Kingwood Park Times - First Day 2022

Kingwood Park

TIMES August 9, 2022 Volume 9, Issue 1 Kingwood, Texas 77339

Under Construction New year brings changes to the building, both in and out of the classrooms.

Read more at KPTimes.com Follow us @KPARKmedia

IMPORTANT DATES se u o H n Ope 2

Aug. 2 walk ts can Paren ’ schedules ts studen t teachers. ee and m

School Pictures Day Seniors Sept. 26-27 Underclassmen Sept. 28-29

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16 Sept. am plays te m. eyball ll o v :30 p. e 4 t Th a Creek team plays Clear 7 p.m. ootball The f Sterling at wn Bayto

Day of Ser Nov. 1 vice 5 All freshm part i en will take nc servic ommunity e activ ities.

No School Oct. 3-7

G Fighotld, , Win P ep Ra Sept lly . 30

Prom

April 15 at the Downtown Marriott

y r a u r b Fe eak Br

Spring Break

No School March 13-17

2

October Break

FIRST DAY EDITION | 8.09.22 | KPTIMES.COM

ool No Sch 0 -1 Feb. 6

y a D t l Las Schoo of ay 26 M

New staff members fill key roles in new year

By Maya Ortiz

E

very school year brings in new people.

This year the staff has more than 30 new additions.

“I’m really excited about the new people coming in,” principal Wes Solomon said.

“I think we’ve got some really experienced people.”

Along with teachers and paraprofessionals, the school also hired a new counselor.

Caren Barnes, who worked with kids in the A-D alpha, retired and Amanda Farmer took her place.

All six principals returned from a year ago, and they have worked to help the new hires get acclimated as quickly as possible.

Solomon said one of the most important things when bringing new people into the school is getting them used to the culture, climate and expectations.

“What we focus on with [new teachers] is supporting people and giving them what they need to be successful in the classroom,” Solomon said. “[All] will ultimately benefit the students.”

New teachers spent four extra days in trainings and in-service before starting to meet in teams with their new colleagues.

“We avoid isolation,” Solomon said. “We partner them with people, whether that’s their department or their team teachers.”

New people means new relationships.

The fine arts department is almost completely new, and the teachers coming in are excited to start building relationships with their students and with students at Kingwood Middle School. The teachers have also discussed potentially putting on a musical, which would combine multiple fine arts programs.

New relationships also come alongside reuniting others. New English teacher Michelle Gerbasich and returning English teacher Abby Wyllie met while teaching at Kingwood High School nine years ago, and now the two will teach next door to each other at Kingwood Park. Former student and new teacher Kimber Watson will join her father, coach Jason Watson, on staff this year as well.

“Kingwood Park is a place that people want to come to due to our students, parents and our community,” Solomon said.

“We’re really excited about the people we feel are going to make us better because anytime we hire people, that’s what we’re looking to do -- get better and grow.”

WHO’S NEW ON CAMPUS?

Billy Brittain (English/coach), Lanie Brittain (English/ coach), Sydney Caldwell (social studies/AVID), Earl Campbell (math/coach), Scott Elliott (SPED/coach), Evan Farmer (orchestra), Megan Cox (dance), Amanda Farmer (counselor), Michael Garcia (paraprofessional), Michelle Gerbasich (English), Jada Jenkins (paraprofessional), Bradley Kiser (science/coach), Wade Leake (coach), Shelby Leake (paraprofessional), Marissa Manfred (English), Christine Marku (choir), Katelyn Merricks (athletic trainer), Courtney Neuwirth (tech theater), Julie Oakley (paraprofessional), Diah Omenson (paraprofessional), Breanna Osbourn (band), Esmeralda Pacheco (paraprofessional), Alan Prather (social studies instructional coach), Esber Ramos (color guard), Brenda Romero (English instructional coach), Lindsay Smith (paraprofessional), Kellye Tarver (science), Christopher Turner (theater), Cobi Vicknair (math instructional coach), Kimber Watson (math/coach), Dennis Whitmer (ISS/coach).

WHO’S NO LONGER HERE?

Meredith Schlosberg, John Trautner, Ashley LaMere, Kristina Bond, Stormi Champion, LeighAnn Wolfe, Spencer Austin, Sarah Woolcock, Joshua Taylor, Caren Barnes, Christine Wright, Bruce Cox, Kimberly Enockson, Stephanie Hernandez, Megan Hernandez, Allyson Pitcel, Benjamin Fahnders, Nicole Sordello, Jami Windham, Kimberly Ward, Robbie Sitka, Riley Zettlemoyer, Meagan Young, Machell Perryman, Cathey Buck, Abbey Fera, Rebecca Balaskovits, Mark Miller, Jordan Gallardo, Taylor Allison

FIRST DAY EDITION | 8.09.22 | KPTIMES.COM 3

TOILET TALK

Bathroom etiquette is important when sharing 11 bathrooms with 2,000 people.

TIP #1: One person in a stall at a time.

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TIP #2: Don’t do drugs.

Do’s & Don’ts What to do and what not to do to achieve success. By Jacob Valcarce

TIP #3: Wash your hands.

TIP #4: Don’t congregate.

1. Listen to your upperclassmen: They have been

1. Don’t be a jerk: This might seem obvious, but

2. Join clubs: Clubs are a great way to connect with

2. Don’t vape: It’s not good for you, and there

here longer than you, and they know their way around. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions you have about the school, or even become friends with them. They are the leaders of the school, but they are also kids like you.

people of the same hobbies. We have flex hour, so let’s use it wisely. Don’t spend it socializing, but spend it being productive by going to clubs. It opens the opportunity to find friends that you probably wouldn’t find anywhere else.

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3. Don’t do something just because your friends

haps we are failing a class. No matter the reason, it’s OK. Attend tutoring, ask a friend and study.

There are a number of ways to get help for classes.

4. Do your homework: Most of the time when

4. Don’t be gross: No one wants to see you make

people fail a class, it’s because they just don’t do their homework. It’s a great study method, and it can keep your grades up.

TIP #6: Aviod looking at stalls especially with short doors.

are vape detectors in the bathrooms. Don’t get caught up in that trend; it’s not worth it. Find other hobbies.

are doing it: A lot of people might do something stupid, or maybe pick a class because their friends are in them. You can still talk to them.

You just can’t talk to them every second of every day.

3. It’s OK to struggle: We have all been there. PerTIP #5: Find somewhere else to eat your lunch.

you’d be surprised. This is probably the most important thing to not do. People are mean: freshman all the way to seniors. Don’t be a jerk.

Life gets you down or you might think someone is annoying, but that’s no excuse to be rude.

5. Enjoy it: You only have four years. There are ups and downs, but those are what help you grow. Enjoy the little things and learn what makes you, you.

FIRST DAY EDITION | 8.09.22 | KPTIMES.COM

out in the hallways.

5. Don’t block up the hall: People are trying to

get across the school in five minutes. No one likes walking behind slow people, groups or stationary people. Talk to the side. The middle is for people who are trying to get to where they are going.

Improvements, additions underway Various construction projects underway as school year begins.

By Maya Ortiz

W

ith every new school year change is bound to happen, but this year a few changes will be hard to ignore. Construction is happening all over the school.

Some of the biggest construction projects happening around the school are a new culinary classroom, a new architecture classroom with an indoor shop for the Tiny Home, a third gym and a courtroom.

These projects open up new opportunities for students.

The new culinary classroom will allow students to take culinary classes on campus with its industrial kitchen.

The architecture classroom being built will include a shop allow- The area near the auto collision classes is being prepared as the new indoor Tiny Home facilities get built. The houses have been ing students opportunities to earn built outside in the past and students have had to work around the weather. Photo by Maya Ortiz. new certifications like the NCCER, with all the changes the forensics fine arts, and the dance team. students to eat lunch outside.

National Center for Construction and criminal justice classes will be It will help during bad weather When the construction is comEducation and Research. working on a cross curricula crime when every sport needs shelter pleted students will be permitted “Currently, we build models scene for the end of the year. This along with band, JROTC and to eat in the field to the right of inside my classroom and the tiny will entail dance. the former courtyard. home outside investigat“I’ve seen cheerleaders use the Another restriction that comes by the ten“It’s going to limit some of ing, collecting cafeteria [during bad weather],” with construction is access to nis courts,” our access to places. It’s a evidence and a principal Wes Solomon said. “It’s certain places. There will only be architecture just going to be another indoor one entrance to the athletic buildand engineerminor inconvenience for the trial.

“As a former facility that can be used by all ing. The courtroom will take away ing teacher short term that’s going trial attorney, I organizations.” some of the common area that Melissa Taylor to turn into a fantastic spent so much Other projects happening students use upstairs. said. “It will around the school are redesigns “It’s going to limit some of our be nice to have unbelievable experience.” time in the courtroom,” to the front entryway and the access to places,” Solomon said. everything in Principal Wes Solomon criminal justice Larry Cooper athletic entryway. As “It’s a minor inconvenience for the same area.” teacher Scarlett May said. “I’m construction brings opportunity it the short term that’s going to The courtroom will allow crimiexcited that I can bring that expeall comes with restrictions. turn into a fantastic unbelievable nal justice students the opporturience to my students.”

The culinary room is actively experience.” nity to grasp the concept of court.

The third gym will add another being built where the courtyard Now all criminal justice students was, therefore, no longer allowing will be involved in mock trials, and enclosed area for sports teams,

Kingwood Park

TIMES August 9, 2022 Volume 9, Issue 1 Kingwood, Texas 77339

Cover design and photo

by Maya Ortiz.

EDITORS

Maya Ortiz, Editor-in-Chief Jacob Valcarce, News Editor

STAFF MEMBERS

Shelby Townsend, Fallon Head, Krista Edwards, Arleigh Doehring, Katie Gerbasich, Cara Helton, Camille Blair, Taylor Nethery.

Adviser: Megan Ortiz Principal: Wes Solomon

Editorial Policy* The Kingwood Park Times is the official student newspaper of Kingwood Park HS. There are 2,000 copies printed and distributed for free six times a year, generally once per six weeks.

The Kingwood Park Times is a public forum for Kingwood Park HS. The Times is not reviewed by school administration prior to distribution, and the adviser will not act as a censor. Content represents the views of the student staff and not

school officials.

The editorial board, which consists of the staff’s student editors, will determine the content, including all unsigned editorials. The views stated in editorials represent that of a majority of the editorial board. Signed columns only represent the view of the author. *The full editorial policy can be viewed in full at KPTimes.com.

FIRST DAY EDITION | 8.09.22 | KPTIMES.COM 5

Junior Jace Rodriguez plays the tuba during summer band workouts with the Kingwood Middle School band students. Photo by Arleigh Doehring.

Senior Connor Langdon played the trumpet for Kingwood Middle School students during summer band. Photo by Arleigh Doehring.

Band prepares for new season with new director Sophomore Aundrea Palmer, sophomore Rebecca King and senior Lynsey Haynes joins with their color guard teammates in a fun dance as the band plays during a summer workout in July.

Photo by Arleigh Doehring.

By Jacob Valcarce

A

t the end of the year last year, band director Robbie Sitka announced he was leaving. His replacement Breanna Osbourn jumped into the role over the summer and made an instant impact. She has high expectations for the marching band this year, including a Japanese-themed show.

The show will include taiko drums that the band will make and even a pre-show. The show will be centered around a few Japanese festivals, one of them being fireworks.

Campus prepares to host Suicide Walk to raise awareness

By Jacob Valcarce

I

n September, Humble ISD will hold its first Suicide Walk at Kingwood Park. The Suicide Walk will raise awareness to help others and try to end the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health.

“Attendees participate in a 1K walk to create an environment of unity and bring awareness to suicide,” Humble ISD’s Student Wellness counselor Francesca Newman said. “The event also shows support to families of survivors, and preserves the memory of those lost to

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suicide.”

Students who attend will also get to listen to a suicide awareness speaker, as well as learn from suicide awareness organizers. Everyone is invited and encouraged to team up and walk together to support one another. Since the goal is to raise awareness for mental health and suicide, there is no fee to attend. Students are encouraged to bring family and friends. There are also volunteer opportunities.

Newman said mental health is important, and it’s OK not to be OK. There are multiple resources for those seeking help, including the

FIRST DAY EDITION | 8.09.22 | KPTIMES.COM

new suicide prevention number 988.

“Let someone know how you are feeling,” Newman said. “This could be a parent, your school counselor, a teacher or another trusted adult. Students can also use the iHelp app to get help for a friend or themselves.”

Another walk will be held in February 2023, with more information coming soon.

“We look forward to helping spread awareness and grow our event into an annual occasion,” Newman said.

Stay Organized A list of things you might need to stay most on top of everything this year.

Folders or binders are a must for organization. It’s never fun to look through a mess of papers for your homework.

A ph o you ne, of c o supp @kp osed urse. Ho arkm w t edia o like th else ar e e ne post west ?

Bring It he a perso n lp Chro s you g al devic e e meb ooks t work d if you ca on n aren ’t an e when . optio n.

An ID is required. You can’t escape the APs checking in the hallways.

Bring a charger. When your phone dies in the middle of a school day, a part of you does too.

Bring paper. You will regret not taking notes.

A book is a must, especially for English. Does staring at a wall sound like a better option than reading?

Writing utensils are not optional. Not having a pencil does not get you out of work.

Headphones are life savers. Jamming out to tunes helps silent worktime go faster.

FIRST DAY EDITION | 8.09.22 | KPTIMES.COM 7

Are we ther This is where students can find the attendance office and registrar. This is also where the offices of principal Wes Solomon and associate principal Tiffany Major are located.

MAIN ENTRANCE

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This is where buses d morning. This is also ter second period. If s this is where they en drop off is also locate

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This is large group instruction room, often used for meetings and some classrooms.

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Any students whose last name falls in the L-Rh range can always stop by here with questions or for help.

MAIN OFFICE

LOWER LGI

M17

Assistant principal Gary Brain Counselor Lauren Grayson

1010 1008A

HOUSE OFFICE (ALPHA L-Rh)

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CAFETERIA 1112

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1700A

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1112F

This is the center of the school.

There are chairs to sit and kids often just gather in groups on the floor. Vending machines are also located here. When organizations come to visit with students, this is where they are set up during flex hour.

T 1112K

1700

1700D

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M3 T6 1703B 1703C

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Students use these doors off the commons to go to the athletic building, locker rooms and 1700 classrooms, which include the dance rooms, JROTC rooms and the athletic training rooms.

THE COMMONS

1112E

EXIT TO THE ATHLETIC BUILDING

1112L

Girls

1504A

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KPHS 1st Floor Map FIRST DAY EDITION | 8.09.22 | KPTIMES.COM

M16

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Any students whose last name falls in the A-D range can always stop by here with questions or for help.

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Assistant principal Mack Malone Counselor Amanda Farmer

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Boys

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HOUSE OFFICE (ALPHA A-D)

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New computers were installed downstairs and students can use them throughout the morning and flex hour to complete work.

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COMPUTER LABS

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drop off students in the o the only unlocked door afstudents are late to school, nter to receive a pass. Lunch ed here.

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Band 1101

1103

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Auditorium

1101A 1101D 1101E

THE CAFETERIA

The cafeteria has seating throughout the room and includes a stage.

Students can choose from multiple lines, and the lost and found is also located here.

AP KEY Hallways Exits Key Areas

By Maya Ortiz, Fallon Head, Katie Gerbasich and Shelby Townsend

NURSE’S OFFICE

ith two floors, most of the school is easy to find your way from place to place. However, the unusual numbering of classrooms does cause confusion to many when they first arrive.

At most hallway corners there is a navigational sign to help with the hallways, but even then some may still be confused. The trickiest rooms to find are the 1700 classrooms, which are found by walking outside the doors in the commons area and into the athletic building.

The upstairs and downstairs have very similar layouts so once you walk around the school a few times the hallways will make a bit more sense. “[I forget] sometimes I’m upstairs rather than downstairs,” senior Matti McDaniel said. “Sometimes I’ll walk to the window thinking there’s a door there and once I look outside I realize I’m upstairs.”

A quick navigation tip to follow is most hallways are based on subjects, so if you are looking for an English class, it is most likely next to another English class.

At the end of the day people are always willing to help students navigate the school. Teachers are usually at their doorways and principals are stationed at various hallways between classes.

“I recommend finding a teacher, an upper classroom you know, or even a friend,” sophomore Maria Borges said. “Anyone and everyone can help you [find your way].”

ATTENDANCE OFFICE

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Students must have a pass from a teacher to go to the nurse’s office. People often go for headaches, stomach aches and sore throats. The nurses are only allowed to give students medications if parents provide and authorize the medicine. If it’s a perscription the nurses need a doctor’s authorization as well.

This is where students check out during school hours. Attendance sheets are turned in here. It is located in the main office.

MAIN OFFICE ENTRANCE

Lunch drop-off is located here. Mrs. Daspit runs the front desk. This is where guardians walk in to pick up their child.

These are the only doors unlocked after second period, so all late students must check-in through these doors.

FIRST DAY EDITION | 8.09.22 | KPTIMES.COM 9

KPHS 2nd Floor Map

The school’s library computers and front desk.

COMPUTER LABS

Second Floor 2010

MENS

2004

WOMEN

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Any students whose last name falls in the Ri-Z range can always stop by here with questions or for help.

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Throughout the day, these are often filled with classes, but these labs are open before school and during flex hour so students can work on homework.

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UPPER LGI 2300

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HOUSE OFFICE - ALPHA E-K LIBRARY

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Assistant principal Donna Papadimitriou Counselor Jenny Vanhorn.

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HOUSE OFFICE - ALPHA Ri-Z

The library has a computer lab and study areas for students, as well as a large supply of books for students to check out.

FIRST DAY EDITION | 8.09.22 | KPTIMES.COM

Assistant principal Michelle Wilson Counselor Tim Hurlbert

Any students whose last name falls in the E-K range can always stop by here with questions or for help.

2301

Athletic building THE BIG GYM

THE POOL

This is where volleyball and basketball games are held throughout the year. It’s also where pep rallies take place and teams practice.

Entering through the Larry Cooper Athletic entrance is the quickest way to the pool. The girls and boys swim teams practice before school every day.

KPHS Athletic Building Map

THE SMALL GYM

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WOMEN

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ATHLETIC TRAINING

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The room is open to help athletes through the aches and pains. In addition to practice periods, athletes can stop by before school and during flex hour to visit with trainers and receive treatment.

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The Silver Stars dance team has its headquarters here. Other dance classes are also held in the room throughout the day.

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DANCE ROOM

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The program is affiliated with the Air Force. The students participate in competitions and have a new program in which students can earn a pilot’s license.

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Natatorium 1900

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JROTC

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Wrestling matches are held in the small gym, along with a lot of sports practices throughout the day.

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AUTO COLLISION & REFINISHING

One of the CTE courses on campus. The students work on repairing damaged vehicles and refinishing cars and trucks.

FIRST DAY EDITION | 8.09.22 | KPTIMES.COM 11

Seniors Solomon Karash and Wilson Leslie race in warmups before they start a cross country workout.

Photo by Arleigh Doehring.

Girls cross country runs during a morning workout in July. Photo by Arleigh Doehring.

Summer Sweat

Senior Diego Davis sprints with teammates during a Strength and Conditioning Camp workout in July. Photo by Arleigh Doehring.

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FIRST DAY EDITION | 8.09.22 | KPTIMES.COM

Throughout the summer, athletes worked out with their teams to prepare for the fall season. Teams staggered days and practice times with some athletes working out twice a day so they could put in time with each of their sports teams.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Football home games

Saturday, Aug. 27 Aldine MacArthur @ Turner Stadium - 6 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 16 - Homecoming Game Bayton Sterling @ Turner Stadium - 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 29 - Gold, Fight Win Game La Porte @ Turner Stadium - 7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 6 Goose Creek Memorial @ Turner Stadium - 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 15 - Senior Night Baytown Lee @ Turner Stadium - 2 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 3 Port Arthur Memorial @ Turner Stadium - 7 p.m.

Upcoming cross country meets

Senior Ashley Cox celebreates after a play with her teammates during a volleyball open gym session. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

Sophomore Avalyn Day jumps in the pool on the last day of the girls soccer workouts.

The team did their final workout as more of a team bonding experience. Photo by Arleigh Doehring.

Saturday, Aug. 13 Tri-meet scrimmage against Dayton and Huntsville @ Atascocita HS Saturday, Aug. 20 Memorial Maverick XC Stampede @ Pasadena Memorial HS Saturday, Aug. 27 Kingwood Classmate Challenge @ KHS Saturday, Sept. 10 Run the Dog Pound Invitational @ Magnolia HS Sept. 16-17 Lovejoy XC Fall Festival @ McKinney, TX

Upcoming volleyball home games Tuesday, Aug. 9 vs. New Caney @ 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 16 vs. Magnolia West @ 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 6 vs. Lake Creek @ 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 16 - Homecoming Game vs. Clear Creek @ 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 20 vs. Grand Oaks @ 6:30 p.m.

Sophomore Alex Jasso does an overhead press while junior Brandon Figueroa spots him during a workout in strength and conditioning camp in July. Photo by Arleigh Doehring.

Tuesday, Sept. 27 - Go Gold/District Opener vs. Huntsville @ 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 4 - Teacher Appreciation vs. Lufkin @ 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 11 - Dig Pink Game vs. Nacogdoches @ 6:30 p.m.

Junior Hailey Kluge passes the ball during a volleyball open gym.

Photo by Maya Ortiz.

FIRST DAY EDITION | 8.09.22 | KPTIMES.COM 13

SIGNS OF LOVE

Catcher Rayne Brittain appreciates the constant support from his deaf parents.

By Arleigh Doehring

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hile the varsity baseball team was having its annual mother and son dinner last winter, each player gave a speech about their mother.

They mentioned why they love and appreciate their mom.

Most of them highlighted the sacrifices their moms made for their families and for them to play baseball. They looked into their moms’ eyes or at their written speech to show they cared. Their voices were just loud enough for teammates to hear.

Rayne Brittain had a different approach. The sophomore catcher handed a teammate his phone with his speech open on the screen. Then he lifted his hands chest high and began to sign and speak at the same time, giving his speech to his deaf mother Robyn.

Just a few years ago, he would have been hesitant to give this speech in sign language in front of friends and teammates. Rayne, whose parents are deaf, rarely would have shown this different side of his family.

“It meant a lot to her. She really enjoyed it,” Brittain said. “It means a lot to her when I do stuff like that because she might think that I’m embarrassed about it or whatever, but I have embraced it now.”

Robyn and Terrell Brittain are both deaf. Their children, Terrilyn and Rayne, were born with the ability to hear, however.

Both of the parents use sign language as a tool in their careers.

Terrell is a professor for sign language and deaf culture at the University of Houston. Robyn is a part-time professor who also works at a high school in Baytown.

The Brittains started teaching their children sign language when they were between 6 months and 1 year old. For years, Terrilyn and Rayne often translated for their parents at restaurants, medical

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Junior Rayne Brittain rushes to make a play at first base during last season.Photo

by Alicyn Logue.

Rayne Brittain and his mom Robyn take a photo during the annual Mother-Son Dinner early in the baseball season. Photo by Arleigh Doehring.

appointments and teacher conferences.

“It’s been easy now, but it was tough,” Rayne said. “If you screw something up, they don’t really understand it. Hard to get it down, but it’s all good. It’s been hard with just communication.”

Rayne concedes that it’s not easy to talk to his parents. He has to get their attention in a different way.

Over the years, he has become more comfortable using sign language with his parents around his friends.

“I used to be very insecure about it,” he said. “Now I just stand up for them now. I’m more open about it.”

Rayne describes his dad Terrell Brittain as his biggest supporter and inspiration for playing baseball.

FIRST DAY EDITION | 8.09.22 | KPTIMES.COM

At 2 years old, Rayne and his dad Terrell would play baseball outside. Rayne always wanted to throw more and get the ball. He loves hitting. They even played at home in the game room just like they would play baseball outside.

All these years later, Terrell still loves that memory.

Through baseball, Rayne and his dad continue to have a strong relationship despite a communication difference.

“It doesn’t really affect it, but there’s times where it’s harder with them being deaf to have the relationship I would want to have,” Rayne said. “But, overall, me and my dad’s relationship is still pretty strong.”

His dad plays for a co-ed softball team composed of deaf and hearing-abled.

Terrell Brittain wants for his son what he couldn’t have, a chance to play at the next level in college.

The elder Brittain sees his son’s talent and appreciates how Rayne knows what to do on the field.

Terrell Brittain is adamant that Rayne is better than he was at the same age.

“My dream is that Rayne plays college ball like I wanted to,” he says. “Unfortunately they did not allow me to play because I am deaf and (they thought) I can’t communicate. Once Rayne plays college ball, that will make me feel satisfied and more proud. I can move on and forget what happened in the past.”

2 A.M. TEXTING MADNESS by Fallon Head

HOW TO... by Shelby Townsend

WHAT’S HOT? Fall sports Kids have been sweating all summer for someone to cheer for them.

Bringing your own water Hydrate, so you don’t die-drate.

Steve Lacy’s new album I would “give you the world” for a Gemini Rights tour.

Getting to see your friends again It’s amazing how little you can see someone who lives four blocks over.

WHAT’S NOT? No eating outside It was the closest we got to recess.

Hot weather Sweat stains are not fashionable.

Having to wake up early The sun is barely up when school starts.

Summer reading Be honest, a good portion of us are just now starting it.

Homecoming in September Stressin’ a lot for dressin’ hot.

FIRST DAY EDITION | 8.09.22 | KPTIMES.COM 15

THIS IS

not your typical class.

Be in control of how much you do.

Earn an academic letter jacket, and gain college and scholarship notice.

Become a sports reporter, graphic designer, podcaster, a web editor or make Twitter and Instagram your homework.

Work, play, TRAVEL. Be a part of a

student-run, award-winning program.

GOING PLACES Students move out of their seats and beyond their classroom to cover what’s going on at KPark as well as in our community. National and world events will be covered as they impact our lives.

Students travel to state and national conventions, competitions and camps, in places like San Antonio, Boston and Orlando.

Newspaper Yearbook write design web photo edit social create audio video podcast

Kingwood Park

TIMES

WHAT’S NEXT?

August 2021 Volume 8, Issue 1 Kingwood Park High School Kingwood, Texas 77339

Follow us @KPARKmedia

Questions?

Learn more details on how to join the team at KPTimes.com/TellMeMore. Email Mrs. Ortiz at megan.ortiz@humbleisd.net with questions.

COURSES Be in on all the action and help create history by joining the journalism department! l In Journalism and Photojournalism you’ll learn what it takes to write award-winning news, feature and sports stories. Every article you write will be submitted for possible inclusion in the newspaper and yearbook. Also, photograph school events, pep rallies and classes as you learn the skills needed to work digital SLR cameras. l Successful completion of either intro course opens the door for you to apply to the advanced journalism classes the next year where your entire focus in on creating the newspaper, yearbook or KPTimes.com.

AWARDS Students will have opportunities to submit their published stories, photos and designs for a number of state and national competitions.

Scholarship opportunities often accompany the awards.

Students will also participate in on-site competitions at state and national conventions as well as at UIL journalism events.

MEETING PEOPLE In journalism you’ll meet everyone from sports team captains and student council members to artists and those in bands.

You’ll be the first to find out what’s going on in our school and get to interview the powers behind the decisions that affect all our lives.

You’ll also have the chance to meet and talk with famous people.

Who knows where this will all lead you?

SKILLS If you’re into writing or designing, there’s a place for you. Want to be a sports reporter or a movie reviewer? There’s a place for you. If you’re into photography or want to work in business advertising, there’s a place for you.

Learn skills that matter now and help later.