V5 I6 - June 18, 2020

Thursday, June 18, 2020

COVID cancels

The Student Newspaper of Jones College Preparatory High School

All the events and plans uprooted by the COVID-19 pandemic JACK O’LEARY ‘20 Managing Editor AVA THOMPSON ‘21 School Editor

On March 13, Gov. J.B Pritzker announced that all Illinois schools had to close their doors for a short amount of time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After a month of uncertainty about what the end of the year would look like, Pritzker announced on April 17 that in-person classes were not going to resume for the rest of the school year.

When school was officially cancelled, Powers began giving the student body updates through an email newsletter, focused in part on cancellations of planned events that were no longer possible.

These cancelled events

included “all athletic events and practices, all field trips and assemblies, all school trips through Spring Break, Spanish Honor Society Dance (Mar. 13). Multicultural Mixer (Mar. 19), Spanish Honor Society Induction (Mar. 29), Spring Musical (Mar. 26 through Mar. 28), Freshman Welcome (Mar. 31) and (Apr. 1) (a virtual alternative is being developed), [and]ALAS Fest (Apr. 3),” according to an email sent by Powers on March 23.

When CPS adopted a remote learning system on April 13, teachers had to adapt to an unprecedented learning situation. And when College Board announced that AP tests would be shortened, in an open book format, and moved online, AP teachers were thrown

into even more chaos trying to prepare students for the new test.

Additionally, as the stayat-home order had a temporary end date of April 30, the state-wide SAT was automatically canceled. The class of 2021 will have to take the SAT in the fall, with administration currently aiming for September 29th.

Senior graduation and prom were also officially cancelled on April 26. However, seniors picked up their caps and gowns at school, had a drive-by graduation ceremony, and will also be able to attend a virtual ceremony on July 7.

Trying to find ways to honor seniors, the Friends of Jones fundraising group gifted yard signs to the class of 2020, via weekly pick ups following social distancing restrictions.

Drive-thru diplomas

Graduation held in drive-by format amidst pandemic

SAMUEL TEDROWE ‘21 Lead Reporter

across the stage and shaking the hand of Dr. Powers,” said Adeagbo. “[But] it wasn’t really a negative experience to me. It was actually really nice to see everybody again and

Honking, clapping, and enthusiastic cheers rang to get together for the last time.

To take out from a parade of cars, each carrying a Jones gradu- pictures, and to hug each other despite social distancing.” ate and their loved ones. After Chicago Public Schools Decked-out vehicles were not uncommon, often with en(CPS) lifted the ban on in-person graduation events, a couraging messages painted on, photos of the graduate, “drive-through” event was held on June 14 to accom- or balloons and streamers. These cars congregated in pany the virthe parking lot tual ceremony across from the in July. Jones South Buildgraduates ing, where the stepped out graduating class of their vehiwould exchange cles to pick up congratulations their diplomas, before filing off have a photo into the parade. taken, and be Echoing the unsent off with usual nature of well wishes the graduation from the facevent, Dennis ulty and staff Reppen ‘20, who attendwho will be ed the event. a freshman at AniUniversity of sah Adeagbo Chicago next ‘20, who will year, expressed be attending his relative disBoston Uni- ONTO COLLEGE India Daniels ‘20 posing at the Drive-Thru Gradua- connect from versity in the fall, tion on June 14 the unfamiliar noted both the past semester. sadness of the lack of a traditional ceremony and her “Honestly, graduation and this [pandemappreciation for the opportunity to revisit her old peers. ic] all feels surreal, especially with the last two

“Obviously it wasn’t what I expected entering months of courses being online,” said Reppen. “It’s high school, because I thought I’d get the moment, walking not the most ideal circumstance for graduation, but the administration made it work.”

Although the event was generally received positively by students, it did not go without criticism, both in terms of accessibility and want for a more formal ceremony.

Despite some criticism and hectic logistical issues, the event provided a chance for the class of 2020 to gather as a whole for the first time since quarantine began — and likely the last time the class will ever be completely together again.

“All the stuff about the pandemic just melted away when we were talking again,” saidAdeagbo. “I think meeting up with everyone for the last time...that’s what’s really important.”

Volume 5, Issue 6

Not ready for the test Indefinite pause in classes causes college uncertainty for juniors

AVA THOMPSON ‘21 School Editor

As physical school not resuming for the remainder of the year due to COVID-19, juniors now face uncertainty and changes to their upcoming college admissions process. Due to lack of physical school, juniors face several changes: SAT and ACT testing postponed to a later or undetermined date, college visits delayed, Advanced Placement (AP) tests shortened to 45 minutes taken at home with open notes, and if that’s not weird enough, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) can only issue letter grades, pass, or incomplete despite Illinois policy saying otherwise.

This Stay-in-Place extension automatically cancels the statewide in-school SAT that was supposed to occur April 14. Even though this SAT is a graduation requirement, make-up dates are rescheduled to be on September 23, which can leave students short of testing options for college application deadlines.

“[It’s helpful to] have that option for people who don’t want to pay, because taking that test outside of school is expensive,” said Enza Handzel ‘21. “It was like 65 bucks. Just having that free option is nice, especially if you do it -- you get it done. You don’t have to worry about spending the extra money and that’s important. I don’t feel like shoving a bunch of money to take a test.”

Though most simply don’t want to spend extra money, some students don’t have the resources to pay for out-of-school testing or out-of-school prep classes. “ It’s really difficult because not everyone has the resources to study for the SAT especially coming back from the summer and coming back from a second semester that really wasn’t there,” said SGA secretary Trinity Lee ‘21. “You don’t have the right mindset to take a four-hour-long test and do well enough on it to go to the college of your dreams.”

Even though students depend on testing for admission into college and to graduate, Haley Weigman, a tutor at The Princeton Review, claims testing can benefit public high schools.

“Another reason students take the exams is because high schools use these standardized tests to measure the aptitude of their student body, and to receive government funding based on those results,” said Weigman.

The College Board recently announced that students who were not able to test in the spring will have “early access to registration” for testing in the fall and will be emailed May 28 for updates. However, the pause in testing can shift a previously planned out timeframe.

“I kind of had set myself on a schedule, I wanted to have all of my testing done by senior year,” said Handzel. “You spend all of your time doing test prep and [then] all of this time writing college essays. My motivation and mental capacity to be able to take a test are not going to be as good in the fall as it is now.”

The pandemic has caused an abundance of colleges to become more test-optional for the incoming senior class. However, not all colleges have fully made this transition and might have to view students differently.

“I feel like either way it should be test-optional especially with the current situation,” said Handzel. “It’s a lot of stress for us to shift to an e-learning situation and then add the stress of getting a good grade on SAT or ACT. It’s just a big ball of stress. Honestly, measuring me by a number is not the same as reading my essay a couple of times.”

“Most students apply to 10 or more colleges,” said Weigman. “So unless all of their schools go test-optional, they’ll s t i l l need to take an exam.

Even if a school d o e s become test-optional, if you score well on your exam, you might be offered more financial aid from the school – especially if your GPA was a bit lower.”

Photos by Fiona Kogan ‘22 Graphic by Emma Casallas ‘20

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PAGE 2 Moving forward Lightfoot plans to move Chicago into Stage 3 in early June.

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Going the distance

As CPS schools shut down, students adapt to virtual learning FIONA KOGAN ‘22 School Staff

As schools across the nation remain shuttered due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they continue to be called upon to teach through digital means. On April 13, the Chicago Public Schools, the third largest school district in the United States, rolled out a remote learning plan so that students can join the classroom from miles away.

Teachers find themselves having to adapt to both policy changes and create strategies to drive student engagement.

English teacher Ann Dernbach has developed a fun way to foster engagement by creating online surveys in which she dares herself to participate in fun activities voted on by the students. The surveys also serve as a weekly check in for students.

“I’m not quite sure where the initial “Dare Dern” inspiration came from I think it again goes back to trying to figure out ways to infuse personal touches in this remote environment. It was kind of a way to bring the humor/energy we have in class together to our new normal,” said Dernbach. “It was also kind of a solidarity thing as well. Hopefully it at least keeps people checking Google Classroom.”

Dernbach keeps her students

updated with a schedule of upcoming events, and continues to post various assignments, competitions, and art projects in order to keep her students connected.

Her surveys help her to create these assignments in contrast to adhering to an already planned yearly curriculum.

In response to the new plan, math teacher Natasha Fast has created resources for her students and continues to interact with students several times a week.

“In the first few weeks we started with some review topics. Once we realized we would be out of school for longer, we decided that posting assignments twice a week would give students enough time and flexibility to keep up with work,” said Fast. “We tried out a few different ways of having students turn in work. Using Google Classroom or Google forms seemed to be the easiest for students and for us.”

One item of contention during the changing CPS remote learning poli-

cy has been the grading policy. Currently, there is a “no penalty grading policy,” that dictates that no matter what students turn in, it cannot hurt their grade, only raise it. Fast has adapted this to the math program, in which there are only three categories that would shift your grade; quizzes, tests, and projects.

“We are tracking what students are completing and waiting to hear from CPS about how grades will work this semester. It is my hope that there will be pass/no credit options for grades or at least that there will be an option that will allow us to have no students receive Ds or Fs this semester.” said Fast, “For now we are focusing on trying to help students master the skills they will need for Math 4 and Stat (statistics) next year. We are trying to offer as much feedback as possible for students when they complete their work. Sometimes this means just sharing an answer key and sometimes it means emailing pictures and questions back and forth.”

In contrast to CPS’s current pol-

icy, private schools have taken a different approach to online learning. Maya Mubai, a student at the University of Chicago Lab School in Hyde Park, has adjusted well to distance learning.

“Almost all teachers are having live meets at least once a week and some up to four times a week. This is how the teachers keep in touch with us and make sure we are following the schedule and assignments,” said Mubai. “Many of my teachers make videos of themselves lecturing as if we were in class.”

Additionally, Lab school has adopted a new grading policy much different than programs CPS has created so far.

“For the second semester, Lab has moved to a pass or fail system. For our year long grade that goes on transcripts, it cannot be lower than our Fall Semester grade which we received at the end of January,” said Mubai. “ In other words, our Fall Semester grade is our floor and this semester can only improve that grade.

However, Lab’s usual grading policy is that our final grade is composed of the first and second semesters and your grade can go down in the second semester.”

In the meantime, students and teachers continue to adapt to the new world of distance learning.

Graphic by Emma Casillas‘20

Lacking direction amidst a crisis

A combination of unheeded warnings, disorganization, and false hope

With every waking moment, the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, appears to be tightening its stranglehold on societies everywhere. In the United States, the total number of people filing for unemployment is nearing Great Depression levels. Majority-minority communities are being disproportionately afflicted. Every day, millions of healthcare workers courageously fulfill their civic duty knowing their well-being is at risk. Feeling obligated to isolate, domestic abuse victims and those suffering from mental health issues have nowhere to run. The coronavirus has left no stone unturned, and no aspect of conventional life untouched.

Thus, how has America, the world’s richest—and supposedly most advanced nation—been forced to its knees by a pandemic that was not only predictable, but predicted. Simply put, the federal government, and more specifically the White House, failed dramatically.

The Trump administration’s

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missteps in terms of preparedness for a biological catastrophe began in early 2016 immediately following the inaugural ceremony. In a good-faith effort, then-President Barack Obama ordered Lisa Monaco, his homeland security advisor, to conduct a training exercise for newly appointed officials. In this exercise, Monaco modeled possible responses to a highly communicable, deadly flu outbreak in which no vaccine was available and ventilators were in short supply—a situation eerily similar to our current crisis.

If there’s one thing that’s predictable about the Trump administration, though, it’s the constant shuffling of officials and changing of positions so that only men and women who unwaveringly defend our president in the eye of public opinion maintain their standing. Consequently, when the coronavirus came to fruition, almost all of the officials who participated in the exercise—those with the adequate training and knowledge to counter this pandemic—had been fired or moved on. In this case, executive disorganization has literally cost lives.

F r o m Januar y to August 2019, the Tr ump administration conducted an additional simulation, called “Crimson Contagion,” which imagined an influenza pandemic originating from China and first detected in Chicago that involved officials from 12 states and over a dozen federal agencies. The simulation’s appalling findings— contained in a draft report

dated October 2019 marked “not to be disclosed”—highlighted how underfunded, underprepared, and uncoordinated the federal government would be if confronted with a pandemic in the near future.

The draft report delineated various instances in which our bureaucracy and our trusted institutions did not meet the moment. Federal agencies jockeyed over who was in charge. State officials and hospitals struggled to figure out what kind of equipment was stockpiled or available.

Cities and states went their own ways on school closings. Once the Crimson Contagion planning exercise ran its course, 110 million Americans were expected to become ill and 586,000 dead. Now, these documented cases of confusion are playing out in real-time. Hopefully the simulation’s staggering results won’t become true of the coronavirus outbreak as well.

Despite numerous warnings, despite the pages of reports from multiple studies that explicitly described how crippling a significant biothreat could be, no productive action was taken by the White House. The Trump administration just sat on this knowledge— they disregarded a national weakness that is now costing American lives.

What the White House lacked in preventive measures, however, Trump himself made up with negligent rhetoric.

For weeks on end, Trump has broadcasted a mind-numbing, two-hour press briefing where, on a daily basis, he minimizes the dangers posed by the coronavirus and displays his audacity to peddle false hope.

With misinformation spewing from the White House and essentially no uniform response guidelines issued at the federal level, the coronavirus containment effort has been horrendously fragment-

ed, to say the least. Thankfully, a number of governors and other state officials have burdened much of the responsibility President Trump carelessly shrugged off.

But why must it come to this point? One of the foremost duties of our governing body is to promote the general welfare of the people—to provide for and protect American citizens. This function should not fall solely on the states. By disregarding the early warnings, by misleading the American people, and by failing to provide direction in a time of crisis, the Trump administration has neglected to offer the leadership that the United States so desperately needs. As a result, each and every American citizen will endure more suffering.

Graphic by Enzo Zerillo ‘20

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Justice begins with education

Junior’s opinion on next steps amid George Floyd’s death AMARA ALEXANDER ‘21

I’m emotionally drained. I’m enraged by the despicable injustices in our country that some think were left in the 1960s. There have been a disgustingly infinite number of police brutality cases in our nation’s history.

Black people experience discrimination every sinigle second of every single day. I have been well aware of the injustices that the black community has faced most of my life. But, seeing George Floyd’s life leave his body as Officer Chauvin murdered him struck a chord within me. It verified what I’ve been feeling my whole life.

America doesn’t respect me as a young black woman.

All the times that I’ve gone to Grant Park after school with friends and received the side eye from strangers because we were just being normal, boisterous teenagers, except for the fact that we were black. All the times I’ve had to sit in a classroom full of people who don’t look like me feeling like I don’t belong, the times slavery was discussed and peers’ glaring stares tried to pick me apart and make me feel as if it was me against them. Now, I see a very unfit president use my livelihood for political gain, when really he thinks of me as a thug for fighting for my life. Mind you, this is the same man who calls white supremacists groups and people storming government buildings with rifles because they’re tired of being in quarantine “very fine people.” And behind the president, I see the police proving their faults to America. I’ve seen videos and pictures of a ten year old girl screaming for help after being pepper-sprayed, teenagers being dragged out of their car for being out past curfew because of traffic, a black CNN reporter being wrongfully arrested for doing nothing but his job, and countless other senseless actions by the

police. Let’s not get started on police unleashing teargas in the middle of a pandemic. More than 10,000 protesters have been arrested across the U.S in the span of a week.

Yet, it took a week to charge the three other officers responsible in Floyd’s murder. I am irate by the media’s representation of the protestors. All the attention is brought to the violence, which has been ignited by the police, and the looting, which is in no way a fair representation of the Black Lives Matter movement. They pay little attention to the way that people of all different backgrounds, even celebrities have joined together to protest against one of America’s biggest faults. It’s sad that the videos of white people standing in front of black protestors acting as a shield against police or videos of black people singing spirituals are overshadowed by a cruel generalization which equates protestors to looters. The media has also been fueling anti-blackness, which has torn apart relations between the black community and other minority communities.

Every day since May 29, 2020, I’ve woken up with this fire in me. A new, inflamed sense of distrust in America has been instilled in me and I’m not sure if it will ever leave.

What has dismayed me the most is Jones’ response. I was shocked that it took a week for the school to acknowledge the situation. But, am I really shocked

though? I never really feel welcome as a black student at Jones. There’s a divide between Jones’ black community and other students. It’s so gapingly obvious, but people typically turn a blind eye towards it. From sweeping numerous incidents of racism towards black students under the rug to the microaggressions black students face from students and teachers alike, Jones isn’t the most race-conscious school. I’ve read some posts made

by Jones’ students about the Floyd situation that were completely inane and uneducated. How can we expect our students to be ready for the real world if they don’t know the first thing about race relations in America?

The days of tip-toeing around the “race issue” should’ve been over a long time. We can start making progress through education. What a student learns at school helps them formulate their opinions on the world around them. If students continue to learn the whitewashed version of history that only addresses slavery, Dr. King, and Rosa Parks as black history, we will continue to breed citizens that are ignorant to the issue of racism in their country. Black history didn’t start at slavery and didn’t end with the Civil Rights movement.

While Jones’ does offer classes that specialize in African American history and literature, mandatory lessons in other English and social science classes are necessary. By prioritizing black history, students can realize the impact that black history has on U.S. history. From there, hopefully they can form a better, more educated stance on race issues instead of just shying away from them. Education is the first step to our long overdue end to racism.

Illustrations by Ava Thompson ‘21

A tale of two cities

Citywide protests erupt over killing of George Floyd, students share thoughts SIMONE GARBER ‘22 School Staff CARRIGAN GARRITY ‘22 Lifestyles Staff FIONA KOGAN ‘22 School Staff “Please, I can’t breathe.”

These were the last words uttered by George Floyd as he pleaded for his life on May 25, 2020, his breath constrained as police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Only moments before, Minneapolis police had arrested Floyd for buying food at a deli with an allegedly counterfeit $20 bill.

Floyd was then pinned beneath police officers, unable to breathe and pleading for his life, until he died shortly thereafter. Floyd’s death inspired worldwide protests in support of the “Black Lives Matter” movement.

Maggie Davis, a freshman at Global Citizenship Experience (GCE) Laboratory School, has been protesting against police brutality and racial oppression in the wake of recent deaths on the streets of Chicago.

“The issues that are being protested are long-standing but getting much wider support from the general public,” said Davis.

Alexis Muñoz ‘22 has been advocating for racial equality by participating in peaceful protests. She has observed a unifying passion at these protests and a sense of community among those energized to effect widespread change.

“For me, I feel that it is my duty as a person of color to show support,” said Muñoz. “However, I also believe [that] everyone should be supporting this movement.”

These

tests

proare

the result of years’ worth of anger over systematic abuse at the hands of police. Many hope that their efforts will inspire action on behalf of elected officials to take direct measures in support of racial equality.

“I really hope [that] this movement brings about change, but we have to be united and willing to keep protesting until we are heard,” said Joaquim O’Malley ‘21, who was also in protest attendance. “[Many of] these protests might be suppressed, but the people [behind them] are brilliant.”

The recent violence has often been portrayed by the media as stemming from the peaceful protesting, while, in reality, much of it stems from the alleged organization of out-of-state extremist groups. Though it is unclear who these groups are, analysts suspect that their intentions are to loot and destroy property in an effort to distract the public eye from largely peaceful and established endeavors. Many stores and homes have been looted, causing considerable damage and inevitable economic hardship on top of closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Lori Lightfoot instituted a nighttime curfew throughout the city on May 30, though this has not stopped protestors from gathering peacefully.

“In general, the movement is very necessary and extremely overdue,” said Akira Sinnot ‘22. “[However,] I feel that people are taking advantage of outrage and doing things for personal gain [as opposed to] the movement.”

Muñoz believes that emphasis should be on the movement at large and the change that it can bring to the black community.

“We can’t allow people to live in ignorance anymore,” said Muñoz. “Activism is not just [about] supporting movements but actively taking part in making change.”

Several students believe that they

were lucky to have witnessed only peaceful protests.

“As the day went on, it seemed [that] tensions were escalating, and that’s when police started tear-gassing people,” said O’Malley. “There was no immediate violence in my area, but I left as soon as police became aggressive.”

Social media platforms have been responding to protests in an expedient fashion. Users have posted information in support of Black Lives Matter, circulating trends such as “blackout Tuesday” and hashtags such as #blacklivesmatter and #theshowmustbepaused throughout their respective bases. Photographer Owen Ziliak ’20 has been posting his snapshots to social media in an effort to raise awareness about citywide protests.

“My job is to take a fluid, ever-moving protest, turn it into a bunch of still images, and make it back into a fluid, moving story,” said Ziliak. “I get so committed to the images that I don’t see or remember everything that happened.”

Social media is only one of numerous ways to promote black advocacy. There are many steps that people have been taking to not only show their support but confront racism in their own lives. Although O’Malley has been vocal at numerous protests, he believes that there is additional action to be taken beyond physical congregation, including visiting donation sites and signing bail funds, petitions, and more.

“I will gladly support this [movement] by spreading awareness and sending money to bail funds to help protestors,” said O’Malley. “They shouldn’t be punished for [exercising] their first amendment rights. Ultimately, i f you can protest, you should go Photos courtesy of Owen Ziliak ‘20 out there and continue to fight.”

Photo Courtesy of Owen Ziliak ‘20 **Faces crossed out to protect identities**

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Moving On Congratulations to all graduating seniors!

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Hard Work “You learn more from failure than from success.”

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JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT JUNE 18, 2020

No last dance

Seniors find alternatives as pandemic shuts down prom AMARA ALEXANDER ‘21 Sports Staff

make sure we are as happy as we can be. It definitely doesn’t go unnoticed,” said Ariyana Shines ‘20.

While a formal plan for the senior class’ prom is undetermined, Shines decided to take matters in her own hands and planned an alternative. Since she couldn’t

current state of things and how everything was being taken away from us, at least that’s what it felt Prom was no exception to the like. I started to think about other string of activities canceled due things I lost, not related to COVID, to the COVID-19 pandemic. With and all of that compiled is what imCPS in-person events being canpacted me. But then one day, I deceled through June 30, the May cided I wouldn’t let it get the best of 16 date for prom renme, so my mom and I made dered useless. When it happen,” said Shines. the cancellation was Molly Egan ‘20 also came first announced, the up with her own way to celJones administraebrate. While being quarantion was searching tined in Texas, Egan had a for an alternative. photoshoot in her friend’s

“At the bebackyard. They got ready on ginning of the canceltheir own as they would’ve lation of school events for their actual prom. through June 30th, “I was sad for a while there began to be talk because I was excited to of the postponement have prom with all my high of prom to a later date school friends and go to among administrathe after parties. But now, tion and the venue I’m fine with it because while also following I’ve been able to have fun the guidelines of highexperiences in quarantine er powers. However, with my best friend and with the uncertainty I don’t feel like I’m truly of the situation there missing out,” said Egan. could be no guarantees,” STILL DANCING Ariyana Shines ‘20 during her As many festivities for said senior class presi- socially distanced prom celebration the senior class have been dent, Trinitee Wells ‘20. canceled, Wells wants to

While the option of assemble the rest of her outfit for share a message of optimism a postponed prom is still be- prom, she improvised with what with her fellow classmates. ing discussed, there have been she had. Shines did a photoshoot “I know that this isn’t talks about a virtual prom. . and went to relatives’ houses to the senior year that we imag “I’m just really thankful celebrate, while being socially ined and there’s nothing I can that people genuinely care about distanced.

“One day I was say that can change that but us and are trying their hardest to relaxing and I thought about the don’t give up hope” said Wells.

Can’t play on

Varsity spring sports trips canceled MAX WELDON ’20 Sports Editor

The boys varsity baseball team, who finished second in city playoffs last season, was looking to build on their success beginning with a tournament in Orlando, Florida. However, when COVID-19 hit the United States, their trip was immediately canceled.

“In the Florida tournament we hope that we would have been

said Hope. “Last year, the trip really bonded us as a team and I think this was a major contributor

“Now it seems likely I to the successes of last season.” played my last high school base As for the full season, ball game without even knowHope had high goals for the team. ing it,” said Davis Jedd ‘20.

“My hopes for the season

This year has held no were a city championship,” said shortage of disappointment for Hope. “We came just a few plays Chicago Public Schools (CPS) away from that last year, and evsports. Just months eryone was really hungry ago many thought the to get back and deliver.” worst for sports has Varsity baseball is not happened during the alone; boys track and field Chicago Teacher’s had their trip to Los Angeles, Union (CTU) strike.

California canceled as well.

Sports like boys socLike baseball, track is comcer and girls volleyball ing off a very successful seahad their seasons unson. Varsity runners like Anexpectedly cut short. thony Maida ‘20 even hoped Like Jedd, many seto push for all-state this year. niors lost their last “I know that if we reseasons, never getting sumed this season we would to truly experience be competing at the state the last time they put LOOKING BACK Davis Jedd ‘20 playing during finals in June,” said Maida. on a Jones jersey. For the Florida trip from last year.

To make matters worse, a second, it seemed many of the runners have allike it could not get worse. After very competitive with these nation- ready had their season cut short all, the cancellation of the end of al teams that were ranked near the participating in cross country many fall season alone still makes top of their states and could ride the during the CTU strike. To them, for one of the worst years for CPS momentum into the rest of our con- this is a very similar situation. sports in recent history. Little did ference and postseason,” said Jedd.

“It’s difficult to comprethe world know a global pandem- Ian Hope ‘20, a varsity baseball hend that our season could be endic would make it even worse. player, believes the trip tran- ed on such short notice once again,” Just weeks ago, dozens of stu- scends just early playing experi- said varsity runner Ryan Desantis dent-athletes at Jones were ence: it creates team chemistry. ‘20. “Especially for seniors because preparing for their domes- “The Florida trip is defi- this is our last chance to race and tic trips that start their season. nitely important to the season,” end our careers on a high note.”

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Staying put

Spring break trip cancellations leave students and parents disgruntled AMARA ALEXANDER ‘21 Sports Staff

Many events have been put on hold as COVID-19 has erupted worldwide. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) foreshadowed this happening and canceled all international trips that were set to take place in the spring. The sudden cancellation left students and their parents frustrated and confused about the status of their trips and their money they paid.

“I was really upset at first, especially because of the timeline of the events. On March 5, we had a meeting answering questions about the trip.

Then that Friday, March 8, we got an email saying that it [the trip] was canceled,” said Sara Decker ‘21.

Decker was set for her trip to Morocco. Her group was supposed to stay there for 12 days. The trip was through a travel agency called Rustic Pathways.

“Last time we went to Morocco was my tenth school trip with kids. Rustic Pathways was probably the sixth company that I’ve used and is by far, the best one,” said French teacher Tory Waterman, the lead sponsor of the trip.

Initially, Rustic Pathways issued vouchers for 65 percent of the full cost of the trip. If Rustic Pathways or the federal government had canceled the trip, they would have had to give the group a full refund. However, since CPS, which is a third party, canceled the trip, Rustic Pathways was not required to give the group a full refund. After pushback from students and parents, Rustic Pathways issued a voucher that covered a full trip.

“They [were] not going to give us a refund.

There’s no waythat’s going to happen,” said Decker.

Since canceling the trips, CPS has decided to reimburse the students, if each student signs their voucher over to CPS.

Every student that was going on the Morocco trip has given CPS permission to take their vouchers.

“My feeling is that CPS was very generous in order to say we’re going to make up the difference because we don’t want our students to have to deal with this,” said Jackie Thompson.

Jackie’s daughter, Ava Thompson ‘21, was set to go on a group trip to Europe for 13 days.

Jackie expected the trip to be canceled because of the increasing severity of COVID-19. The students had full trip insurance under the travel company that sponsored the trip, EF Tours. However, EF Tours only issued a voucher for each student as compensation. The voucher covered everything, minus handling fees, and the student would have to travel through EF Tours. Then, EF Tours offered to reimburse the families the cost of the trip minus $1,000 in handling fees. Since then, CPS offered to make up the $1,000.

“My feeling is the best way to even it out, so to speak, is for CPS to say we don’t work with vendors that operate that way,” said Jackie

Katie Dattner ‘20 was another one of the thirty students going on the Europe trip. Katie, who is a World War II enthusiast, had been looking forward to this trip for months.

“I knew CPS was making a good decision. Even if I was sad about it, I knew CPS was making the right call,” said Katie. .

Derek Dattner, Katie’s father, also hypothesized that the trip would be cancelled before the official cancellation announcement was made. Along with the safety of his daughter, his biggest concern was getting their money back. Katie and her dad became frustrated with EF Tours response to the trip cancellation.

“The trip insurance was very detailed in terms of what it would cover. Unfortunately, there wasn’t anything in there about global viral pandemic. That was one major loophole from, what I would call, a lack of imagination. No one knew that something like this would happen and that’s why it wasn’t in the insurance coverage. At the same time, accommodations are being made by other tour companies out there to make people whole for their experience,” said Derek.

Derek and Jackie reached out to local news stations to share their experience. Jackie spoke to ABC7 News and Derek spoke with WBBM radio, the Chicago SunTimes, and the Chicago Tribune.

Photos courtesy of Ariyana Shines ‘20 and Davis Jedd ‘20

PAGE 7 Stay positive Yesterday is just a memory, but toimorrow is a vision of hope.

JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT JUNE 18, 2020

Coping with separation together

Students share ways they are dealing with social distancing ALISON MCLEOD ‘20 School Staff

School provided students with something they gave little gratitude towards yet now find themselves missing dearly: social interaction. Forced to stay home over these past few weeks, Jones students are set on finding ways to cope with their newfound situation.

“When we first started social distancing and staying home, I honestly loved it because it gave me a break from my family’s fast-paced lives,” said MaKenna Malarkey ‘23. “But as time went on, I found all of these actions to be repetitive and it left me just sitting in my room on my phone to pass the time.”

Many other students also felt this way about social distancing at first, but Malarkey and others have found ways to adapt and better themselves during the extended break. Elizabeth Cassell ‘20 thought of how to help others during these times of social distancing and began to make care packages to send off to anyone who needs them.

“I have battled with feelings of extreme isolation, de pression, anxiety, and hopelessness. I know a lot of people are feeling the extremes of these emotions, probably for the first time; that’s scary,” said Cassell. “Without the proper tools to combat the fears and emotions, things can fall apart. If I can remind someone that I care and I see them, it gives me peace.”

Malarkey has found ways to cope with the social

distancing, which is how she began to adapt to the time off.

“I’ve been making new breakfast foods, baking, and reading,” said Malarkey. “When the weather is nice outside, my family and I go on drives around the neighborhood and say hi to our friends from inside of the car. It’s nice to get out of the house and see people besides your family.”

Brianna Sanchez ‘21 found that the time off has led her to put more effort into her relationships with people, even with those she had previously not had much contact with during the school year.

“For a lot of the day, I stay on FaceTime with friends when we’re not doing schoolwork,” said Sanchez. “It’s crazy that I don’t get to see these people every day anymore; I never thought about what it would be like to not be able to. I’ve been texting old friends from middle school, and I feel like social distancing is connecting us again because it’s a shared experience.”

Some Jones students have also found the time to do activities that they had previously not had enough time to explore.

“I’ve realized over quarantine that I like to cook and bake more than I thought I did, which is wild to me because I thought I hated cooking,” said Malarkey. “I’ve also learned a lot of new Tik Tok dances during quarantine, which might sound very cringey, but they’re so fun to learn, and it makes me feel productive.”

For Sanchez, developing a new skill was one of the most positive outcomes of this time, and she is excited about the prospect of showing others that skill.

“I have been doing my makeup in different ways every day and trying to build up the confidence to start practicing on other people,” said Sanchez. “I used to think makeup was just something I liked to do, but now it seems like artwork the more elaborate I try to make it. I’ve been doing designs that I only saw makeup artists do before, and I love that I can do them myself now.”

Because of the quarantine, Cassell has been able to spend much need-

WELL-TRAINED Elizabeth Cassell ‘20 on the train with Finnely, her service dog in training. ed time training her new service dog, something she was afraid she would not be able to find the time for.

“I rceived Finnely, my service dog in training, in October in order to be able to attend university independently the following fall,” said Cassell. “He couldn’t be happier that I’m home all the time now. He and I have spent a lot of time training and on long walks these past few weeks.”

Though Cassell is a senior faced with the abrupt end to her year, she tries to overcome the challenges social distancing has presented.

“[If] I’m earnest, social distancing is challenging,” she said. “It’s a constant effort to choose to have gratitude and perspective. I’m very blessed to quarantine in a place I feel safe.”

Photos courtesy of Brianna Sanchez ‘21, MaKenna Malarkey ‘23, and Elizabeth Cassell ‘20

QUARANTINE HOBBIES Above: Brianna Sanchez ‘21 wearing her makeup. Right: MaKenna Malarkey ‘23’s home-baked two-ingredient bread.

Be prepared

How athletes are staying in shape for sports JOSHUA LAZAR ‘21 Sports Staff

With coronavirus putting a hold on most things, all sports events and practices are unable to be held, sticking athletes and coaches in a difficult situation of what to do in case sports return this year.

Most coaches are communicating digitally with their teams and giving them workouts to do. For example, head coach of the boys volleyball team Howard Hu is instructing his team with different workouts.

“[The workouts consist of] some squats, some pogo jumps and some other exercises.” said boys volleyball player Emerson Hachinski ‘21. “I think variety is really important, I have been doing a bunch of leg things and also every day I have been doing at least 100 push ups.”

In order to stay in touch, the girls track team is doing zoom sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“We mostly just talk about what we have been doing and mostly just spend time with each other because we enjoy each other’s company, and we spend so much time together” said girls track runner Dorothy Harbaugh ‘21.

Similarly, the boys track team is also having meetings, and head coach Andrew Adelmann posts specific runs and workouts for the team.

“We have been meeting every other day on Google Hangouts” said boys track runner Alan Menninger ‘22. “We have been getting workouts from our coach on

the website because our season is still going on.”

Other athletes are a bit more on their own, as their coaches have not been giving them instructions, but they have been finding a way to stay ready for their respective sports.

“For baseball, I have a net so I can hit baseballs into it and pitch into it,” said baseball player Peter Flynn ‘22. “What I have been doing every couple of days is going by the river where no one else is and I have been hitting flips and balls off the tee and pitching into it to keep up arm strength.”

It is also becoming increasingly more difficult to exercise outside due to the closing of public parks.

“We have a Peloton which is a [spin] bike [for] when it is not warm out and then I have been going on runs when it is warm out,” said girls soccer player Shayna Ellis ‘21. “But since they closed the lakefront there is not really a good place to run anymore so I am mostly doing the Peloton.”

Some athletes are taking advantage of technology and are reviewing game strategy with the rest of their team.

“We talk about game films every week or two to go over things and are constantly going over things among ourselves when we have the time and when we talk together,” said water polo player Alberto Franchi ‘21.

THE GRIND CONTINUES Emerson Hachinksi ‘21 doing the at-home recommended workout from his coach to stay in shape for volleyball.

Photo courtesy of Emerson Hachinki ‘21

PAGE 8 Stay active Being active is helpful, even if it’s just stretching or taking a walk.

JONESBLUEPRINT.COM @JONESBLUEPRINT JUNE 18, 2020

Out without a bang

Suspended spring sports leave senior athletes aimless JACOB DUNN ‘20 Sports Editor

School Association), the governing body for high school sports in Illinois, officially canceled spring state tournaments and summer sports practices..

“It’s definitely not as satisfying of an end to senior year that I would want,” said track and field runner Colin Greiner ‘20. Many teams had high goals for this season that they may not have the chance to fulfill.

“We were feeling like this was our year to win the City Championship,” said Barber. In the past two years, the baseball team lost in the semifinals and championship game. “We had our hopes up.”

Not only has the suspension affected team goals, it has affected individual athletes as well.

“I hoped that this season, I could pick up one or two more offers from colleges,” said Barber.

Like many athletes, Barber planned to send footage from his games to colleges or invite college scouts to his games.

Now, he only has three seasons’ worth of games to use.

Social distancing guidelines have also affected athletes’ abilities to meet with coaches and discuss logistics.

“I would have gotten to sit down with the coach recently to develop a training plan for the summer,” said Greiner, who plans to run cross country and track at Hanover College next year, “It’s just the minor things.”

With their high school careers over, seniors have begun to look towards their sports plans for the rest of the school year and the future.

“I’m hoping that this could go away in time for us to even scrimmage against each other one last time,” said Loos. Loos also hopes to play club soccer in college, but wants a chance to play soccer again before that.

“It will be weird coming back from not playing to trying out for a new team,” said Loos. Athletes have found solidarity in the fact that closures affect others across sports and around the country.

“We’re all in the same boat,” said Barber. Athletes have taken to social media to participate in “virtual competitions” and post pictures and messages reminiscing on their time in a sport.

“I’m grateful that running is a sport that I can do outside of competitions,” said Greiner. The boys track team has been holding meetups in which athletes, in groups of no more than three, run six feet apart for hard workouts.

“At this point I’ve accepted it,” said Barber, “But I’m still hopeful.”

School closures have led to suspension of spring sports. For senior athletes, this could mean an end to their high school sports careers.

“It still hasn’t even really sunk in,” said soccer player Natalie Loos ‘20. Due to stay-athome orders, teams are not only not allowed to compete, they also can not practice together.

“It was really weird at first,” said Loos, “because when we had our last practice we didn’t even realize that it would be our last time playing together.” Suspensions of sports seasons has caused many senior athletes to potentially lose their chance to ever play their sport again in an organized fashion .

“I’ve accepted at this point that the outlook is not good,” said baseball catcher Dennis Barber ‘20.

Before school was cancelled, sports were temporarily suspended along with other extracurriculars like theater performances and clubs. Although school is not yet back in session, some athletes remain hopeful.

“I’m still hopeful that we can try to get at least a tournament in,” said Barber. Many athletes have continued to practice in case school and sports continue this year.

“I want to still be in shape in case we ever do play again,” said Loos. On Tuseday, Apr. 21, the IHSA (Illinois High STOMPING GROUNDS Track and field athletes like Greiner have made use of the Jones field for workouts.

Photo via Colin Greiner ‘20

Up in the air

Student-staff basketball game is school year’s last

LEO NECHELES ‘22 Sports Staff

title leading up to the game.

“There is only one goal,” said Smith. “It’s to win.”

As the game kicked off, the student team got off to a strong start. By the end of the first quarter, the score was 11-5 with the students on top. However, the teachers still managed to keep up with a strong start from Smith.

“[The teachers] were a pretty formidable opponent,” said Liam Meyering ‘20, a member of the student team. “I think Mr. Smith was a pretty good shooter.”

Going into the half, the game continued to be a back and forth affair. However, the students nailed their shots when it counted and went into halftime with a commanding 19-11 lead.

“We were outplayed as a whole,” said Smith.

“After the first couple of plays we were tired.” As the game proceeded, the students constantly held a lead, even with the teachers’ occasional hints at a comeback. Clutch threes from Chris Muller ‘21 and Rron Thaci ‘20 helped the students maintain their lead through the end of the game.

“I was just trying to be saucy and put on a show for the fans,” said Chris Muller. “I was lights out from three, 4-4, and was kind of surprised myself.”

With a final score of 45-33, the students came out victorious over the teachers, ending the faculty’s hopes of back-to-back triumphs.

“The teachers were formidable enough for us to beat them by 12 points,” said Meyering. “We’re going to beat them again next year.”

Just hours after the conclusion of the game, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) announced the suspension of all sports competitions and practices.

It was only fitting that the last Jones sports match before months of anxiety and anticipation would be one of the most crowded and lively games of the year. With school spirit higher than ever and worries about coronavirus looming, Jones was granted the opportunity to end their sports for the foreseeable future in one of the best ways possible.

Oblivious of what was to occur in the days to come, Jones students packed into the gym on March 12 ready to watch the annual Student vs Teacher basketball game.

With thoughts on coronavirus hanging just lightly in the air, no one had any idea of the bleak future of Jones sports.

The eventual postponement of all school sports and canceling of playoffs was devastating for all student-athletes, cutting the start/end of every team’s season. Although unaware at the time, the student-teacher game would be the last Jones sports contest for an unforeseeable future.

Prior to the game, students and teachers alike were excited for the competitive nature brought by the yearly tradition. Each year, the school’s student government sponsors the competition to raise money for their organization. Students show up to watch their teachers and peers flaunt their athletic abilities in a friendly game of basketball.

“I like playing against students I’ve had in the past and playing against current students,” said social science teacher Jonathan Smith. “It’s usually pretty fun to see them in a different light and show that I’m also a human being outside of school.”

H o w e v e r, like any sports game, both teams wanted to win, badly. With a one year winning streak on DEFENSE Rron Thaci ‘20 enthusiastically guards Assistant Principal Eric Mitchell during the the Student-staff the line, the teachers basketball game looked to defend their

Photo by Joshua Blustein ‘20