PITCHFORK
THE
EST 1928
Marietta, Georgia
Marietta High School
Issue 1
@mhspitchfork
October 16, 2020
Presidential, congressional elections divide nation Izabella Sara Staff Writer This year has been full of unexpected events - wildfires, pandemics, protests - but one thing has remained constant: the election. Over the past four years, America has become increasingly polarized due to the two main political parties, Democrats and Republicans, disputing whether Trump is fit to be president. Regardless of political affiliation, it is clear that a divide is increasingly prevalent. This election will have an enormous impact on how the country continues to function and which party will take majority control. Due to the high stakes of this election, it is important to become politically involved, regardless of whether or not someone is eligible to vote. The essential question to ask when educating oneself about political candidates is what is their political platform? Presidential races usually get most of the attention, leaving many citizens uninformed about other elections, such as the congressional races. The Georgia Senate race is quite different this time around. Due to Senator Isaakson having to step down because of health-related concerns, Senator Kelly Loeffler was appointed by Governor Kemp to finish out the last two years of his term until the next election. Because Loeffler was not elected, she will compete against 21 candidates from both political parties, along with Independents, to continue her term as senator. With all of the options, it can be difficult to find one that best represents the state and country well. In order to be an informed voter and member of the community, it is important to understand the political platform of every candidate, regardless of political affiliation. Continue to pg. 15 for “Elections”
Ms. Moore, a Marietta alumna, positions camera for virtual students to interact with students in class during phase one. Teachers around the district adapt to teach students in the new normal. Photo by Alexandra Audrain
COVID-19 impacts schooling Marietta City Schools educates students amidst a pandemic Julia DePasquale - Section Editor
Marietta City Schools started for the first year ever, completely virtually. A growing number of COVID-19 cases in Georgia caused the switch to a completely new, controversial style of learning. Although MCS does have a phased plan for back to school, so much is still unknown. MHS students are set to return on Nov. 9 in phase four. “Back in May and June, we were hoping to open school with the option for students to do it either virtually or full time five days a week in person. As we approached the end of June into early July we saw that the COVID-19 numbers were increasing significantly, and we had to make some very difficult decisions to protect student and staff safety,” Superintendent Grant Rivera said. Many students were relieved by
Rivera and the Board of Education decision to go online. They feel as though Marietta High School is putting the safety of themselves and their family first. “I really appreciate how seamless MCS made the virtual learning experience. Other than the occasional tech issues, I haven’t had any problems with it so far. Lastly, I’m glad the district put our safety first,” Eden Gbolade (11) said. Although many families are happy with the way that MHS has handled the pandemic, there are some students who think they should have had the option to return to the classroom. “I believe that the school should have stuck with the hybrid learning where we could choose whether we wanted to go into school or not. Vir-
tual learning is very difficult for some people and that will have an affect on many people’s class grades,” Caroline Owens (10), said. School board member Jason Waters has a similar opinion. He was the only member of the school board that voted not to have a completely virtual start to school, despite the risks that this return would have on students, teachers, and families. “I felt that students needed to be in school and that we had a good plan in place [choosing online or in person learning]. There are long-term consequences of children not achieving on grade level. I have not changed my opinion that it is best for schools to start,” Jason Waters said. Continue to pg. 6 for “COVID-19”
A community’s call to action: Black Lives Matter Alexandra Audrain Section Editor The rise in support of the Black Lives Matter movement this year due to the murder of George Floyd in late May has compelled Americans to become more culturally aware of race relations and the systemic racism woven deep within the foundations of the United States. Large scale protests, social media “blackouts,” and calls for justice have been seen and heard throughout the nation. “I believe the Black Lives Matter movement didn’t have as much attention before this year. And in a time where social media is growing, the movement has also grown with it and I think more people are starting to understand the purpose of the movement and the anger, frustration, and fear that black people are feeling and have been
feeling for so long,” Sydney Le, an alumna of Marietta High School, said. It is vital for people of all races to amplify Black voices and equally report stories regarding People of Color. “I’m calling on non-black people, allies and those on the fence to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Until you are ready to go beyond posting on social media and address racism in your personal relationships and private spaces, we will never find justice,” Peyton Wilson, former Pitchfork editor-in-chief, said in an Op-ed for George Washington University. The Pitchfork staff is committed to continue to provide coverage and support for BIPOC students at Marietta High School and members of the Marietta community. Continue to pg. 8 for “Black Lives Matter”
The community comes together to protest in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in the Marietta Square on June 3. Photo courtesy of Patsy Rausch