b&w
BLACK AND WHITE DECEMBER 2020 VOLUME 29 ISSUE 1
EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Print Editor Online Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor
Marandah Mangra-Dutcher Savannah Dennis Kylie Emery Joel Kellar Noah Gilbert
DECEMBER
When Jay Rice ‘94 brainstormed the name of our paper in 1991, it was not because of the ink color. For the last 28 years, our mission has been to bring our audience stories from the school, community and nation, told clearly and without exaggeration--in black and white.
STAFF WRITERS Nolan Akins Parker Anderson Nathan Anderson Payton Blahut Audrey Bristow Thomas Center Addison Etnier Olivia Frantum Lily Fredericks Laila Hasanovic London Heim Matthew Hickman Marley Jenkins Alyvia Jensen Renee Johnson Zachary Kehoe Tate Larsen Braedon Layman Ethan Le
Abby Lehan Theron Luett Ayden Lyon Levi Manley Define Mansour Jay Marren Sabrina McGuire Alyssa Minear TJ Olson Charles Pruett-Shhillak Ciaran Rigby Tyler Roberts Tarun Srikaran Alma Suarez Edina Suljic Aidan Topolinski Jacob Weah Michael Wesseh
CONTENT 4 Empowering Women
Illustrations by Jay Marren
6 The Soundtrack of Your Life
Illustration by Marandah Mangra-Dutcher
8 Results May Vary
PAGE 18
10 COVID-19: A Year Later
PAGE 16
THEN VS. NOW Things change. Apparently that is one of the many secrets of life. Whether it be music or a pandemic they will change and they will evolve. With the year we have had, we have come to know change all too well. We do not even remeber the meaning of normal. The staff explored things in our culture and society that have made noticable changes like gender roles, drug use, and the need-to-have stuffed animals. We learned new ideas but also old all while creating the content necessary to produce this issue. The only thing that is not changing is change itself. Marandah Mangra-Dutcher Editor-in-Chief
14 Evolution of The Quarantined Mind 16 Legeslatures Should Decriminalize 18 Squishmellows vs Pillow Pets
FINE PRINT Black & White is published solely by the Johnston High School newspaper staff. It is an open forum. In accordance with Iowa law, students assign, edit material and make all decisions of content. Editorials represent the opinion of a majority of the editorial board. Editorial and opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the advisor, school officials or the district. Letters to the editor must be signed. Like all material, letters may not be libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy. To write a letter to the editor, or report an error in the issue, please contact the editors at jhsblackandwhite@gmail.com.
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4 | Feature
Inspiring Faces
R
Words | Sabrina McGuire Layout | Sabrina McGuire and Marandah Mangra-Dutcher
T
women know that, if this is
epresentative Karin Derry serves in
the type of thing they want
the Iowa House District 39 until her
to do, they can,” Derry said.
term ends in January. She is a resident
“And there is no reason they
of Johnston as well as an attorney. Derry
shouldn’t pursue it.”
was elected into the house in November of
he district has the first female
seven. “I certainly understand that the
her sophomore year. “I absolutely love it. I
superintendent the district has ever
position that I am in carries with it a high
2018. “As a representative, you serve as a
had no idea how much I would love it, but
had, Superintendent Laura Kacer.
degree of scrutiny from other people,” Kacer
connection between your constituent and the
it’s just amazing,” Williams said. “Barta is a
Superintendents are in charge of managing
said. “Whether that be community, staff
state,” Derry said. The job of a representative
great coach and it is just a great program all
schools within a district, as well as bringing
members, students, any of our stakeholders.
revolves mainly around lawmaking.
around.”
life to the school board’s ideas by making
So, I understand the importance of the work
in
everyday decisions. “I have the best job in the
that we do. I feel a need to do the very best
against opponent Eddie Andrews. Despite her
After genetic testing, it was
love with the hobby, it brings some great
district,” Kacer said. “I love this job, I get to
job that I can everyday because I go to bed
term ending, Derry still loved working as a
found no one else in her family
opportunities her way. “For my college study,
help make an impact--I hope--through the
every night knowing that there’s seven
representative. “It really was an honor, it was
had the markers for breast
I really want to do data study, mathematics
decisions and the collaborative work that we
thousand, three hundred students counting
never ever lost on me as I go into the capital
cancer.
and statistics,” Williams said. “I feel like this is
do for every student and every teacher in the
on the work that I do, the decisions that we
in the morning and look at that big, beautiful
chemotherapy,
a great help for that, and I just totally would
district.”
make together, the research that I’m looking
building and think about the work that we do
and radiation to fight the
love to do this in college. I think that would
at, the books that we’re reading.”
there,” Derry said. “It was never lost on me
cancer. Seven years later, Gray
be a great opportunity for me.”
difficult to make, however Kacer is confident
about what an honor it was to be able to go in
has remained cancer free.
in her position.“I am honored to be the person
she loves her job, despite the demanding
and represent the people of my district.”
face some hardships surrounding social
who sits in the superintendent role right now
responsibilities.“The superintendent job isn’t
The job has come with some
some pretty major anxiety and
norms. Not everyone can fully understand
in Johnston,” Kacer said.
a job you do from eight to four, Monday
hardships, however. Derry once tried to speak
depression at that time,” Gray
the drive it takes to be a baseball manager.
With the job of managing a whole district,
through Friday,” Kacer said. “It is truly a
with a lawmaker who was in support of a
said. After having gone through an extensive
“I don’t really bring it up a whole lot
Kacer is under the public eye twenty four
twenty four seven job, you’ve got to live
bill she did not agree with. The lawmaker
hospital stay after the birth of her son five
because of the stigma behind it,” Williams
and breathe this job…. Each day that I sit
would not have a conversation with her. “His
years before her diagnosis, Gray was in a hard
said. “Typically, when I tell a person that
in this position, I learn and I grow. I found
response was simply, ‘you’re wrong’ and ‘you
place. “I just think I felt, I know it sounds
I’m a baseball manager, they go, ‘really?
out new ways to do things to improve our
shouldn’t do this’. And, needless to say, I did
cliche but, ‘why me?’”
You? You’re a baseball manager?’ And I’m
organization, so I feel like it’s a really good fit
it anyways,” Derry said.
like, ‘yeah!’ It’s a lot of stuff, and then they
for the kind of person I am--which is that I’m
“One of the things I enjoy the very
family stood by her side during her battle,
don’t care what goes into it.” With the title
continually wanting to grow and learn and
most about being a state legislator is the
helping her to get through it all. “My best
of ‘baseball manager’, not everyone entirely
improve the work that we do,” Kacer said.
opportunity to talk to young people,” Derry
friend would try and get to my house at
understands how much time and effort goes
said. During her term, the Girl Scouts toured
least once a week even though she lives
into the job. “I consider it a part-time job, I
the capital. Derry explained she was excited
an hour away,” Gray said. Gray also played
really do,” Williams said.
to find them and speak to them. “One of the
cribbage and cards with her dad after her
Williams is helping to break down
hloe Williams ‘22 is a baseball
reasons I want to talk with them so much
parents moved in with her to help her during
the stigma of female baseball managers. “I
manager
team
is because I want to make sure they saw
the battle, as well as cuddled with her dog.
think by me doing this and me explaining it
practice and improve. Her day-to-day
a woman in this kind of role and had the
“Those are some of the things [that helped
to other people how it works, that it can be
life within her position consists of assisting
opportunity to talk with a woman in this kind
overcome cancer],” Gray said. “My family, my
like, ‘oh my god, wait, you can actually do
pitch
of role,” Derry said. “When I was growing up,
friends and my puppy.”
stuff with a sport as a female’,” Williams said.
hitting,
I didn’t see a whole lot of women in this type
“We [the current baseball managers] can be
analytics
of role. And I wanted them to know that, if
Gray hopes to be able to be there for others
like, ‘it’s fine, it’s great, it’s a great opportunity,
and more. Williams
they were interested, this is something that
going through the same thing. “I hope that I
it doesn’t matter that you are a female, it’s
has been a baseball
they can do.” It was and still is important to
can be somebody that, like, if someone wanted
going to be great’ and I feel like it just makes
manager
Derry today to provide inspiration to young
to talk, they can do that,” Gray said.”I’ve had
it a more welcoming environment,” Williams
girls today. “ I do want to see that young
a couple of students whose moms found out
With COVID-19 decisions can be
Chloe Williams
Kacer went on to explain that
C
and
in
helps
the
scoring, results, swing
since
said.
Since
Williams
has
fallen
Despite loving her role, she does
Derry ran for re-election, but lost
S
panish Gray
Teacher was
just
Kari thirty
four when she noticed
possible signs of breast cancer.
She
went
through
lumpectomy
“I was going through
Gray shared that her friends and
Because of her battle with cancer,
Karin Derry
they have breast cancer and I know that the students have felt comfortable to come and talk to me and ask me about it. … I would see somebody and be like, ‘hey, I want you to know I’ve been there, done that, you’re doing a great job, keep it up.’” As well, Gray dyes her hair pink in October for breast cancer awareness, and started Tiff’s Treats in honor of her neighbor Tiffany dying of breast cancer.
Even with the hardships of breast
cancer, Gray was able to come out stronger. “I know that I can pretty much overcome whatever comes my way,” Gray said. “I thought that chemo was the hardest thing I’d ever do, and, looking back, it seems so far away. I did it and it’s over. I hope I never have to do it again, but, if I have to, I can do it.”
The Soundtrack of Your Life
6 | Feature
A study shows that the music you listen to as a teenager is what you listen to for the rest of your life. Words | Levi Manley Layout | Savannah Dennis Photo | Noah Gilbert
A
s Chris Siewert’s first period
Morrison and 72-year-old men like “I Can’t
to the songs I listened to in high school,” he
biology class zooms in for virtual
Stop Loving You” by Ray Charles.
said. He said friends influenced his music. “It
learning, they are met with the
Many of the songs Siewert plays – Motley
starts with hearing one song that your friend
faint sounds of music in the background. It
Crue, Def Leppard, RATT and Poison – are
shows you then you start listening to what
is hard to recognize exactly what songs he
from the 80s when he was a teenager. He said
they listen to and you’re like, it’s not bad, I
is playing. However, anyone who has had
that MTV when it played videos in the 80s
like it,” he said.
Siewert in class knows he loves the 80s.
and movies drove his musical tastes.
Teacher Brent Granger’s Dad influenced
That Siewert likes 80s music concurs with
He said while he still loves 80s songs like
his music. This might be why he likes
a study Seth Stephens-Davidowitz conducted
“Take on Me” from A-ha (The video used a
“Fortunate Son,” “Have You Ever Seen the
using Spotify data and published in “The
ground-breaking technique called pencil
Rain” and “Born on the Bayou” by Creedence
News
Stephens-Davidowitz
animation and was widely played on MTV.)
Clearwater Revival and Boston’s “More Than
analyzed data for every song that topped the
York
Times.”
and “Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and the
a Feeling, all songs from the 70s. However, he
Billboard charts from 1960-2000 measuring
News. (The song appeared in the movie “Back
also still listens to Def Leppard’s “Photograph”
how old their biggest fans today were when
to the Future” and was nominated for an
and “Rock of Ages,” songs from the early 80s
the songs first were released. That age for
Academy Award.)
when he was a teenager.
men is roughly 14.
Siewert’s musical catalog has expanded
As for women, their favorite songs came
by
since high school. “My music taste had
out when they were roughly 13. So, Janet
Radiohead was the 164th most popular song
matured, and I learned to accept and love
Jackson’s “That’s the Way Love Goes” has the
among men who are now 38 years old. But it
more of the good stuff from the 70’s,” he said.
highest rank with 35 year-old women, The
does not make the top 300 for men born 10
He likes 70s artists like Earth Wind and Fire
Cures’ “Just Like Heaven” ranks highest for
years earlier or 10 years later. The men who
and the Bee Gees.
41 year-old women and Roy Orbison’s “Oh,
For
example,
the
song
“Creep”
like “Creep” were roughly 14 years old when it first came out.
Randy Ostreich, a ‘14 graduate, said he
Pretty Woman” for 69 year-old women.
still listens to Green Day and My Chemical
As Stephens-Davidowitz said, it is likely
The pattern seems to be universal. Sixty-
Romance, artists whose songs were popular
your grandma will not like Coolio’s “Gangsta’s
year-old men like “Crazy Love” by Van
when he was a teenager. “I typically go back
Paradise.”
8 | Feature
COVID-19 and Other Pandemics Words | Noah Gilbert Layout | Jay Marren On March 23, 2014, the first signs of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak were reported in a rural region of Guinea. EVD then spiraled into a continental pandemic that lasted for almost two years. The disease was almost completely contained on June 9, 2016. Only 11 people were treated for EVD in the United States, with only having four patients contacting EVD in the U.S. The aftermath of the
outbreak ended in 11,310 deaths and 28,616 total cases worldwide. The current cases of COVID-19 worldwide are at an all-time high of 7.16 Million cases, with the U.S. leading with 15.1 million cases nationally. India and Brazil are following close behind with 6.5-10 million total cases. There are currently 1.55 million deaths worldwide. As the statistics still climb, the differences between these two viruses do not only stem from symptoms and effects on the body but also the reaction from people, containment and overall management of controlling the spread. When comparing EVD to COVID-19, the numbers show the sheer difference between the two viruses. To the average American, EVD was pretty unremarkable and almost seemed to leave without a trace. “I don't remember a whole lot,” said Ashley Marsh ‘21. “I remember there wasn't like a ton around us. It seemed like it (EVD)
was over in Africa or other places.” COVID-19 seems to have different plans. “Once everyone or, most people, have been vaccinated, it will stop being as big of a deal,” Marsh said. “I don't know if the mask-wearing or the hand sanitizing and kinda distancing will ever really go away.” Social distancing and mask-wearing are two ways people have attempted to protect themselves from COVID-19. “I have made all of the changes,” Julia Emley, Instructional Coach and Spanish one Teacher, said. “I haven't seen my friends in months.” Emley remembers being worried about EVD as a traveler but also about the welfare of those affected. “It was scary because, at that point, there wasn't really a cure for Ebola yet,” Emley said. “It was hitting hard in low socioeconomic countries in the world, so people didn't have a lot of money to fight the virus.” African healthcare systems strug-
gled to contain EVD during the Outbreak. According to the United Nations African Renewal Magazine, Africa's collective health care system paired with impoverished, crowded city centers created a playing field for EVD. “The health systems in our countries are very weak,” said Tolbert G. Nyenswah, Liberia’s Assistant Minister for Preventive Services, in an interview with Africa Renewal. Although governments had better plans for pandemics, healthcare systems across the world are on their knees. In a letter to the Department of Homeland Security, the American Ambulance Association states they are at a breaking point. In the first three weeks of COVID-19, the Italian healthcare system was overloaded and overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases. Iowa’s current population size is about 3.1 million people, around the same size as Bosnia and Herzegovina. But when comparing cases,
we see a drastic difference. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a little under 100,000 cases of COVID-19. When comparing Iowa's 254,000 total reported cases, this brings to light how different containment approaches and participation from the public affect the numbers of cases. “We are in the midwest,” Marsh said. “There’s not a ton of people where we are at, so it feels like it shouldn't be as high as it is. But it’s also not surprising considering what I've seen in public how a lot of people around here are more opposed to wearing masks and taking precautions.” This is not an isolated issue. In 2014, National Public Radio (NPR) reported that many people in Sierra Leone still, at the time, did not believe in Ebola and the effects it had on people. "I do not believe Ebola exists because none of my family members has been affected by it,” Zainab Koroma, a street hawker, said in an interview with NPR. “I honestly don't believe Ebola exists. There could be a lot of other diseases killing people." Despite past experiences, new cases of EVD are being found at a lower yet alarming rate. According to the WHO, the Deomocratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported 3,470 cases of EVD in june 2020. They also faced issues in convincing the public to trust and believe in the National Health Crisis as well as facing Covid-19. “Many
people were wary and unreceptive of the response teams working to halt the virus,” reported the WHO. The DNC’s biggest issue with connecting this health crisis is gaining trust and giving relevant and true information. It comes down to getting the correct information. At home, many are frustrated and upset with the outcome and ongoing issues surrounding covid. “I wish people would take it (COVID-19) seriously,” Emley said. “I don't want this loss to continue.” Along with the 254 Thousand cases of COVID-19, Iowa also has reported 3,193 COVID related deaths. Those numbers do not seem to be slowing or dropping anytime soon. But just as covid cases rise across the world, new cases of EVD continue to be found and DRC continues to face complications due to EVD. The word normal has evolved and changed since the start of COVID-19, and things once considered normal are no longer ‘normal’. COVID-19 has forever changed what things once were. “It seems like people around here want to make things like they were before,” Marsh said.
11 | In-depth
COVID-19: A Year Later Words | Marandah Mangra-Dutcher Layout | Savannah Dennis
Sub Shortage workers are those deemed necessary to maintain a stable environment for the state’s
certifications. “I was actually a sub nurse
feeling well and are not symptomatic.
situations that deal with the pandemic
one day,” Wiebers said. “I have my med
Not all teachers can return before their
causing classes to need more substitutes,
certification training which we had asked
quarantine period is up. The decision is
which the district does not have. “It’s hard to
all building administrators and building
made on a case-by-case basis. “The COVID
find them [substitutes],” Woods said. “ It’s not
secretaries to get in case we have nurses who
team starts working with that teacher and
that we can’t afford to pay them, it’s just there
started to become ill.”
asks them a bunch of questions and gets a
are not a lot of people.” teachers,
a person tries to find coverage throughout
administration has needed to step in to fill
the building. “Mrs. (Liz, principal’s secretary)
essential worker,” Woods said.
positions. “It’s all hands on deck,” Woods said.
Sullivan goes through and puts the puzzle of
though
Superintendent
and
talk
with
them about their symptoms or
Quarantine Breakdown
than 15 minutes,” principal Ryan Woods said.
Health (PCH) has released two new policies
From there Woods asks specific questions
that align with those guidelines. Quarantine
that will help determine the quarantine. “The
can end after a 10-day period if one does not
next question is if they were wearing their
show symptoms or other clinical signs of the
mask correctly and if the positive party was
virus or quarantine can end after a seven-day
masked correctly,” Woods said.
period if one tests negative and is not showing
With the rising numbers the contact
symptoms.
tracing around the school is taking longer,
The CDC still recommends the 14-day
he number of administration,
and the quarantine start days are not clear.“A
quarantine as the incubation period has not
staff and students in quarantine
typical one [quarantine] would be 14 days,”
changed. “The CDC has not shortened or
rose dramatically in November
Woods said. “It is from the day of last contact
altered the length of the incubation period
with a positive person.”
for COVID-19,” PCH said.
T
however the rules that call for quarantine have caused some confusion around the district.
Quarantine time can differ in length
Students have noticed that some teachers
once the contact tracing team receives all
who have been exposed returned after less
In order to decide that someone needs to
of the necessary information. For example,
than the recommended quarantine days
quarantine, the district has created a contact
if someone is in the same household as a
after the exposure. “Per the Governor’s
tracing task force headed by Joy Wiebers.
student or staff member that tests positive
proclamation she [Kim Renyolds] declared
The
building
the quarantine period is longer. “If you have
educators to be essential workers,” Woods
administrators track down and question
a case in your house that’s a little different,”
said. This has allowed specific teachers to
teachers and students who were in close
Woods said. “Their 14 days doesn’t start
be declared by the district as critical and
contact with the positive case in order to
until your 10 days are up. So you could be
allow them to return to school prior to the
get the information necessary to decide if a
quarantined for 24 days.”
quarantine period being complete. Essential
task
force
requests
that
just overall well being.” The district can expect to see changes as the virus continues and
more
to
the
shortage
of
coverage together,” Woods said.
those
the school nurse takes their temperature
Due
At the high school level, every morning
determine if that person is considered an
bunch of details and from there they would
Laura Kacer said. “We ask that
quarantine times and since Polk County
not
year some people were asked to get more
twice-a-day,”
within six feet of the positive person for more
that
Teacher absences have increased due
actually monitor their health
released new guidance on Dec. 2 about
certifications
to quarantines, family issues and other
they are still monitored. “We
students and even staff members who were
specific
everyone has and so, in preparation for this
workers can only return to school if they are
employees are allowed to return
The Center for Disease Control (CDC)
require
economy and overall well being. Essential
Even
quarantine is needed. “We still identify any
A school cannot run without people to staff it.
information
is
discovered; however, in order to implement those changes
Students
“If we want to go back to school now, we have to follow the rules.” - Sarah Linder ‘22 said.
questioned
used in past years are still in use this year. “ They [virtual substitutes] required us to have large groups of kids in the commons areas,” Woods said. “We have not used those since the start of the year just because we have shut those areas down.” Building
administrators
feel they are more connected to their students. “I did enjoy being in classrooms because a lot of my job is working with
the district needs a strong line of communication with all
have
if virtual substitutes that were
the system and other adults,”
Both building and district administration Woods said.
parties. “We rely heavily on our families and
have offered their assistance. “I got to ride
staff members communicating positive cases
a school bus,” Kacer said. “One day I got a
However district administration feels
with us,” Joy Wiebers, Executive Director of
phone call at five oclock in the morning that
more connected with staff. “It was really good
Student Support and Equity, said.
we didn’t have enough bus associates so I
to connect in classrooms and be visible to
rode a school bus.”
teachers,” Wiebers said. “I think our teachers
Some classes are harder to fill in for than
are working really hard and I think it is
others. “I taught AP Lit, I use the word taught
important to them to know that as a cabinet
loosely,” Woods said.
and administrators we want to do everything
Sometimes the positions that need filled
1,273,688 Individuals Tested
253,089
Individuals Positive
we can to support their work.”
15.8% % Positive
Information is from coronavirus.iowa.gov from 12/11/2020.
12 | In-depth
COVID-19 Timeline
Living With the Virus COVID-19 is still a developing issue
“I went to the local clinic and it took four days
balance working while dealing with the virus.
Reynolds put a mask wearing requirement
to get those results,” Dowell said. “I ended up
“I was fortunate to not have super intensive
in place, and an order restricting bar and
just getting a rapid test and got my results in
lessons during that stretch,” Dowell said. “I
restaurant hours from operating outside the
15 minutes.”
already had stuff ready to go and had the
hours 6am and 10pm.
January 21
meaning learning about the disease is still
Finding places to do rapid testing however
Washington officials confirmed the first
developing and there are a lot of unknowns.
was difficult. “We had to drive all the way to
COVID-19 case in the U.S.
Testing positive has been becoming more
Ames because it was the only one close and
common and allowing for more conversation
available,” Linder said.
January 29
January 30 The first U.S. case of person-to-
to the common cold. “I had mild sniffles
others, even within the household. For many
and
and sneezing,” AP Psychology teacher Jesse
this means isolating in the basement or guest
services.
Dowell said. Others may experience a loss of
room and having little to no interaction
TikToks, like a ton
smell or taste.
with the outside world. “I hung out in the
and watched a lot
outbreak a Public Health Emergency of
deciding to be tested, but Dowell was tested when he felt cold. “I knew something
The first U.S. death related to Covid-19
wasn’t right when I
occurs, but the link to the virus is not
felt cold,” Dowell said.
made until April 21.
“I am never really cold and felt chilly.” For Sarah Linder
The WHO declares coronavirus a
‘22
pandemic.
congestion and a sore
when
she
felt
throat, she got tested.
March 13 Trump declares a national emergency due to coronavirus, which frees up $50 billion in federal resources.
March 18 Trump signs a relief package that allows for free testing and paid emergency leave.
March 25 Trump signs the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Refief, and Economic Security Act [CARES Act] into law to keep the economy working.
April 2
absences decreased. However, many do not
of
are considered when
March 11
model while numbers leveled out and staff
time in quarantine besides school and sleep
CDC recommends that they quarantine from
[World Health Organization] deems the
February 6
Finding things for the teenagers to occupy
Some people experienced things similar
A lot of factors
“My
mom
didn’t
really believe me at first,” Linder said. “I
“It’s not easy, but it takes all of us.” - Joy Webiers said.
never ran a fever, but it was like bad allergies so I got tested.”
mainly
consisted
social
media
streaming “I made
Dowell
of Netflix,” Linder
said. “It has a couple
said. Linder made
couches and a TV so
TikToks about what
I was okay.”
a day in the life of
basement,”
have
a COVID positive
resorted to different
person looks like
ways
along with others
People of
receiving
groceries and food while
they
are
in
about COVID. After
living
did
through the virus
ordering
people have come
from Hy-Vee to get
back with a new
groceries,”
understanding
isolation. online
“We
Karsen
The school board made a decision to put the district in an all online learning
When one tests positive for COVID, the
person contact is confirmed. WHO
International Concern [PHEIC].
through it.”
about how the virus affects people differently.
The White House annouced the creation of a task force dedicated to the virus.
materials prepped. I felt okay enough to get
of
believe the spread
“Wear your mask, wear your mask, wear your mask.” Ryan Woods said.
was happening in schools.
“I
believe
that
don’t the
rise in cases was because we went back in a 5 day model,”
district that
are
safely
m i t i g a t i n g “I
of daily deaths, new infections, and million cases.
Nov 27
of
The U.S. passes 13 million coronavirus
think
cases per the Johns Hopkins data.
spread
our
Dec 2
hospitalizations, with the U.S. passing 14
believes
COVID.
tested positive since.
Wiebers
The
the
with one of every 22 Americans having
New records are set for highest number
said.
they
Dec 8 The U.S. reports over 15 million cases,
mitigation
strategies
are
Nov 9
working,”
Kacer
The total number of U.S. cases passes 10
However,
million, according to Johns Hopkins data.
said.
so
Pfizer announces its vaccine for Covid-19
the
is up to 90% effective in clinical trials.
Mumm ‘22 said. “I
how the virus could
also had friends come
affect the world if
sure
and bring me coffee
people do not take
community. “When
or Acai and place it on
it seriously.“Even though it may be mild for
I am out in the community I see things that
my front door steps.”
you it’s kind of like playing roulette,” Dowell
make me nervous,” Kacer said.
they
are
not
about
Oct 2 Trump announces that he and the first
Linder also had friends bring her food
said. “For someone else it may be worse. I
Quarantining students is not always
lady, Melania Trump, have tested positive
course of the virus
however since she was in the basement
challenge others to think beyond themselves.”
coming from the school. “A lot of our
for the virus.
people experience fatigue, nauseous, body
they got creative. “We have windows in our
aches and a wide range of other issues. “I was
basement, so my friend Carly got me Dunkin’
fatigued and had body aches,” Dowell said.
and she just left it at the window,” Linder said.
Throughout the
quarantines are from things that happen
Community Spread
outside of the school,” Woods said.
Sep 25
A new term has been used to explain
The U.S. passes seven million cases of
why mitigation efforts relaxed around the
the virus.
There are multiple ways to get tested for
In November the school board made the
COVID, however the two main types used are
decision to move online for a few weeks so
The community relaxed their mitigation
the rapid test and clinical test. Both of these
while students tested positive they were still
policies. Bars began to reopen, restaurants
types of testing are viral tests. The rapid test
juggling the virus and schoolwork. “It was
started seating more people, and mask
Pandemic fatigue is used to describe
The U.S. passes 200,000 deaths due to
does cost money to complete depending on
hard,” Mumm said. “I am glad we didn’t have
wearing was relaxed. Since these choices
the rise of numbers. “We are hearing about
the virus.
where the test is done.
to have cameras on because I looked like crap
were made numbers began to rise to the
Coronavirius fatigue where we are all tired of
the whole time.”
point where restrictions were put in place by
this and we want to get back to normal life,”
Governor Reynolds.
Kacer said.
With the increase of cases in November the clinical test results had a delay in results.
Teachers who tested positive also had to
community. “There is pandemic fatigue coming into play,” Wiebers said.
Sep 22
July 8 Johns Hopkins reports the U.S. surpassed three million confirmed coronavirus cases.
The highest number of initial unemployment claims in history are filed with 6.6 million U.S. workers filing. Total coronavirus cases pass 1 million globally.
April 28
May 27
June 11
July 7
The U.S. passes one million total cases of
Johns Hopkins reports more than 100,000
Johns Hopkins reports the U.S. surpassed
The U.S. formally withdraws from WHO,
two million confirmed coronavirus cases.
which goes into effect on July 6, 2021.
the virus.
coronavirus deaths across the U.S.
Timeline information was collected from multiple sources including WHO, CNN, the New York Times, and NBC.
14 | commentary
Evolution of the Quarantined Mind Words | Charles Pruett-Shillak Layout | Jay Marren
I
n March of 2020, the world collapsed.
having a care in the world, as it was now my
ways to kill my time. I took time to look upon
The biggest disaster of all struck
job to literally sit in my basement and play
myself and realize that I had not seen anyone
out of seemingly nowhere for the
video games all day to do my part in saving
close to me, besides my parents, for weeks
majority of the world, when Covid-19 had
the world. However, playing through as many
upon weeks. I yearned to leave the house and
taken countries by storm. Businesses shut
PlayStation games as I possibly could from 2
just spend a few hours with my friends, and
down, jobs lost, and most impactful of
in the afternoon to 5 in the morning proved
just to experience social interaction.
all, people were forced to be alone with
to open my eyes to the reality of the situation.
These thoughts made me realize how
themselves. Some quarantines mandatory,
First off, I had shaved all the hair off my
much, not just me myself, but how people
some by choice, but there is no doubt that
head. I thought ‘If I don’t have to see anyone
crave social interaction, and how important
the time spent alone allowed some people to
for the next few months, now is the perfect
truly find themselves.
time!’. I still have not come to the conclusion
For myself personally, I was left to my
as to whether that was a good idea or not. With
own devices under the roof of my house for
no hair, and hours upon hours on my hands, I
almost 3 months. First, obviously came the
soon found myself exhausting my options of
excitement of school being over, and not
those emotional connections between the
myself. Also, a great time to get a lot of video
people you care about are. It forced me to
games, which helped me find some of my
take a step back, and learn not to take those
new favorite games.
things for granted anymore. Now, being out
Over quarantine, I changed physically,
of quarantine, I realized I have changed to
obviously by shaving my head, and I also
care more about my connections with my
found myself eating less and less and I lost a
friends and not to undermine the importance
lot of weight, which was definitely a downside.
of those very connections.
However, psychologically and emotionally, I
Being on my own for months on end, with
realized my priorities and life, and I needed
no hair on my head, made me realize how
to invest more into those who cared about
important the people around me are, and how
me, because they truly are my support system
much I sucked at keeping those connections
and they motivate me to be my best self every
as stable as they should be. When things
day. I am forever grateful for the quarantine
finally started to clear up, and my parents
(but would never like to do it again).
became more lenient, I was able to rekindle the relationships with my friends and those around me. I am forever grateful for what was the few months in my life that made me step back and force myself to break down each and every aspect of my life and basically assess
L D
16 | editorial
Legislators should decriminalize
A nationwide push to relax drug laws
with nine ounces of marijuana, with intent to
Marijuana obviously has some negative side
majority of individuals can safely consume
has recently been kickstarted by Oregon,
distribute. He was sentenced to 55 years in jail,
effects. “Some short-term effects marijuana
and enjoy weed. The regulations and safety
which decriminalized the possession of
compared to the average prison sentence for
can have on the brain are decreased judgment
that legalization provides would actually
small amounts of drugs. Oregon and 16
rape being 9.8 years. This prison time was not
and concentration, memory loss, anxiety,
reduce death.
other states have fully legalized marijuana
helpful in reducing crime. According to the
slower reaction times, sleep disturbances,
An anonymous student gave their perspective
use for adults. Our nation should legalize
Center for Prison Progress (CPP), it created
hallucinations, and psychosis,” said Abbey
on why they partake in the drug. “I sort of use
marijuana and decriminalize possession of
a crisis where prisons had no impact on the
Holt, a Prevention Specialist at Employee and
marijuana as a way to relax and have a good
small amounts of controlled substances.
rate at which people continued committing
Family Resources.
time,” Student A said. “I don’t abuse it or use
When a methamphetamine user is pulled off
crimes. This means people released from jail
Prolonged marijuana use can have some
it in a destructive way. I use it in moderation.”
the street and sent to prison, that individual
are reoffending instead of being rehabilitated.
severe consequences. “A few long term
The desire for marijuana to be legalized
maintains their addiction and receives little
When a drug addict is released from prison,
effects on the brain can include lack of
is shared with this user. “I think that weed
to no rehabilitation while incarcerated.
they are 13 times more likely to die than the
enjoyment of life, long-term memory loss,
should be legal,” Student A said. “It doesn’t
According to the National Institute on Drug
general population, according to CPP. These
loss of motivation and productivity, and
hurt anyone, it’s not addictive, and the
Abuse, 65 percent of all inmates are in prison
individuals are dying of overdoses upon
increased risk of mental illness,” Holt said.
majority of people can enjoy it responsibly.”
due to drug offenses. These offenders have a
release due to the prison drug addiction
very low risk to others and mainly pose a risk
programs being largely ineffective.
to themselves, so why does our society detain
So what is the solution to the destruction
drug abusers for colossal sentences instead of
caused by the mass imprisonment and
providing rehabilitation opportunities?
enforcement of harsh drug laws? Follow in the
The American prison system was not designed
footsteps of Oregon, decriminalize drugs, and
to handle nonviolent drug offenders on
instead of mass imprisonment, use addiction
such a massive scale. During Nixon’s war on
treatment centers. Decriminalization does
drugs, incarceration rates for drug offenses
not mean eliminating all consequences for
rose to astronomical levels. For example, a
an offense,
man named Weldon Andrews was caught
A substance that goes hand in hand with drug imprisonments is marijuana, when in fact these imprisonments are not necessary, and
If our society has deemed alcohol and
“Marijuana affects people’s brains differently, so not everyone will be impacted the same.” -Abbey Holt
tobacco to be substances that can be enjoyed recreationally, marijuana should be held in the same light. According to a peerreviewed scientific study of more than 65,000 Americans, it found that marijuana users were not more likely to die than their nonmarijuana using counterparts, compared to a study that claims that consuming 100 to 200 grams of alcohol a week will shorten life expectancy by six months. However, that is not to say that marijuana has no drawbacks. It still adversely affects an
nationwide it is crucial to legalize marijuana
adolescent’s brain, so it should be regulated
for recreational use. According to the Pew
similarly to alcohol with a legal age of
Research Center, 40 percent of drug arrests
“Marijuana affects people’s brains differently,
consumption. “Marijuana use that begins
are for marijuana. Marijuana is a nonviolent
so not everyone will be impacted the same.”
during adolescence can lower IQ and impair
and nonaddictive substance similar to and
Marijuana needs to be legalized nationwide
other measures of mental function into
oftentimes considered less dangerous than
in order to decrease prison populations and
adulthood,” Holt said. The same principles
alcohol.
improve the lives of our populace. Those in
of alcohol regulation should be applied
The idea that marijuana users are dangerous
opposition to legalizing the drug claim that
to marijuana as it poses some of the same
and need to be incarcerated is an outdated
it would result in more underage marijuana
dangers. But marijuana is overall safer than
and dangerous societal view. Marijuana was
usage. “The rates of marijuana use by young
alcohol.
considered and treated as if it was on the
people are falling despite the fact more
Many criminal enterprises are funded and
same level of severity as methamphetamine.
US states are legalizing or decriminalizing
benefit from the illegal sale of marijuana.
This is simply not true, millions of people
marijuana use and the number of adults using
Legalization would fund the government
were imprisoned for crimes that were as
the drug has increased,” said Washington
through tax dollars instead of bankrolling
harmless as enjoying a beer.
University School of Medicine.
illegal operations.
Marijuana is not, in itself, addictive. “I have
Overdoses from marijuana do not happen.
The legalization of marijuana and the
never felt like I have been addicted or reliant
Marijuana itself is not addictive, like tobacco
decriminalization of drugs will have a major
on using weed,” Student A said, who smokes
or heroin. Similar to alcohol, the capability
positive impact on our society. For too long,
marijuana. “It is just sort of like a hobby.”
to abuse marijuana does exist, but the vast
drug users have been stigmatized and seen as less human, instead of being treated with kindness and compassion.
The editorial is an opinon held by the editorial board of the newspaper and is a collarbaration of the board. It needs a simple majority to pass. This month’s vote was 5-0.
18 | Commentary
Squishmallows Vs Pillow Pets Words | London Heim Layout | Jay Marren
Squishmallows, the new era of stuffed toys. Everyone loves them, they’re soft, huggable, and ultimately squishable. Pillow pets, the staple of a 2009 child’s bedroom. Every kid wanted one, and every parent hated buying them. The past and the future of stuffed toys have evolved but are they for the better?
Squishmallows
The world is in oblivion, and people need reassurance and hope back in their lives. Squishmallows give people the serotonin they crave, and they come in various different sizes, colors, animals, and witches, and fairies. The squishmallow “trend” became recently popular on the social media app, known as TikTok. These plushes can be found at a variety of stores including Target, 5 below, Game Stop, some Walmarts, Walgreens, and many more. The most recent collection released to these stores is their flippable collection and a neck-pillow collection. “Almost all my friends have either one or more squishmallows but mainly just the girls have them.” Rachel Chen, class 2021 states. “I found out about squishmallows from TikTok. My boyfriend, at the time, and I bought one because it looked super comfy and squishy.” On the
squishmallow website, it quotes “the versatile Squishmallows have grown into an international phenomenon and offer comfort, support and warmth as friends, couch companions, bedtime buddies and travel teammates.” Squishmallows were made to be a huggable, squishy friend. “It’s special to me because I cuddle it every night and when I use it as a pillow it doesn’t hurt my neck.” Rachel said. “They are just so cute and I like them more than regular pillows,” Molly Kilcollins, class 2022 replied. “Some of my friends have them but not a lot of them do. My boyfriend bought me my first one on my birthday. ” Squishmallows are the new fad and everyone enjoys them. They have more than one use, like using them as pillows. Squishmallows are comfy, cute, and pure joy.
Photo Provided By Jenna Curry Edited By Jay Marren
Photo Provided By Ariel Blackford Edited By Jay Marren
Pillow Pets An iconic throwback pillow that every kid remembers, has vague memories of, or has them in their rooms. “It’s a pillow, it’s a pet, it’s a pillow pet.” The very memorable slogan known by almost anyone who turned on a t.v. in 2009. “I found out from the catchy slogan playing on the t.v.” Brooklyn Parker, class 2022 exclaimed. “ I always slept on the one that I got for my birthday but then I got another one from one of my gymnastic meets. I had gotten the unicorn for my birthday, and a moose from gymnastics.” Almost every kid had gotten one from a parent or an adult figure. Even though parents weren’t the biggest fan of them, they loved to see their kids smile and be happy. “I had begged my dad for them,” Teghan Urie, class 2022 explained. “ I got my Pillow
Pet , I think from Walgreens. I had seen them in the commercials as a kid and they looked so fun I just had to have them.” Pillowpets came in a variety of mythical, and real animals. Such as unicorns, pandas, cows, monkeys, dragons, and plenty more. “I only had one Pillow Pet and it was the purple unicorn,’’ Ariel Blackford, class 2022 mentions. “My dad had gotten my Pillow Pet when I was in kindergarten. My favorite memories with my Pillow Pet were going to sleepovers in elementary and bringing my blanket and Pillow Pet and playing with my friends who also had them.” The brand pillow pets have been recently trying to regain the image of the iconic pillow by keeping up with the serge of plush toys and coming out with pillows that would reach a variety of audiences. Their most recent plush made was the Appa Pillow Pet, featuring a flying bison know from many kids’ childhoods and the more recent fans who have binged the show over quarantine, Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Throwback Jerseys Are Back
J
Words and Layout | Joel Kellar
erseys are making a comback, specifically throwback jerseys. For most jerseys the price is high, however in some cases it is worth it. Jerseys are a great way to rep your favorite players and teams. They have been very popular for a long time but they were nowhere near as popular as they are now. Jerseys are not just to show your fandom, but are now a mainstream style. In the early 2000s these jerseys were a way to show your fandom for your team however are now used as a new way of fashion. Rapper Jay-Z was a major trendsetter as he along with many other rappers made jerseys a style. Some of the biggest jerseys now are Kobe Bryant and Micahel Jordan. For the younger generations who were not able to see players who played in the 80s and 90s they decide to get the throwback jerseys with young stars on them. For example the Memphis Grizzlies have a wonderful throwback design, but not many people want one with the players that played back when that jersey was worn. This lead them to buying a jersey with Ja Morant, a budding superstar, on it. These jerseys are rarer to see as the cost has jumped up to around $150 at most name brands. One way for people with a strict budget who want a throwback jersey, is to buy these jerseys from second tier sellers. These sites provide jerseys for a much affordale $20. The only drawback is the quality is lower and it takes at least a month to ship. One thing is for sure and that is jerseys, spefically throwback jerseys, are the big thing and will be for as long as there are sports.