mother with a sullen face, pacing left to right by the door. “Your sister died..” My mother ran out the door crying with the soles of her feet digging into the ground, I sat there staring at the wall in shock. We never thought that a disease we all took precautions against would take our loved one. The wails of my mother woke me from my daydream. I stood there while my mother was crying. I didn’t know what to do. How could I comfort her? She died from COVID-19. The numbers of deaths are staggering, more than 225,000 - but have you ever thought about the faces behind the numbers? The families in pain? My family in pain? My aunt was not just a little number on your screen. She had a smile, she laughed, she cried. She had grandchildren. She wasn’t a person to be added to your charts. She had a name. She had a family. She had me. Days passed and the pain of my aunt passing was still there. I hid the pain well but it’s still there. Losing a loved one isn’t easy. I didn’t know how hard it was like for my mother and her other sisters, but one could only imagine. My mom was strong, but she couldn’t hide that pain in her eyes very well. It felt like an empty world for days. “That day was the day my whole world changed,” my mother said.
Two of the more popular local eateries among THS families Frey’s Backyard Grill (right) and Nonnie’s Soda Fountain (above) closed recently after the Covid shutdowns hurt their businesses.
Popular Tomball eateries shut down amid Covid by emma parada
Some of people’s favorite businesses here in Tomball have closed down, such as Frey’s Backyard Cafe and Nonnie’s Soda Fountain, after struggling to survive the economic hit delivered by COVID-19. “Hospitality industry, restaurants, and the small locally owned shops seemed to have the hardest time,” said Brandy Beyer, the Vice President of Operations for the Tomball Chamber of Commerce. Not only businesses have been impacted, but the people have too. “They didn’t exactly lay me off but they were laying off other people that worked there,” one area worker said. Now, more people are afraid that they might get laid off because of COVID-19. Despite this setback, the overall economic outlook for Tomball is better than some neighboring towns. “Locally, Tomball has fared quite well because of a strong community spirit that is
proud to support its local businesses,” Beyer said. According to the Community Impact Newspaper, Scott Moore said his businesses in Old Town Tomball saw sales drop just one day into Harris County’s restrictions on restaurants, which were implemented to slow the spread of the virus. Students who were looking for jobs during this difficult time also had trouble finding work during quarantine and over the summer. The Chamber of Commerce just launched a “10 Days of Tomball Together” campaign, encouraging people to shop local to help small businesses. The campaign runs through from Friday, Nov. 13 through Sunday, Nov. 22. A part of all proceeds made during these ten days will go to scholarships for local seniors. People that shop and eat at local businesses will be given entries for a raffle prize drawing to be held at the December Chamber of Commerce meeting. Though times have been tough recently, the city of Tomball is hoping to rally in this event and stimulate the local economy.
Day-by-day Positive COVID Tests for TISD since school began
5
Cases still rising, but vaccine near by jenna jaffray
Every year, flu season takes place in the winter months, taking more and more students out of school to stay home sick. This year is especially unique in light of COVID-19, which broke out just after the flu season ended last winter. It’s predicted that these winter months of the flu season will see an incredible surge in cases all over the world. Though there are key differences in symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu, any sickness during this pandemic can be scary and daunting. Face to face students that get the flu will most likely be out of school longer than a normal year to ensure they don’t have COVID-19. Already, the majority of states are seeing a spike in cases. This comes at a critical time for the U.S., as total cases just topped 10 million, 1 million of those reported in just the first
From Bryan Health
10 days of November. Texas just passed 1 million active cases reported, with Harris County still at the top with more than 170,000 cases. Though the hotspot for COVID-19 has transferred to El Paso, cases are still increasing significantly in the Houston area. Texas remains a “red zone” for the virus, indicating it’s continuing to spread rapidly throughout the state.
But with this dreary news comes a glimmer of hope that many have been anticipating: a vaccine. Pfizer recently announced that their vaccine trial was more than 90 percent effective. Though this was based on early, incomplete test results, the news gave a surge of optimism around the world. “We are reaching this critical milestone in our vaccine development program at a time when the world needs it most,” Pfizer Chairman and CEO Dr. Albert Boura said in a recent press release. “We are a significant step closer to providing people around the world with a much-needed breakthrough to help bring an end to this global health crisis.” Even with this hopeful news about the vaccine, testing will not be halted until they are certain it is a usable vaccine. If they are given early approval, some people will begin receiving the shots by the end of the year, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Many keep trying to find silver lining, even as cases rise, quarantines continue by lucas botello
With all of the negative effects and uncertainties that COVID-19 has had on students and families, it’s hard for many to see a positive effect that it has had. Contrary to what most believe, some students felt more connected to school during the lockdown. In a study Emily Windall made for The Conversation, students in the UK were performing and feeling better in lockdown. Separate from conventional school life, teachers had to find new and better ways to communicate with their students and help them just as much as they would in regular school. In addition, students that were in lockdown from school during the spring weren’t faced with the usual factors that cause poor mental health, such as major essays and finals. More parents are also spending quality time with their kids to devel-
op a more well balanced relationship between parents and children. “I mean, we get along well, but just hanging out together and being buddies with one another was fun,” English teacher Kimberly Emmert said. Having the time to spend together is something that a lot of people have taken for granted. Staying isolated with your family can bring everyone closer together and create stronger bonds and memories. English teacher Jay Decoste had a child 10 months ago and isolating with his child allowed him to see things he wouldn’t have if he was at school. “I was there the first time he stood up, when he said his first words, he said mama, I was there,” Decoste said. “All of those things were things that I assumed I would be at work for.” COVID-19 has given more students time to build on themselves by finding new hobbies or skills to learn, and using the extra time to
exercise more. Junior Michael Gaither has taken the extra time to focus on himself and in that process, he lost 40lbs. Students and families are also now more aware of how important it is to stay clean. People have been changing their lifestyles to incorporate necessary hygienic measures into their daily lives to prevent getting the virus. People from all over the world are finding innovative ways to stay connected with their friends and family. The use of technology and apps such as Facetime, Skype, and HouseParty have helped many stay connected with family they can’t travel to see. It’s often easy to overlook these simple positive aspects of life under COVID-19. Though much has changed because of this virus, some have seen positive changes in their lives. However, social distancing and masks are still key components of life, as COVID-19 has already caused many deaths.
Safety makes school events, competitions a challenge by coral herrera
Fine art classes teachers are figuring out how to deal with competitions through this pandemic. Some events have already been canceled due to COVID-19 and because many students are online, taking them out of much needed inclass rehearsal time. For many programs, virtual students send daily videos of what they’re assigned to do to make up for them missing class and not being able to compete. This poses a special challenge for band, as the first semester counts as a P.E. credit for students because of marching band. “The students who are online are doing physical activity assignments to make sure that they still get their credit,” Assistant Band Director Muriel Hague said. Another problem is UIL competitions in the spring, a major component of these fine arts classes. According to Assistant Orchestra Director William Bewley, they aren’t certain exactly how competitions will look. However if a fine arts program does decide to compete, they will have to meet face to face to rehearse, presenting a problem for students in the program that have chosen to be virtual. Regardless, COVID-19 has clearly changed many aspects of life, including how the fine arts programs run.
7 HOCO Dress Up Days Monday: Country Western Day Tuesday: Skiing the Swiss Alps Ski/Winter Clothes Wednesday: Safari Day Khaki/Tourist Clothes Thursday: Caribbean Vacation Tropical Clothes Friday: Red Out
HOCO Celebration Days Monday: Door Decorating Contest Each advisory class picks a country Tuesday: Lip Sync Battle Submit video from advisory class
Word Bank APPLE BREAD FRIENDS LEFTOVERS PILGRIM TURKEY AUTUMN FALL
HARVEST MEMORIES PUMPKIN BISCUITS FAMILY LEAVES PIE SWEATER
Wednesday: Best Class Costume - Safari Day By advisory class Thursday: Riff Off Last 10 minutes of each lunch Friday: Mum Contest In each lunch
Team sits in fourth, last playoff spot
Sports
Volleyball girls looking to advance in first year in 6A by linda trevino
The Cougars run onto the field out of the inflatable at the beginning of a game. Photo by Jaime Rowe
From Page One of which will be tough opponents. “We’re feeling good,” Nolen said. “Cain’s a pretty good opponent, we know what we’re doing against them, though. We walked into Oak a 27-point underdog and still came out on top, so we know what it’s like to come from behind.” Coming off a big win against Klein Oak - the team that currently sits just above Tomball on the leaderboard - the Coogs are hoping to get another win against Klein Cain (4-2, 3-1). The Hurricanes will be an especially difficult team for the Coogs, stacked with the No. 1-ranked running back in the nation in the 2022 class, Jaydon Blue.
Games remaining
Klein Cain (home) - 11/20 Klein (away) - 11/27
District 15-6A Standings as of 11/13/20 (top 4 advance)
Tomball Memorial (6-0, 3-0) Klein Cain (4-2, 3-1) Klein Oak (2-2, 2-1) Tomball (5-2, 2-2) Klein (3-2, 1-2) Klein Collins (2-3, 1-2) Klein Forest (1-5, 0-4) Yet another tough matchup comes the day after Thanksgiving
against Klein (3-2, 1-2). After missing the playoffs last year despite a .500 season, the Bearkats will be motivated to make the playoffs this year. The Coogs need to pull out a win in this game to have a shot at advancing, especially since this is the last game of the season. If the Coogs continue to play how they have against the past few Klein ISD powerhouses, a win could be on the horizon. A split against these schools would put the team at 3-3 on the season, an uncertain but possible playoff position, but a win against both would more than likely ensure that the Coogs advance to playoffs in their first year in 6A.
With the return of Coach Cheri Wallace since Coach Jordan Williams was unable to be there this season, the Varsity Volleyball team has had a tough season, but still hold a possible playoff position. They’re currently sitting at third going into the weekend, with two Klein schools perched above Tomball. That’s despite having to postpone some games because of quarantines. The top four teams move onto the playoffs, so the Lady Coogs are in a good position to advance. Even if the team falls, the likelihood that they fall two spots is low. The team has remained optimistic about their playoff chances all season, determined to advance in only their first year in 6A. “I have truly enjoyed coaching this team,” Wallace said. “These girls are hard workers, they never give up and are winners.”
From Coog to Raider: Alexis Fowlkes’ soccer journey takes her to Lubbock by jenna jaffray
Senior Alexis Fowlkes has big plans for the future: graduate a semester early to play soccer at Texas Tech. She verbally announced her commitment over a year ago, in summer 2019. Now, in fall 2020, the next step of her life approaches quickly. Starting when she was only 4 years old, Fowlkes has been playing competitively ever since, growing her love for the sport, and her skills. “My parents both played soccer,” Fowlkes said, “so I kind of had to.” Her passion for the sport goes Alexis Fowlkes signs her letter of commitdeep and makes her feel at home ment to play at Texas Tech next fall. Photo courtesy of Alexis Fowlkes. on the field. “Whenever I go on the field, it just makes me really happy to alone. Help from her family, friends, play,” she said. “It takes my mind and especially coaches has off a lot of things.” shaped her into a player fit for the But she didn’t get this skilled Division 1 level in the Big 12 Con-
ference. Fowlkes has also expressed carrying her passion for soccer beyond her years in college. “I would go pro if the opportunity comes up,” she said, “or continue with college and do volunteer coaching.” Fowlkes is excited to play at the collegiate level, which will expose her to even more opportunities and opponents. “[I’m] excited about getting out on the field and playing, and meeting new people,” she said. Going from the small town of Tomball to a play for a large, D1 school proves that Fowlkes’ hard work for years has gotten her to where she wants to go, showing that persistence pays off. Her choice of Texas Tech will keep her in Cougar red for the next four years, and she’s happy with her choice to be a Raider. “When I went to the campus it felt like home,” Fowlkes said.
Front row players jump to block the ball in their home game against Tomball Memorial.
Games remaining
Klein (home) - 11/13 Tie Breakers (if needed) - 11/17
District 15-6A Standings as of 11/13/20 (top 4 advance)
Klein (20-0, 11-0) Klein Cain (11-9, 7-5) Tomball (8-9, 6-5) Tomball Memorial (9-8, 6-5) Klein Oak (9-10, 5-6) Klein Collins (4-12, 4-7) Klein Forest (0-15, 0-11)