Issue #1 2020. McMinnville High School

JANUARY 20, 2020

b

MCMINNVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

October 30, 2020

bruin magazine

VOL 103 NO. 1

MHSBRUIN.COM

WEAR YOUR MASK

1,134,599 WORLDWIDE COVID DEATHS

WE CAN ALL DO

OUR PART Cover Photo by Sam Beyer

STUDENTS AND STAFF,

THE BRUIN

Contact The Bruin (503) 565-4159

since 1918

Katherine Beyer

The Bruin is a registered member of the National Scholastic Press Association.

Bruin editors Ava Frison, Sam Beyer and Caitlin Brown.

MHS Students & Staff, It’s been quite a while since we’ve last seen each other. We want to take a minute to say what a crazy ride it has been.

The Bruin has been running since 1918 and this year will be year 103. We are so proud of this fact and are glad to be one of the longest-running newspapers in Oregon. We could not let this year go by with out a print issue. You are holding in your hand an historic paper. [You might want to keep this one.]

The year of 1918 might sound familiar because it was the year of the Spanish Influenza. This means that is the second time the Bruin has run through a pandemic. We hope it will be the last.

This will be our one and only paper for the semester until we meet again in the spring. This issue we covered topics from the Coronavirus and the West Coast fires, to the stress of school under Distance Learning.

Our staff of writers, photographers, and editors have worked very hard to put out a print issue all remotely.

[It’s more difficult then you could imagine.]

To our readers, we hope that this brings you a little bit of joy and that you feel connected to the school and the community. We wanted something to feel even a little bit normal in this time of uncertainty.

It has not been easy to foster a sense of unity in this time of isolation. We hope this paper let’s you know we are still together, even though we are temporarily apart.

As our cover illustrates, it will take all of us following guidelines to get through this.

National Awards of The Bruin National Pace Maker award-winner for 2001, 2002, 2004 National Pace Maker Finalist for years 2000-2005 National Design of the Year 2001, 2002 All National awards are distributed by the National Scholastic Press Association

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY Letters should be limited to 200 words and may be subject to editing for libelous and/or obscene content as well as length. All letters must be signed and names will be published.

Submission of material is not a guarantee of publication. Letters may be dropped off in Room B123 or mailed

editorial board

reporters and photographers

The Bruin is a member of The Journalism Education Association,the Natinal Scholastic Pres Association and Northwest Scholastic Press.

OLIVIA BROWN WILLIAM CAMDEN VANESA CHAVEZ PENELOPE EDWARDS AVERI ERICKSON SAMANTHA FLORES JACKELYN MIRANDA MAE NEUSCHWANGER ISABELLA PERALTA OPAL PRIMOZICH ALLISON ROCKWELL KATHY BEYER Adviser

The Bruin is a forum for public debate.

SAMUEL BEYER Editor CAITLIN BROWN Editor AVA FRISON Editor

ANNA DOWNS What’s Bruin Editor HAYLEE GOODPASTER Opinions Editor ABIGAIL PEARSON News Editor CODY PICKAR Entertainment Editor BIANCA WEISER Features Editor

AT A GLANCE page 11

page 5 Ava Frison updates us on Homecoming.

Opal Primozich covers the stressful lives of AP students, and their stacked classes

page 6 Averi Erickson interviews firefighters about the recent fires.

Please.

Wear your mask.

Social Distance.

Reach out remotely to connect.

Be safe.

Be well.

Take Care of Each Other.

page 12 Penelope Edwards interviews Ellen Dong about keeping good grades during COVID

Wishing everyone health and happiness when it may not always be easy to find,

The Bruin Editors, Ava Frison, Sam Beyer and Caitlin Brown

DAYS UNTIL SUMMER...

Seniors:

153

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Rest of Us:

157

DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE? CONTACT NEWS EDITOR ABBY PEARSON

NEWS

Mail-In Ballots

While Oregon voters remain comfortable mailing in their ballots, other states are anxious about not doing in-person ballots during COVID-19.

OPAL PRIMOZICH writer

“I THINK IT’S ACTUALLY IMPERATIVE TO THE EQUITY OF ELECTIONS T OSUPPORT A MAILIN VOTING OPTION FOR VOTERS.” DAPHNE MOSES

Samantha Florez

Since 1981, the state of Oregon has practiced mail-in voting. Starting small with localized county and state elections, Oregon eventually became the first state to exclusively use mail-in ballots by the year 2000.

For quite some time now, Oregonians have received ballots delivered right to their doorstep, but the right to vote by mail has recently been under scrutiny for many other US states.

During the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a huge push for a larger number of states to allow voters to cast their ballots through the mail.

This year, nine states will conduct elections using primarily mailin ballots. An additional 36 states will be allowing voters to request a ballot to be sent to their home but will not send one automatically. In the remaining five states, voters are now required to provide an ac ceptable excuse to be allowed to vote by mail.

Voting by mail is widely thought to be an equilizer and a more accessible method to cast a vote.

Daphne Moses, 12, said, “I think it’s actually imperative to the equity of elections to support a mail-in voting option for voters.” She wishes more states had options for mail-in voting.

Kaiya Miller, 12, makes another point about voting accessibility. She said, “If someone who is physically disabled wanted to vote but might not have the ability to travel to a voting facility, mail-in ballots give them that chance.”

In recent days, the American public has taken notice of dissension between the current Presidential administration and the United States Postal Service. In August, Trump stated that he opposed giving funds to the USPS to send mail-in ballots.

Miller believes this is a way to dampen voices of minority communities such as BIPOC, who have limited access to voting.

“When the President is in favor of and actively tries to defund the USPS, this takes away most of the opportunities for these communities to get in their vote,” said Kaiya, “Every political decision can affect low income communities, so giving them the opportunity to have a voice on the decisions being made for them is crucial.”

On July 21, President Trump took to Twitter to voice his opinion and said, “Mail-In Voting, unless changed by the courts, will lead to the most CORRUPT ELECTION in our Nation’s History! #RIGGEDELECTION.” “I think in-person voting can be safe in a pandemic, but I think what is safest and fairest is the choice to stay home and put your ballot in the mailbox,” said Moses. “It’s a fine line to walk.”

On the topic of voter security, sophomore Bella Peralta said, “I don’t think that the necessary precautions are being taken in order to ensure voter safety. Sadly, it is very difficult to guarantee.”

Even with this uncertainty, she encourages teens to speak up and become aware of today’s politics. “Getting involved in political and humanitarian issues is a great way to do so,” she said. “Choosing what candidate represents your values is so important.”

Despite the disputes, millions of ballots have already been sent out to mailboxes across the country. Election day is Nov. 3 and voting is already in progress.

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NEWS

CTC Classes Get Creative While classes like art, welding, fabrication, cooking are much more hands on, teachers are still trying to find creative ways to teach their students.

BY OLIVIA BROWN writer

Sam Beyer

All classes have been drastispread it to others. cally changed due to Covid-19, Maintaining the same classbut it has made it especially hard room environment and level of for hands-on classes. CTC classes learning is hard for both teachsuch as art, welding, fabrication, ers and students right now. cooking, and pottery have all had Capener said, “I am also to completely change the way taking exploratory art-2D and classes are done. if you didn’t get the supplies Teachers have all been at least you know you have a working to find new ways to get pencil, but most people don’t students to pass their class like just have clay around the house. normal. One student in studio If you don’t get the supplies art, Charlotte Stuart said, “Mrs. from the school there’s not Garrison is doing a wonderful really any way to participate job of still providing a creative in the class.” While before it environment. . . We are also given was easy to show up to class the supplies and support from and have all your necessary her to keep making art at the The CTC Center sits vacant until COVID cases lower to meet state guidelines. materials, it is now hard for same complexity as before but Teachers get creative to continue Pathway Programs. some students who may at home.” not be able to travel to the When working in hands-on school for these supplies. classes it is important to focus on instructions and Not being surrounded by fellow classmates is demonstrations, so the project is completed right also difficult for students. “Sometimes it makes and things stay safe. Chloe Capener, who takes me a little sad that I don’t get to work within a both 3D art and 2D art, said, “Mr. Willis is good at life art community this year. . . of course this is going over things, showing pictures and demonrough, but I think that all my fellow artists, and strating to make sure it’s clearly taught.” fellow students for that matter, are also takStuart and Capener are both satisfied with how ing this time to create more self-inspired and their teachers are handling their classes and it’s reflective work,” said Stuart, “I think that’s one curriculum. Dahlia Garcia, who is in EASA and fabof the gifts that distance learning is presenting rication, talked about the importance of commuand we should take advantage of that.” nication and how her teachers are providing that communication. She said, “Most of them are doing This experience is a good time for students their best in communication, which I believe is a to focus on how they can improve not only in major factor to our situation.” CTC classes teachtheir classes but in themselves to achieve a ers are working hard to create a creative, focused, greater future in this hard time. and correct environment by communicating, Many of the most affected classes from Covid demonstrating, and providing all materials to their are elective classes. Elective classes and especlass. cially pathway classes, focus on students’ pasNot being in school has created hardships for sions so it is extremely important for students students while trying to learn in the new classto be able to keep their passions going. room setting. “The EASA and Fabrication classes are very hands on and person -to -person orientated,” said Garcia, “It’s “A few of the pathways I planned on completing and had been workharder to fulfill the same information we are receiving in class.” Uncoming towards the final chapter of that we won’t be participating in this year,” pleted pathways are a huge obstacle that students have to overcome, said Garcia “It’s what I want to do and senior year is the best of the classes because they might affect their future greatly. and we’re missing it all.” Some classes will help students towards their career goals so it is extremely difficult when those classes become harder Stuart is a student who makes sure to try to overcome these obstacles to complete. with positivity. She said, “I just have to remind myself that, although it’s harder now, finding inspiration from others is always there as long as I Stuart took the opportunity to focus on her growth and said, “This class look for it.” Like Stuart, Capener is also leaning into the positive aspects of has been key to helping me grow as an artist. I have to thank studio art and learning in this setting. the people in it for letting me experiment, while still pushing me enough to create a lot of the pieces I am most proud of today.” Elective classes hold a Capener said, “This is my second time taking the class, and it’s been a lot of importance to students so it’s important to savor every achievement really fun learning experience leaning into something new and seeing the of each of those classes. improvements I’ve made.” Although there are disadvantages to learning online, the McMinnville students know how to keep their positivity and

“...OF COURSE THIS IS ROUGH, BUT I THINK THAT ALL MY FELLOW ARTISTS AND FELLOW STUDENTS FOR THAT MATTER, ARE ALSO TAKING TIME TO CREATE A MORE SELF-INSPIRED AND REFLECTIVE WORK.” -CHARLOTTE STUART

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DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE? CONTACT EDITOR CODY PICKAR

ENTERTAINMENT

HOCO. What’s the move?

BY AVA FRISON editor

Sam Beyer

One of the biggest uncertainties over the last seven months has been school and how public schools such as McMinnville High School will function. Now with school in session there have been plans to get as many typical high school activities into the school year as possible while still keeping the students safe. One of these activities is the age old tradition of Homecoming.

What, when and how are all questions that have been asked regarding the school’s homecoming. The answers are all here.

With the typical Homecoming season already passed, Amy Fast principal of the high school said, “We don’t have a specific date on the calendar.

We are planning it for quarter three in hopes that county metrics improve by then . . additionally, Homecoming traditionally corresponds with football/fall sports season, so we wanted to honor our traditions as much as possible…”

Fast alluded to the fact that football season has been moved to quarter three of the school year which is in Feb. and Mar. this year.

Susanne Sayles, ASB teacher said, “The MHS administration and ASB class feel strongly that Homecoming is best when there’s a chance for us to actually come home to something.”

Though there is no specific date mentioned, both parties would like to wait until there is at least some opportunity to have in-person activities which would most likely be during quarter three of the school year.

Regardless of having in-person activities or not, Homecoming will look very different than it has in past years. Sayles said, “Due to Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and district guidelines, as of now, there are no in-person events hosted by the school. Therefore, yes, all events activities would be virtually shared.”

In not knowing what Homecoming brings, it can be hard coming up with plans and activities. Can activities be kept from past years or will they need to be adjusted for online?

Sayles said, “Not every activity that students are used to experiencing during HOCO can be done well over virtual platforms. So while it might look different, I know the ASB students are committed to creating really creative, new experiences for the student body.”

Information as well as weekly calendars; information regarding homecoming activities and spirit days in the meantime can be found at the high school’s Instagram account. Charlotte Stuart and Hannah Smith, vice president and president of ASB

Hopes of an in-person Homecoming waining as COVID cases continue to rise. Information on school activities can be found @mhsgrizzlies. said, “We will be using @mhsgrizzlies as a hub for most information and activities, due to the fact that our audience is already so broad and interactive on Instagram.”

But, Homecoming activities aren’t the only part of the Homecoming festivities. Ryan McIrvin, head football coach, weighed in on what the football part of Homecoming will look like.

McIrvin said, “I am optimistic that we will be able to have athletics and activities this year, although it is too early at this point to say for certain.” McIrvin went on to talk about what the practicing and training in the spring will look like, saying that his players have been putting in a lot of effort and that the team will be ready for the season no matter what. He said, “The players and coaches will be ready and excited once the season starts.”

If things can’t be planned until much later in the school year, why have a homecoming at all?

All parties involved in planning Homecoming want to have a Homecoming because they feel it is important for the high school’s school spirit and to give kids something to remember into the future.

They also think that this shows strength and unity for the school.

Fast said, “I truly believe the community of McMinnville can be a leader in our greater society.

We can be people who model hope and inspire greatness and perseverance. I think Homecoming is a symbolic way for us to unite as a community and tell the world our collective hope is a greater force than even a pandemic.”

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TAKING THE CALL

What local firefigh inside scoop on the

AVERI ERICKSON writer

Oregon had one of its worst fire seasons this year. It was one of the most destructive fire seasons. The fire season started July 5, 2020 and picked up late August/early September. There were about 1,000,000 acres burned, 3,000+ buildings destroyed, and roughly 40,000 people evacuated. Suzy Burkhart, Brain Smith, and Don Everingham were all local firefighters that helped with the fires. Each one spent days to weeks away from home fighting fires.

Firefighter/Paramedic Suzy Burkhart at McMinnville Fire department went to the South Obenchain Fire. The South Obenchain fire was in Jackson County near Butte Falls, Oregon.

The cause is unknown but 32,671 acres were burned.

Captain Brian Smith at Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue went to the Chehalem Valley fire. The fire was in Newberg, Oregon. It was a 1,000 acre wildland fire. It was also the largest in the fire district’s history.

Everingham, state forest operations manager at the Oregon Department of Forestry said, “I went to the Green Ridge fire, Beachie Creek fire, and the Holiday Farm fire. I was away for six weeks.”

The Green Ridge fire was in Deschutes County. It was caused by lightning and was 4,338 acres. The Beachie Creek fire was in Clackamas, Linn, and Marion counties. It merged with the Lionshead fire and it was 192,842 acres. The Holiday Farm fire was in Lane and Linn counties. It was 174,405 acres and the cause is unknown.

When fighting fires, many issues come about.

Depending on the situation, some issues can be bigger than others. “An issue would be you can’t see through the smoke. Verbal communication and visual communication are a big part of fighting fires,” said Smith. Visual and verbal communication are very important when fighting fires. The firefighters need to be able to communicate with each other in order to put the fire out.

“A big issue was how large they were. Also the number of fires all at the same time,” said Everingham. Another issue would be how many fires there are at the same time. With few firefighters, there could not be enough people to

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fight all the fires at once. Not everyone can be at all the fires to put them out.

Each department takes a different approach to preparing for fires. “We hire seasonal firefighters. They are mainly college students with summers off. We tend to double up during the fire season,” said Everingham. Doubling up for the fire season is important because it’s better to have more firefighters during the worst seasons.

“Fires like these aren’t common in McMinnville. We educate the public on what to do, but it’s uncommon that we would have a wildland fire,” said Burkhart.

“With fires being uncommon in McMinnville, it’s important to keep the public educated on what could happen. “Our department goes through training. Mandatory and non-mandatory training,” said Smith. Training can seem unnecessary to some, but it’s necessary to know what to do in the worst situations.

Many firefighters have many things go through their head while they are fighting fires.

“I was happy to help. It’s also the normal way of life in the summers,” said Everingham. He expects to be gone for weeks every summer.

“Life safety is one of the most important parts. We focus mainly on life safety and then we focus on property,” said Burkhart. When fighting fires, firefighters put other people first and make sure everyone is safe before proceeding with putting the fire out.

Motivation is a big part of doing the job. Every person has something that motivates them while they are at work. Whether it be family, friends, or the opportunity to help people there is always something there. “The opportunity to serve the public and be part of the team is what motivates me,” said Smith. Getting the opportunity to do something that could make a difference can be a big thing that motivates someone.

“Knowing that someone’s life is in your hands and being prepared for anything motivates me,” said Burkhart. Knowing that you could potentially save someone’s life is a big part of being a firefighter as well. Many things contribute to motivation.

As historic fires ravaged much of Oregon, local firefight in August and September.

ters have to say about recent wildfires and an eir unique career.

ters took the call and risked their lives to save people and property. Firefighters fought numerous fires that ran out-of-control for weeks

DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE? CONTACT OPINIONS EDITOR HAYLEE GOODPASTER

OPINIONS

Stacking AP Classes In 4 x 4 Schedule, Students Overwhelmed with Condensed AP classes that were Stacked in Quarters 1 & 3 Opal Primozich

writer

Sam Beyer

School can be quite the load sometimes and having to make it work online can be harder and even more overwhelming. The same goes for AP classes; they’re difficult enough during normal school and now with distance learning all AP classes at Mac High are stacked in quarters 1 and 3.

This is because we are on a quarter schedule this year, where our classes alternate. Because the AP tests all have to be held in May, the classes must be taken during first and third quarters in order to line up with the testing schedule.

Thankfully, I’m a sophomore and I only have one AP class this year.

But there are so many juniors and seniors that I know that are taking 3 or even 4 AP

I KNOW THERE ARE STUDENTS TAKING THREE OR EVEN FOUR AP CLASSES 1ST QUARTER. . . IT’S SIMPLY WAY TOO MUCH TO HANDLE.

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classes and they are all simultaneous.

I’ve heard that it’s simply way too much to handle. In talking with friends I learned that 1a.m. homework hauls are not rare and that having so many hard classes is really stressful.

I am most concerned about the break between classes. Going all of quarter 1 on AP overload and not picking up on it again until quarter 3 allows too much space to forget and be confused over content. Come third quarter, things are going to get intense. AP classes will be jam packed with review, along with new material, and I think that that will make it even harder to stay afloat. In future years, if we are still required to attend school online, I believe it would be worth looking into a different way to structure the class schedule.

The biggest complaint I have heard about the stacked classes is that the workload barely allows for free time. Even with good time management I think it’s hard to balance the mandatory work while still finding time to see friends and do things that make you happy. Most teenagers are not willing to put their social lives on hold for school, so always having piles of work to come back to is draining and it’s too easy to fall behind.

THE

BRUINREPORT

THE BRUIN IS A FORUM FOR PUBLIC DEBATE. EACH ISSUE THE BRUIN EDITORIAL BOARD MEETS TO DISCUSS THE TOPICS OF THE SCHOOL AND GIVE THEIR OPINION. THE BOARD IS CHAIRED BY HEAD EDITOR’S CAITLIN BROWN, AVA FRISON, AND SAM BEYER.

A B C D F

NONEED FINALS NEW Students will not have finals this year. The administration decided that with classes being crammed into nine weeks, it was truly not enough time to test a student’s overall knowledge on a subject. There will be no cramming of material, late-night study sessions, or the stress the finals can bring.

SPORTS IN LIMBO In this partiallly-locked down world, some seriously positive things need to happen to keep us all from going crazy. One of those things is sports. New safety measures have been put in place to protect the players within sports leagues.

Unfortunately, just last week practices were cancelled due to student postitive COVID cases. -

MORE WORK, LESS TIME

They cut down our classes from 8 to 4 and now virtual learning is only 45 minutes per class. You’d think that we would have less work, but that is not the case. We don’t know about you, but we have more work than I have ever had and less time to do it. There is only so much knowledge that can be crammed into our minds within a short period. If this is supposed to be our wonderful high school experience, we want a refund.

GRIZZLY NATION

We understand that Grizzly Nation was created to help us, but seriously what is the point? We have to get up early to listen to awkward silence. We don’t learn anything and it’s just a lot of “are there any technical problems.” We have enough work to begin with and Grizzly Nation is just adding to the pile of stress that is our lives.

FUN ACTIVIES CANCELED

Halloween this year was on a Saturday and guess what, it’s canceled. Prom, canceled. Homecoming, postponed or canceled. I know the school is doing its best trying to give us a good year, but it’s getting overwhelming.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE? CONTACT EDITOR BIANCA WEISER

QUARANTINE CLUBS How Mac High clubs are dealing with the pandemic ABIGAIL PEARSON

Many familiar clubs are still going on this year during social distance learning. While some don’t know what they are doing this year, or even if they will participate, others have maintained a system over zoom or other online chat rooms so that they can stay connected with each other in a socially distanced manner.

The National Honors Society is still going on, meeting over Zoom and is continuously looking for new opportunities to volunteer in safe and respectful ways. Jimena Castaneda Ramirez, the Vice President of the National Honors Society said, “we are still developing our plans for the club but we are looking into doing some involvement with the senior center around town, making sure they feel connected in different ways, but also still look at working with YCAP, and the Soup Kitchen but we have to see how that’ll work out. We are waiting to develop more ideas as we start to get more hands-on with the club.”

At present time, the National Honors Society doesn’t have any set plans to hold any events while social distancing, but they would love to see themselves taking part in helping around the community sooner than later.

If you don’t know what the Diversity Club is, it was first formed five years ago by a group of students who had the idea to challenge and shed light on inequalities in our social system while also celebrating each other’s differences. This year, they are planning to make even bigger and better steps to change and improve the atmosphere around us. Starting with what is called,

news editor

“Equity Summits”.

Veronica Chase, teacher, and advisor of the Diversity Club said, “The goal of Equity Summits is to bring together students and staff to discuss a variety of topics

that impact McMinnville High School’s climate and culture. Equity Summits will be a brave place for all communities of McMinnville High School to respectfully gather, learn, and discuss matters directly affecting our school. Students and staff can look forward to receiving an invitation to prioritize our topics and to engage in the conversations.”

The Foundation of Christian Athletes this year will be active. Student leadership has been meeting frequently to put plans in place. They held a kickoff event on Sep. 22 at Chegwyn Farms Neighborhood Park and have plans for what they call “Home Huddles” which are going to be small groups meeting in various locations throughout the week. When asked how the transition

for FCA students and staff, Joe Miglioretto said, “Despite the challenges, the leadership team is still focused on serving the coaches and athletes at MHS.” The Choir Club is still happening and meeting outside, after school on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays while practicing social distancing and wearing masks. Regular classes meet through zoom and Robin Pederson, a teacher at the high school, sends out videos of herself singing and performing the music so her students can learn the individual parts that they are learning. They are also working on performing concerts as well.

Robin Pederson said, “We will push out a virtual concert each quarter with the choirs that are rehearsing. The fall concert will be Twilighters, Sterling Jazz, and Advanced Women’s Ensemble. The holiday concert will be Symphonic and Concert choir. Students will be recording their part at home, then it will be mixed to create the concert”.

The Bee Club is also getting together and working to make it a fun and enjoyable time for everyone who attends. Members of the Bee Club executive board said, “We are planning on doing meetings through Zoom and are hoping at some point we might be able to meet in person with social distancing, since most of the activities for our agenda involve some sort of meeting up and getting together,” The Bee Club still has the motivation to keep volunteering during social distance learning and are working on finding a space to do it safely. They have the intention of getting in contact with local beekeepers and volunteering to help the bee ecosystem thrive. Members of the board also said, “Even though we are a starting up a club, we will be trying our best to be able to spread the word of bees and how important they are to our ecosystems.”

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FEATURES

MENTAL HEALTH AND SELF-CARE

Mental health is on a decline in the era of COVID-19, Haylee Goodpaster tells us all about it.

HAYLEE GOODPASTER With the introduction to COVID-19 into our daily lives, we are all forced to stay inside for our own safety and for the safety of all the people around us.

The effect of this has made it hard for us to go see people and do things that make us happy and this can take a toll on a person’s mental health.

People who have mental disorders have different ways of coping, some include seeing friends, family or even going to see their therapist.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93 percent of countries worldwide while the demand

opinions editor

cial media pages. This can also take a toll on one’s mental health.

With everything’s that’s going on in the world, it can be very stressful. This includes, “. . . fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on,” said the center for disease control (CDC). It’s hard going through a pandemic especially when your health isn’t good, physical health and mental health.

It’ s also hard on the homeless. “ . . . (47 percent) reported negative mental health effects resulting

Samantha Flores

quarantine. “Drawing, music, marching band but those things can sometimes kind of feel repetitive and you just kind of stop or over awhile you just stop enjoying it as much,” he said. Doing the same things over and over again can drive you crazy, shake it up and try something new.

“You can get really amazing ideas of what to do in the new season when you write down your list and ask your family members to do the same,” said CNN news channel.

Since everyone is stuck inside, here are some things you can do to keep yourself busy and to distract yourself from the overall stress and worry of life as of right now: Play board games with your household members, start a journal or blog and write down your feelings, don’t text people who you have cut out of your life, learn a new language with Duolingo or oher language apps, meditate, read a book, pick up a new hobby you’ve always wanted to try and take a few minutes out of your day and check on your friends who really need it or have mental health problems.

Times like these are really hard for some people and they could be struggling.

This pandemic isn’t easy. People are struggling on the outside and the inside with finances and battling that little voice inside their head. Being courteous of the people around you is one of the best things you can do for family and friends during these difficult times.

This global pandemic also makes it hard to have a strict schedule because most things are closed down. It gives people a reason to not get dressed in the morning, sleep all day, or even just mindlessly scroll through their social media pages.

This can also take a toll on one’s mental health.

With everything’s that’s going on in the world, it can be very stressful. This includes, “. . .fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on,” said the center for disease control (CDC). It’s hard going through a pandemic especially when your health isn’t good, physical health and mental health.

It’ s also hard on the homeless. “ ...(47 percent ) reported negative mental health effects resulting from worry or stress related to coronavirus than among those not sheltering-in-place…” said the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF).

Take care of yourself during the pandemic.Mental Health is on the rise, reach out for help when you need it.

for mental health is increasing…” said the World Health Organization (WHO). This global pandemic also makes it hard to have a strict schedule because most things are closed down. It gives people a reason to not get dressed in the morning, sleep all day, or even just mindlessly scroll through their soThe Bruin Jan. 20, 2020 mhsbruin.com

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from worry or stress related to coronavirus than among those not sheltering-in-place…” said the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF).

Along with other questions, Ben Shingledecker talked about specific things that he’s been doing to keep himself mentally healthy during this

OREGON ON FIRE Averi Ericson

CLIMATE CHANGE: THE HEAT IS ON Current US President Donald Trump said, “I believe in clean air. Immaculate air. But I don’t believe in climate change.” The sensitive subject of global warming has been a point of contention in our government, schools and homes.

Perhaps the most controversial and impactful decision the Trump Administration has made thus far regarding climate change was the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement; a United Nations pledge to strengthen the global response to the obvious threat of climate change. Their goal was to keep a rising global temperature to a minimum.

Trump made a statement on his decision to pull out of the agreement, and said, “The Paris Climate Accord is simply the latest example of Washington entering into an agreement that disadvantages the United States to the exclusive

benefit of other countries.”

Despite the political scrutiny around climate change, one must realize that the temperature increases are real and occurring around us, demonstrated by the fires sieging across the west coast.

Ordinary high school students can take many steps towards slowing climate change.

Laura Syring, environmental sciences teacher and head of the Environmental Club said, “We can use less transportation that uses less carbon fuel. We can bike, skateboard and walk across town.” Carpooling with family members is an additional, and often overlooked, tactic.

Lifestyle choices, such as eating less meat, specifically cows, can reduce the methane emissions from raising the amount of animals that are currently raised for human consumption. Syring said, “Any time you’re choosing to spend your

OREGON FIRE EVACUATIONS Over 900,000 acres went up in flames. Entire towns burned to the ground. Houses demolished.

Lives lost. This is what the 2020 Oregon fires brought us. 80,000 people evacuated and, at one point, the worst air quality in the world. It wasn’t just homes and businesses that were burned, memories were burned too. Those places with sentimental value, and past moments that fill others with nostalgia, all of it was burned.

Kristina Franklin, MHS alumni, said, “There were things I was leaving behind that I knew it would pain me to lose . . .I scanned through every room and thought of all the memories I was leaving behind.” While Franklin was able to stay at

ISABELLA PERALTA writer money on something you should feel good about how you’re spending. Eat more plants and eat less meats.” Other tactics encouraged are to buy more vintage/thrifted clothes, this can be through local thrift stores, swapping clothes with friends, and purchasing less fast fashion clothes.

As a final recommendation for high school students, Syring said, “Getting involved, something you feel passionate about. Locally getting involved in events, lots of tree planting events.

Being aware of different workshops that are going around locally.

Being locally involved with the city legislators. Registering to vote.” Any change, albeit small, can be part of what truly will make a difference in the fight against climate change in our warming world.

CAITLIN BROWN layout editor

her mother’s house in McMinnville, others had to come up with different plans.

Spencer Ball, a student from Sandy High School, said, “We had some friends up in Washington who had property for my parents and grandma to hook up their travel trailer.” All interviewees were fortunate enough not to lose their homes but people they knew weren’t so lucky.

“I have friends and family down in the Talent/ Medford area who lost their homes, businesses, and everything they weren’t able to grab.” said Ball. This, unfortunately, is the case for many people near the fires and now residents of towns burned have to find new jobs and homes. Citizens

evacuated had to leave the safety of their homes in the middle of a pandemic, putting their lives, and the lives of others, at risk.

“We did not like it at all. It’s very upsetting, especially if you have to take pets with you out of their environment,” said Kay Calkins, grandmother to MHS alumni’s Marcus and Hannah Galan.

Animals had to be evacuated as well, including the larger ones that are hard to move. A few places such as the Yamhill County Fairgrounds took in horses that had to be evacuated.

For those who didn’t lose their homes, I’m sure they can all agree with Franklin who said, “It was still very good to be home again.”

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Ellen Dong TIPS TO STAY ON TOP OF YOUR HOMEWORK Penelope Edwards writer

i Penelope Edwards

You may know Ellen Dong, 10, a straight A student, who is impressively on top of her work. She is dedicated, persistent, and is a role model for her peers.

Andrea Brown, her biology teacher from last year said, “Ellen is meticulously thorough and organized. She

never does anything halfway.”

Dong thrives in a classroom setting. Her motivation was cut with the current online school. For many students at MHS, this has meant a huge drop in their grades.

She said with online school in her home, “It’s tempting to just turn my audio and camera off and just zone out.” Work is different due to online school. Everyone is struggling in adjusting to the changes in the environment.

“It just goes right over me.” She said, pertaining to the new versions of lessons and learning.

Stress is a hard feeling to manage. Dong said, “One thing I do when I’m really going through it is to just solely think of the present.

Like I think ‘Right NOW, there is nothing to be stressed about. Right at this moment, nothing bad is happening to me.’” She also said that meditation and scribbling helps.

Dong stays on top of her work by using Google Keep and Notion. Google Keep she uses to write all of her assignment’s due dates, and Ellen Dong gives tips on staying on top of homework Notion she uses to mark when she is busy on during COVID. the calendar.

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“It’s also incredibly important to actually understand what is expected of you and what you’re doing,” she said. Paying attention in class, and asking questions when necessary are key.

Dong said, “I’d say it’s important to prioritize what tasks you need to do first.” Whether by due date or how large the project is, keep note of what must be completed first. Dong spends an impressive 5+ hours at her desk for homework a day, including lots of breaks.

“I think it’s important to take a lot of breaks.” Taking a break when necessary can really improve your work.

Instead of cramming everything into 2 hours, spend a couple days on the task and break it down into pieces.

“I think that others can take advantage of their intelligence by taking every opportunity they can get their hands on and trying a whole bunch of different things,” Dong said. Everyone has a different skill set, and you’ll never figure out your own if you don’t try.

“You don’t know how far you could go in something unless you try it wholeheartedly,” she said. “If you have a talent, the best way to take advantage of it is to USE it.” Whether it’s cooking or history, your talent is valuable and can push you towards your goals.