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CRIER munster high school issue two | volume 59 8808 columbia ave. munster in, 46321
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TKAM Rough Draft
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Technology overload
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Olsen, Nicolet olettte D. Announcements 11/13
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With school transitioning to eLearning for all til Dec. 2, will GoGuardian help teachers and students?
screens at any time. With this, came the outcry of alarm from copy editor students, concerned whether With new times comes new GoGuardian is an invasion changes. Equity between of privacy. Now the question in-person students and arises of how much teachers eLearners have been a can have access to the activities major concern, so the MHS of eLearners, and whether administration implemented that invades student privacy. GoGuardian. GoGuardian “To be honest I am not the is a program that allows biggest fan of GoGaurdian,” teachers to view students’ Olivia Quinones, senior, said.
alison lee
12:40 PM 11/13/2020 “Yes, I do think it will prevent cheating, (but) I feel as if it’s a huge invasion of privacy especially when the school finds a lot of things not school appropriate. We get no freedom. I feel like I need to be more careful and more aware of what I’m doing on my laptop, and I personally don’t like that feeling of someone watching what I’m doing. It’s very uncomfortable. I feel like GoGaurdian should be used at an extent. I get it during a test so we don’t cheat, but anything more I feel is too far.” Students do not like the feeling of being watched throughout the school day, however, teachers
illustration by henry hofferth
feel differently. Not being in the same space poses difficulties for both teachers and students. Students can only hear the teacher speak, and the teacher can only see a blank screen void of student faces. “I think relationships with students is what helps drive students to become better learners. With the hybrid system, I have no idea what at-home learners are doing and if they are even listening to me,” Mrs. Lauren Carter, science teacher, said. “I often feel like I am teaching my heart out to a wall.” Continues on page 2
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news
munster high school crier — nov. 13, 2020
Technology overload This situation is not ideal to motivate students to actively participate and keep them focused. Thus, GoGuardian was implemented by the MHS administration to help bridge the divide between eLearners and teachers. “It allows teachers to see what students are looking at on their screen,” Mr. Mike Wells, principal, said. “A teacher can see a student working on problems, essays, etc. They can provide immediate feedback to students who need correction or redirection. The purpose of the program is not to invade privacy. It is to ensure students are staying on task and engaged in the lesson.” As students and teachers alike suffer from ‘pandemic fatigue,’ it has been a struggle to help eLearners stay on task and be motivated. “(To quote Attorney) Susan Leeson, you can tell when a society is sick by the abundance of rules that it has,” Mr. Michael Gordon, government teacher, said. “The reality is that there’s a lot of distractions. Having some tools to cut some of those distractions down has got to be part of that discussion of how we’re going to teach and learn.” GoGuardian, however, is not just to supervise eLearners and ensure no one is cheating. It can be used to help teachers gauge how much students understood the material on a test. “I use GoGuardian to monitor students during testing,” Mrs. Jessica Baird, Algebra teacher, said. “I explained to my students I can use this to ‘level the playing field’ of a test. Just because a student is not testing in my classroom shouldn’t mean
they get to cheat on the test because it is harder for me to monitor them. This is important because after a teacher gives an assessment, they often review the assessment, the results, and what students most often missed. If a handful of students or more were to cheat on an assessment, the teacher would believe that the
honest and open communication. Communicating and working together ensures that there is not an “us vs. them” mindset. “(GoGuardian) could affect studentteacher relationships if it used as a constant surveillance tool,” Mr. Luke McGinnis, choir teacher, said. “If a teacher is going to use it, students should be notified ahead of time. It would be an absolute invasion of privacy if students are unaware they are being monitored. If it is used (as I previously suggested), it should help curb cheating and help students stay on task. Otherwise, it is an invasion of privacy.” Teachers want students to know that they only strive to do the best for their students. Teachers are working for their students, not against them. “The purpose of the program is not meant to be punitive,” Mr. Dillon Thompson, science teacher, said. “With all of the possible distractions in our modern environment, this can help students develop good habits and focus their energy. (These are) skills that will benefit them beyond high school.” In these uncertain times, it is illustration by henry hofferth important to remember that we grades are higher than they really are stronger working together than should have been and there would be against each other. Cooperation as no need for remediation because of well as compromise is important to the higher scores when in reality the help all of us move forward. scores should have been lower and “Over time, this (disconnect) really remediation is needed.” takes a toll and makes teachers feel With all the benefits this new unheard,” Mrs. Carter said. “Being tool brings, however, teachers and able to see live student activity will students alike must work together to help with strengthening our delivery ensure they make the best out of the of lessons and helps us stay motivated situation. through this difficult time. As much “Both teachers and students as students need feedback, so do have an obligation to be engaged in teachers to effectively give a lesson responsible usage,” Mr. Gordon said. where students and teachers can be Many believe that there must be successful.”
What is GoGuardian? What can teachers do? • See screens • Freeze screens • Close and open tabs • Message students • take screenshots What can teachers not do? • Cannot view screens
after school hours or weekends • Cannot use GoGuardian without informing students with a notification source: goguardian.com illustration by max lindenmayer
Letter from the editor: Much has changed since the last time we were told to leave school on a Friday the 13. Since then, we’ve adopted an entirely new vocabulary, adjusted to mask life, and adapted to living under quarantine. Since then, we’ve survived this previously unimaginable moment in history. We experienced this anxious and uncertain time, seperate but together. In our last issue of Crier in the spring, our former editor, Lexi Lindenmayer, wrote to the student body about living with the unknown. In March, when school let out for distanced learning, we didn’t know what to expect. We spent each day anticipating and dreading each new headline, terrified for what attrocities we would bear witness to next. But we’ve lived through all that this year has yet to offer, and we know how to carry on accordingly. On Tuesday, this week, Dr. Jeffrey Hendrix,
Superintendant, announced that Lake County is above 13 percent of positive cases. As a result, the School Town of Munster is moving to eLearning and will return to school no later than Dec. 2. As of today, select programs will still be in operation with students in attendance. Upon hearing this message, we have collectively begun to ask ourselves: “how could this happen again?” Crier wants to remind everyone that each of us are in control of our futures. By taking precaution, social distancing, washing our hands and wearing masks correctly, we can take responsibility and stay healthy. Crier will continue to publish during distanced learning. You can find our stories at our website, mhsnews.net. Stay safe, and remember to mask up, Mustangs. — Lana Salahieh & staff
sidenote
photo by madi green HITTING THE BOOKS In preparation for his next debate, Arman Kumar, junior, researches information to include in his case.
Debating their future
Debate has seen major changes this year. With competitors now talking through their computer screens to judges in zoom meetings. COVID-19 has changed how things operate and Debate is not exempt from that. Having competitions almost every Saturday, Debate has to participate in its competitions virtually, with judges viewing them via online meetings. The change leaves little room for communication, discussion and group collaboration between members, as a virtual call is not as effective as in person interaction. Although the debate season is ending soon in early December while the post season will begin in early January. “Being limited to virtual practices and meets has been a little tough,” Akansha Chauhan, junior, said. “We don’t get to have the same kinds of interactions between teammates, and have had to make do with few options for activities outside of discussion during practice. Not being able to compete with my partner in person has also made it hard to communicate effectively and work together efficiently.”
DECA begins new season
DECA is starting a new year with students who are starting up a new season. DECA stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America. DECA prepares high school students to be emerging leaders through offering topics such as entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, hospitality and management. The club is planning on having at least two meetings every month. The meetings are undetermined until furth notice. “It is my plan to break up any meetings (and) practices by event,” Coach Ryan Popa said. “Each category has two student coaches. My hope is that they will schedule practices on their own depending on what event it is and how the members are doing in them.”
Corrections
In Issue 2 of Crier, Jenna Kosco’s quote on page 2 should read, “Most kids around this time of year come down with colds or allergies and it’s a normal thing to happen, but this year it is different.” In the caption of the YAT brief, Reena Alsakaji is a sophomore. On pages 4 and 5, ‘ALM’ should read ‘All Lives Matter’ in Laura Murguia’s quote. On page 7, Mary Buck and Riley Jorge are freshmen. On page 7, the Girls’ Soccer brief was cut-off and they are ranked 53rd in the state. Crier regrets these errors.
munster high school crier — nov. 13, 2020
opinion
Never again
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opinion by Gage Hoekstra
On Nov. 26, 1944, the War Refugee Board released to the American press, in its entirety, the Auschwitz Report. Authored by two Slovak Jews, having themselves escaped the death camp seven months prior, the report detailed the mass internment and slaughter of the Jewish people within Nazi Germany and occupied-Europe. One year later, though Allied forces would finally bring an end to the Holocaust, six million men, women and children were left dead in its wake. While the atrocity was over, its scars remained, and we in the West made a promise to ourselves and to the world: “Never again,” we said. We have failed to fulfill this promise. I bring up this example not because it stands alone, for many genocides have followed, but because the sheer magnitude of such a horrific act has persisted in our cultural EDITORIAL consciousness to this day. Most of all, I bring this up because I fear, someday soon, we may once again fail to live up to our promise. In recent years, Western intelligence and news agencies have released a greater and y now, you have probably come adversity, change and division, we greater number of reports concerning the across countless headlines or are still here, and that is enough. People’s Republic of China’s internment social media posts heralding the Though it is integral to take into and persecution of its Uighur minority. calamities of this year. “COVID-19,” account the circumstances that have The Uighurs are a majority Muslim ethnic “protest” and “politics” are only a wrought the chaos of 2020, it is also group within the nation; hundreds of few of the words that took on even important to note the means by thousands of whom have purportedly been more profound meaning this year, which we have worked to overcome imprisoned without trial and forced into while simultaneously turning the some of the challenges of this year. what the Chinese government has officially world on its head. From local food called “Vocational Education and Training Though it is easy to drives in support Centers.” Independent reports and the list the countless of families affected Our take accounts of those who have escaped claim events that have by COVID-19, to a that detainees within these facilities have shaped this year, Though this year rise in advocacy for faced family separation, involuntary labor, it is much more has brought many minorities affected torture, political indoctrination, compulsory difficult to find uncertainties, try to by discrimination, religious violation, mandatory sterilization some semblance of the changes we have and compulsory abortion. optimism in most find reassurance in the seen this year have While both historical precedent and the of them. This dire tenacity of humanity not only highlighted Chinese Communist Party’s current state of outlook, however, some of the darkest despotism render this situation alarming, does not accurately characterize parts of our humanity, but the our nation has positioned itself perfectly to ours. brightest, and most admirable. intervene in such humanitarian crises as Despite the numerous challenges Our shared experiences, however these. The United States has maintained both we face, our ability to continue dividing, remains to be a collective the largest economy and military in world pushing toward another year engagement in our psyches. history, and could easily use these powers to highlights our tenacity and COVID-19 has been a force we all impose sanctions against Chinese imports and strength as a society. In the face of have had to reckon with, and are exports or even to liberate Uighur prisoners directly through military intervention. When you and your friends think Conflict of any kind with our single greatest critically, as all should, you may find trade partner will undoubtedly be arduous, that you hold opposing beliefs. You but nevertheless it is the responsibility of our might even realize that you and your leaders to take action against these appalling family hold entirely different beliefs. violations of the Uighur people’s most The commonly accepted solution to fundamental rights. this dilemma is that it shouldn’t be It is the responsibility of our media to report allowed to ruin relationships, which this travesty with integrity and perseverance. opinion by at first glance is a fair and reasonable It is our responsibility as citizens of this Linda Ramirez answer. Political discussions are country and wardens of its principles to Politics are the great divider relevant to our everyday lives, but denounce in the strongest possible terms the ideologies of tribalism and tyranny of society; an eternal discussion not often do they consume us in which inevitably lead to such immeasurable on how our world should work. entirety. Chances are even if you can remain What qualifies as a human right? suffering. It is our responsibility to finally fulfill the What laws and restrictions should friendly and cordial with others, you be enforced, and who should are not real friends. Your friends promise we made so long ago; Never again. make those decisions? These are are going to be those who align with you. This is not to say don’t consider incredibly important questions.
B
More to be thankful for
Drawing the line
CRIER
Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached via mail at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321; via phone at 219-836-3200, ext. 3443; or via fax at 219836-3202. Crier is published through the Honors Newspaper Advanced Writing and Editing classes and extra-curricular involvement. Crier’s official website is accessible at www. mhsnews.net. •The newspaper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for the school and community. •Crier is a source of information, entertainment, advertising and opinion for the student body, faculty, administration and community •Published material will stress objective reporting except on the editorial page where opinion writing will be featured. All published material will stress accuracy, integrity, honesty, responsibility, objectivity, fairness and independence. Corrections, when necessary, will be published on page 2. •Opinions expressed in the newspaper do not necessarily
cartoon by daniel nozick
reflect those of the School Town of Munster, faculty or administration. •Letters to the editor and reader suggestions are welcomed, but should be limited to 250 words. All letters must be signed and should be either emailed to the editor (lana.salahieh@gmail.com), given directly to any staff member or delivered to the Publications room, N155, one week prior to publication. Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and grammatical errors. Crier will accept letters from anyone, provided that the content pertains to school or school issues. Feedback may also be submitted on Twitter @munstermedia. •Mailed subscriptions cost $25 per year. Digital issues can be found on issuu.com. Crier is published 13 times a school year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request.
still engaging. Despite our isolation and distance from one another, the sameness of our struggle connects us. One major arena in which gratefulness and support is wholly needed is school, particularly teachers. Withstanding schedule changes, separated classes and technological fluctuations, teachers have been forced to navigate new terrain as individuals, and as well as in the workplace. The adaptations teachers have been making are far from easy, all of it done for the sake of quality education. When searching for aspects of the year to be thankful for, remember to acknowledge the rare silent moments that remind us that we remain. Even if these moments must be forced through off-days, or time taken out for self-care, proper rest under the stress of a global pandemic is as much needed as work. It is from these moments of renewal that we can continue to rebuild, and work toward understanding one another.
others’ views. Being able to entertain a thought without accepting it, is a skill worth having. If the struggle of belonging to different political groups is too much, its not just politics. It is likely that you are different, incompatible people. It’s all based on the way you were raised to think and act. What you have retaught and introduced into your life as you grow to contemplate what life you will choose to live. So even if it’s not all of who you are, politics are a still a huge part of you. At this point they’re synonymous with your morals. Ending a relationship because of them is valid, and pretending it isn’t is just a harmful form of complacency.
Our Staff
Editor-in-Chief Lana Salahieh Managing Editor Atarah Israel Copy Editor Alison Lee Design Editor Alexis Perez Page Editors Gage Hoekstra, Linda Ramirez, Thomas Zangrilli Graphics Editors Henry Hofferth, Anthony Young Head Photographers Max Lindenmayer, Cali Petersen Chief Photographer Madi Green Photographer Anna Evilsizor Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman
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review
munster high school crier — nov. 13, 2020
Our Slice on Pie
madi green, henry hofferth and anthony young
chief photographer, graphic designers
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, Crier staffers review and rank a variety of pies from Jewel-Osco
Pumpkin Pie A staple to the Thanksgiving time, the pumpkin pie won by a long shot. The pie blew our minds and we could not think of anything wrong. We knew putting pumpkin pie as number one would be slightly controversial considering other peoples’ takes on it, but with the pies we bought, this was the most fitting place. The pie to crust ratio was perfect.
The filling was not too sweet, but not tasteless. It was a perfect equilibrium of tastes. Along with the taste, the texture was great. The texture of the crust was not too dry and the filling was smooth. It was just an all around good pie. This was the only pie that was eaten entirely by the end of the review. This pie might be a basic choice, but nevertheless it is most definitely the most consistent.
Sweet Potato Pie We bought the sweet potato pie to add a unique pie to this list. None of us have ever had a sweet potato pie, so we were all reluctant to try it. We were pleasantly surprised. According to Anthony, the first bite was a moment of pure bliss. The sweet potato pie had a strong fall taste upon initial tasting. The aftertaste was the only reason why the pie was placed in second place; it
was a little weird and had a hint of nutmeg. Other than that, everything was close to perfect. We feel that this pie should be popularized more, because it is severely underrated. If you want to have a pie other than the classic pumpkin pie, this sweet potato pie should definitely be your first choice — it will definitely turn heads at the dinner table.
Dutch Apple Pie The Dutch apple pie is a modified version of the classic apple pie that everyone knows and loves. This pie was nothing special, it was merely okay. Nothing really made us go “wow.” The apple filling was pretty bland, but not awful. According to Madi, it tasted like the apple crisp the school used to serve. The main problem with this pie
was the hard crust. Dutch apple pie generally has a hard upper crust, but this crust was a little too hard. The hard crust resulted in the filling going everywhere when we tried cutting a piece off for a bite. This made it annoying and almost a task to eat. The most neutral pie on this list, the Dutch Apple pie sits comfortably in 3rd place.
Key Lime pie
photo illustration by anthony young photos by madi green
In last place is the key-lime pie — a classic summer pie. This key-lime pie was a big let down. Maybe only because it was store bought, but no one particularly enjoyed it. The crust was not bad, but from the crust upwards, it was quite disgusting. The lime filling was way too artificial for our taste. Along with tasting extremely artificial, the
filling was also tart to the point where it was hard to eat. After you get past the lime filling, 70 percent of the pie was this whipped topping which had the consistency of packing peanuts. It was like eating shaving cream. All of these factors combined made it hard to even finish a slice. A pie whose best part is the crust deserves nothing more than last place.
munster high school crier — nov. 13, 2020
infocus
The game played amongst everyone
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Among Us becomes a friend group’s favorite way to play similar to games like Mafia, Town of Salem and Clue,” Courtney Companik, senior, said. “I am still surprised that the game became popular after two years of being released. Still, it’s a fun and simple game, and deserves this sudden attention.” This game is a social deduction game. It requires the ability to problem solve and also is a way to have a good time playing with other people around the world. The game is great for this year since everyone can stay socially distant and are still able to have fun with their friends. Players would usually chat in a Discord call or Zoom meeting since they cannot be together in-person. The game also has a chat while you wait in the lobby for the game to start. “I like being the imposter and having to hide my giddiness during meetings after killing a crew mate,” Rachel Dawson, senior, said. The game allows players to conversate with the others in the game. Students usually play this game during their
alexis perez
design editor
A rise of interest in a game that came out in 2018 has become commonly played among friends and family. Among Us is a well known game that has been played by almost everyone. Players who are crew mates have to finish their tasks or find out who the imposter is in order to win the game. An imposter’s goal is to kill off the crew mates and not get caught to win. “I believe Among Us is a fun game to play with friends, a game with the detective concept
photo ilustrations and graphics by max lindenmayer
Food for thought Students have taken up cooking, and share their reasons why linda ramirez
page editor
As the end of the year comes closer each day, students once again find that they are preparing for the holidays to come. The upcoming season will bring many families together to dine. Perhaps most prominently to be observed is Thanksgiving’s traditional multi-course meals that make everyone at the table feel as stuffed as the turkey they just consumed. It so happens that previously in the year, when Americans were under quarantine that culinary arts had begun to trend amongst the masses. Although this fad has taken a back seat as life began to return to normal, it left many students with a newfound appreciation for the kitchen. “Baking and cooking are both two ways I love to express myself,” Daniella Nahnsen, sophomore said. “Sharing a unique blend of tastes to create a perfect mixture, like in the movie ‘Ratatouille’.” Spending time on creating dishes to taste and enjoy is indeed a great way to explore one’s own personal skills and preferences. “I would recommend baking and cooking to others because it gives you a chance to find out what you like,”
Sydney Frantal, sophomore, said. “If you don’t try then you’ll never know.” For some having an abundance of newfound free time was the push they needed in order to explore this new hobby. “Cooking is interesting to me because I always thought it would be a neat Christmas hobby,” Christopher Perez, senior, said. “Quarantine gave me the chance to pursue it.” For others, this past-time is a way to connect themselves with foods of the world, as well as expressing their own heritage. “It is very fun and relaxing, timeconsuming too, but an overall way to view yourself and other cultures,” Sydney said. “It allows you to connect with numerous things. I am Polish and Slovak, so I make some traditional items around the holidays.” By having a foundation for their interest to build off of, these students
free time. It passes by the time and it involves different methods of thinking. “I think it is good to play with friends during quarantine especially if you talk over voice chat with them. It’s a good bonding experience. It replicates the betrayal friends would feel while playing Uno during lunch periods,” Rachel said. One can play with four to ten players. There could be up to one to three imposters. Depending on the host, they can choose how many there are. The other players are crew mates who have to finish tasks in order to win the game or kick out the imposters. Multiplayer games are a popular genre in the world today. “I think it became popular with social media and friends trying to find a game they can play together that is free,” Bryce Martin, junior, said. The game spiked in popularity so much that the developers announced a sequel but later canceled to focus on the original game. Among Us is such a popular game that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) played the game Oct. 20 on
Twitch streaming. Added to the stream was Hasan Piker, as well as popular streamers known as Pokimane, Myth, Disguised Toast, Dr. Lupo, and Rep. Ilhan Omar (DMN). Alexandria now has over 700,000 Twitch followers and on the Among Us stream she has over five and a half million views. Among Us has become one of the most streamed games on Twitch and has accumulated 400,000 Steam players as of September. The game first appeared on Twitch when known streamers would play the game on their stream. The game actually became popular by online content creators who streamed the game last year in different countries such as South Korea, Brazil, and Mexico. “It’s a really fun game and I think that it’s very rare for a game to be popular for this long and not gain a large toxic following,” Rachel said.
have started to gain experience. With still more to learn, they are still able to spare a few helpful tips, like following intuition. “One habit I picked up along the way is to not always rely on direct measurements from a recipe. Trust your senses and let your taste buds lead the way,” Daniella said. Sydney relies on the orderly aspect herself, finding the steps in a recipe to be soothing, and being tidy beneficial. “I always clean my workspace as I’m baking,” Sydney said. ‘I feel as though it is overwhelming to have
so many things together. It also helps you limit the amount of time you are cleaning up your station.” Overall, the consensus is that cooking is a worthy endeavor to partake in and is encouraged by the culinary community not only for the pleasant experiences, but also for the sake of independence. ”It never hurts to try something new. Cooking is an important life skill to have because eating is a part of our everyday lives,” Daniella said. “I mean, would you rather have grilled cheese for the rest of your life and gain the freshman 15, or live off of healthier alternatives while still being cost efficient?”
photo by max lindenmayer COOKING IN CLASS In Mrs. Katy Waldrop’s 5th hour Culinary Arts class, Colman Berg, senior, preps a pan by spreading olive oil with a brush for his lasagna. “More often than not, they are surprised they really like what they thought they wouldn’t,” Mrs. Waldrop said. “I enjoy seeing the pride students feel when they ask to take a picture of their creation to show their family.”
munster high school crier — nov. 13, 2020
I
n 2005, 22 percent of MHS students were a racial minority. This year, according to the Indiana Department of Education, racial minority students account for nearly 45 percent of the student population. With this significant increase comes the need for diversified representation that covers all realms of the student body—of the three new clubs this year, two were aimed at cultural awareness. In addition to the racial changes MHS is experiencing, representation for other various cultures work to educate students through inclusion and engagement. Leaders of these culture clubs view the rise in inclusivity as a sign of tolerance. “It’s so common for people to make jokes about race or religion and not regard them as a defensive at all just because it’s ‘dark humor,’” Leah Nozick, junior and Jewish Culture Club president, said. “I think culture clubs at our school can show people the effects this sort of prejudice has had and promote a safe environment for minorities.”
Spanish Club, characterized by its variety of activities, offers as many event opportunities as it does education on Spanish-speaking cultures. “Spanish Club exposes you to all cultures that speak Spanish,” Taylor Olmstead, senior and co-president, said. “Members do and learn so much with this club. You can hear new music, taste new foods and meet new people. It is a great club that I’ve been so grateful to be a part of.” Spanish Club’s Salsa dance classes are a usual event for the club, but COVID-19 guidelines forced necessary changes. “In the past we did salsa dance classes, went to restaurants and saw museums,” Taylor said. “This year, we are trying to do everything while staying safe. The salsa class is one of the most fun events we have every year. Señora Malagon has the best moves.”
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African American Culture Club In light of African American Culture Club’s shoe design competition, members provide insight on black fashion What’s your favorite contribution to fashion from the Black community?
“Shoes and clothing, [because] of their uniqueness and the confidence you receive when you wear them.”
“Streetwear and sneakers. They’re staples of Black culture.”
Taylor Graham senior
Akaoma Odeluga sophomore
CULTURAL ARTIFACT A winner of African American Culture Club’s shoe design contest.
Culture Cuisine Club Officers’ answers! What’s your favorite dish from a particular culture?
Spanish Club
CULTURAL ARTIFACT Day of the Dead Skull
infocus
Calling all cultures Coverage of MHS culture and language clubs
“Either kolachkes or perogies from Poland because my grandma makes the best homemade ones.” Maddi Bell junior
“I like Al Pastor Tacos, especially the ones with pineapple because they go well with pork seasoning.” Jonathan Bryson-Harvey
junior
“My favorite food is bruschetta from Italy.” Emily Sun junior
French Club
atarah israel
managing editor
Jewish Culture Club
CULTURAL ARTIFACT Culture Cuisine Club cookie
Jewish Culture Club’s past activities in celebration of holidays Rosh Hashanah Sukkot CULTURAL ARTIFACT French Flag
Eating apples and honey Purpose: Tradition for Rosh Hashanah
Nature-based crafts Purpose: Appreciating nature
Focusing on French fine art and CULTURAL and the harvest ARTIFACT Rose cuisine, French Club works to educate of maple leaves students, no matter their knowledge of source: Leah Nozick the language itself. Like other cultural clubs, the inclusivity and educational American Sign Language Club members explain important words to sign aspects of the meetings offer variety, as well as needed awareness. “Need ambulance?” “Thank you” “We hope to help them understand CULTURAL ARTIFACT • Make closed fist with pointer ASL Club member • Place your and appreciate these other cultures signing letter “C.” finger out, curved like a hook by teaching them about the French active palm • Move hand down culture,” Rebecca Franco, junior and towards your co-president, said. “Some benefits mouth • Make claws on both hands, of joining include meetings with fun • Move hand back held above shoulders activities and tasty foods to enjoy, all halfway down • Rotate while learning about different aspects of the French’s lifestyle.” photo illustrations by madi green, max lindenmayer and atarah israel source: Rahi Patel, Ava Quasney
American Sign Language Club
munster high school crier — Nov.. 13, 2020
sports
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VOLLEYBALL WINS STATE RUNNER-UP First time in MHS history, Girls’ volleyball team makes it to State max lindenmayer
head photographer
photo by todd mckechnie SPIKE IT At the state meet at Ball State university, Haley Melby, junior, spikes the ball over the net. “We never stopped fighting and we made a name for ourselves in the state,” Haley Melby, junior, said. “We proved that we belonged and that we are a big threat.”
The Girls’ Volleyball team finished their season last weekend as State runnerups in the 4A class. This is the first time Munster Volleyball has gone to State. Before, the girls dominated their sectional, beating Merrillville in three sets. They won their regional against Crown Point in a close five set battle. “My favorite part of the season was when Coach Brett Boden jumped into a swampy lake in Laporte,” Sarah Morton, junior, said, “After we beat Crown point in a five set game to win regionals.” They became Semi-state champions by beating out McCutcheon in just three sets which allowed them to advance. In the State championship game they lost to Yorktown in a 4 set match after taking the first set. “It was so memorable to play in front of a huge crowed at Ball State,” Morton said. “And having the support from the whole community.”
prepares for Back on the mat Wrestling their first super dual
gage hoekstra page editor With just a week left until their first super dual, Nov. 20 to 21, a twoday team tournament, the Wrestling team is holding nothing back. “We’ve been hitting conditioning hard,” Elijah Homan, junior, said. “We’ve also been really focused on our drilling, especially for the newer kids so that they can learn and master what they need in order to go deep into a match and come out on top.” Even with all their training, however, there are some situations the team can’t fight their way out of. “Our only concern is the risk of the season getting cancelled because of COVID,” Elijah said. “The contagiousness of this pandemic really has a big impact on our outseason and if too many schools’ teams get the virus the season will surely get cancelled. If one of us gets the virus it is likely a few other kids will get it as wrestling is as hands on as a sport can get.”
Go with the flow Swim season begins, face COVID-19 challenges cali petersen head photographer Like other teams, Boys’ and Girls’ Swim have had to make changes in order to follow CDC protocols. Swimmers have to limit how many people are in the locker room and wear masks at all times unless they are in the water. When in the water at practice, there is a maximum
The team has been taking many precautions, including sanitizing before and after practices, cleaning mats daily, temperature checks and screening questions before each practice and event, mandatory mask wearing up until the point of competition, and small cohorts and other social distancing measures. While the threat of the pandemic is ever looming, the team is still hopeful for an exciting and successful season. “This year will be very different,” Coach Zach Slosser said. “We have more kids with experience and we also have many freshmen that have wrestled for multiple years. Having that experience in young guys helps varsity learn different techniques and styles of wrestling. As a team, we are trying to get more recognition. We hope to get more students involved in wrestling because our current wrestlers have found out that the sport is more than what our Munster community believes it is.” of three people per lane urging swimmers to keep their distance. Despite all of these changes, Swim will have their first meet on Nov. 23, and meets are expected to run relatively the same. Maria Puliaeva, junior, expresses her hopes for the upcoming season, “I am excited for this year’s season,” Puliaeva said, “It’s definitely going to be a different experience but hopefully we can make the most out of it.” STAY IN YOUR LANE Victor Vatchev, junior, swims backstroke during warmups at practice.
photo by max lindenmayer SQUARING OFF At wrestling practice Nov. 15, Cris Silva, freshman, goes over basic wrestling moves with his partner. The team’s first three matches were cancelled due to COVID-19, so their first match is Dec. 2 at Andrean at 6:30 p.m. “We were just reviewing moves,” Silva said, “So I wasn’t feeling too tired.”
photo by cali petersen
photo by madi green PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT At their practice on Nov. 10, Nikki Sullivan, junior, runs drills with her teammates. The team hopes to go even farther than last year. “On top of that, (I hope) to strengthen the ‘family’ culture that we started last year,” she said.
Laying it up Girls’ Basketball hopes to attend first game tomorrow atarah israel
managing editor
Building off of last season’s success, Girls’ Basketball seeks to once again dominate the court. With a game tomorrow against Chesterson, the girls have one of their first chances to rebuild this season. “I think we’re all eager for the season to start, and have high expectations following last year’s sectional title,” Olivia Porter, junior, said. “What I’m looking forward to most this season is just getting to play and make memories with this great group of girls, and attempting to carry on last year’s success.” Though their first official game is tomorrow, previous game cancellations prior have delayed the intended start of the competition. These stalls, have been far from a negative pause in the girls’ practice, but are opportunities for support for other female athletes. Three of the Girls’ Basketball team members double as Girls’ Volleyball players as well—Grace Clark, Nikki Sullivan, juniors, and Holly Kaim, senior. “We have cancelled some games not due to COVID so far but due to (Girls’) Volleyball going to State,” Coach Brianne Rubesha, assistant varsity coach, said. “We want our girls to support them throughout this history.” Among the basketball team’s largest competition pools are some of their more formidable opponents, such as Lake Central and Chesterton. Despite this, the greater challenge of maintaining a season poses a more testing obstacle. “The goals for this season are to defend our conference and sectional titles,” Coach Rubesha said. “The opponents we are focusing on are anyone we can play. This season is full of unknowns. However, the main goal is to have everyone stay healthy and be able to have a season. We have not had problems, [except] with the cold and flu season, plus COVID.” With all preparation for their first official game, Girls’ Basketball’s goals for the future will be solidified in tomorrow’s game. “I think our first game will be a lot of learning and growing from it,” Coach Rubesha said. “It will allow the coaches and players to figure out what we need to focus on as we improve throughout the season.”
8
teacher life
munster high school crier — nov. 13, 2020
BACKTALK It’s National World Kindness Day! What is one kind thing you would say to a specific teacher?
Dear students...
photos by madi green FROM ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE Along with teaching from 7:35 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. five days a week, teachers deal with extra burdens all day long. These include staying up late into the night to finish up work, teaching to unresponsive classes, and sanatizing desks after every class to ensure the safety of their students.
Teachers discuss challenges and reveal what it’s really been like teaching in-person and online students time,” a second female anonymous teacher said. “I know that they already editor-in-chief put in a lot of time after school, and it’s even more at this point. I think that a Adapting to a new way of living and lot of teachers are at a breaking point. learning is nothing new to anyone in Normally when kids’ senioritis kicks in 2020. What about those we neglect (around) March or April, that’s usually to consider in our day-to-day? What when teachers get a little more agitatabout those who dedicate hours of ed and stressed out, but I think that their time rewriting their entire curwe’ve already hit that agitation level in riculum just so that any student can November. I think that if they (the adhope to absorb any amount of inforministration) could find us more time mation? What about our teachers? in the day to get more work done, that Crier is not identifying teachers would be nice.” who went on record in this story to get Creating a testing environment in their full, honest opinion. which students are on an equal footing “This has been, without doubt, the has been another issue this year. Since most stressful, most challenging, and at-home learners are unsupervised most burnout-enticing year of my during tests, cheating has become a career so far,” an anonymous male problem. teacher said. “I have experienced a “The hardest part for me has been to lot of negative emotions: fatigue, detry to find a way to maintain the rigspair, frustration, anger, and deep or in my classroom and do authentic insecurity. But, most days, watching assessments where kids are not able my students learn and grow overpowto use the internet to cheat,” a secers those negative emotions. I believe ond female anonymous said. “We have that the status quo is unsustainable, been trying to come up with different but I am nonetheless happy to be a ways to do things in order to keep the teacher. I am proud of my students.” playing field leveled so that the kids at Feelings of stress and frustration home and the kids here don’t get a difhave been a common theme this year ferent experience.” for teachers. Challenges arise when Three teachers offer their advice to trying to cater to both sets of stustudents about what to consider movdents. ing forward. “I’ve been very frustrated,” an n “I think the biggest thing bothering anonymous female teacher said. “I kids is that they know people at home don’t feel that my teaching has been at are cheating, and the level that I expect it frustrates them of myself. I’ve had to This has been, to no end. They remind myself that I without doubt, the need to realize can only do so much, that teachers’ and that I need to most stressful, most hands are tied in focus on ensuring challenging, and most a lot of ways. Unmy students receive til technology as a solid curriculum burnout-enticing year a whole is creatthat is still rigorous, of my career so far. ed and available, but also equitable.” we’re doing the —anonymous teacher A major struggle best we can. Stay faced by teachers patient with your has been using the teachers.” limited time each day to get a greater n “It’s easy for people to think that amount of work done. Teachers have since everyone has gone to school, evbeen forced into tighter work schederyone’s an expert on teaching. That’s ules, with shorter days and passing not true, but it’s easy for everyone to periods. act like that. If I said I went outside “I think that teachers need more
lana salahieh
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and looked at the moon last night, I couldn’t claim that I am an astronaut. Just because you’ve been a student in many classes doesn’t mean you know what good teaching looks like. Good teaching to one student may look like bad teaching to another, and (that) might be worth remembering.” n “Back when I left my old school to come to Munster. I left a note in my old desk for the next teacher. The note said, in part, ‘Focus on the students—not much else matters.’ This advice has been my mantra for the past few months of pandemic-era teaching. It is, in many ways, the only thing that keeps me going.”
“I’d tell my choir teacher (Mr. Luke McGinnis) that he is good at singing and I can’t wait to sing like him one day.” —Dom DiCarlo freshman
“To all teachers: thank you for putting up with us all year.”
—Xander Panos sophomore
“To Mrs. (Kelly) Barnes I would say that I appreciate how dedicated she is to her job.” —Cameran Reed freshman
“To Ms. (Leigh Ann) Westland, thank you for making English class fun and interactive.” —Brooke Vivian sophomore
Day in the life A timeline of the modified life of a teacher in 2020
7:05 a.m.
Arive at school. Unlock the classroom. Watch as students trickle in, any sense of a calm morning otherwise disturbed by the chatter of teenagers. Log into both the teacher computer and collaborate laptop. Check blackboard. Open eLearning sessions. Prepare to be on camera for seven hours, tirelessly working to create a manageable environment for learning.
9:00 a.m.
Passing period: Spray down each desk with disinfectant. Wait at least a minute to make sure it worked. Wipe down every desk.
10:30 a.m.
MRT/plan/lunch: Take attendance. Catch up on emails. Attempt to begin grading homework and tests. Update agenda and plan for the next day’s classes.
1:10 p.m.
2:40 p.m.
Last period of the day: Attempt to engage both in-person students and eLearners in class work. Work through any tech issues. School day ends. Finish grading, planning, and updating Blackboard. Answer all neglected emails. Stay at school for as long as necessary.
“I would like to thank Mr. (Jordan) Mayer for letting me express my opinions.”
“I would like to thank Mr. (Benjamin) Boruff for helping me understand commas.”
—Dom Smith -Olivia Paprstein junior junior
“Mr. (Dusan) Vidovic: thank you for responding to my lenghty emails about my life updates!”
“Mr. (Keith) Koszut: I appreciate your daily fun facts and weird trivia.”
—Irene Tsakopoulos —Caeden Taylor senior senior