Est. 1958 September 3rd, 2020
millsthunderbolt.com
Facing Online Learning’s New Challenge: Zoom Bombing O
By Anjuli Niyogi, Editor-in-Chief
n Tueday, August 18th, Serena Arge’s 6th period Art of Video class was interrupted by a Zoom bomber’s racial comments. While giving a personal example for a get-toknow your classmates slideshow assignment, Ms. Arge described her life on the shared screen with an illustration of her African-American significant other. The Zoom bomber appeared with the name “Ritchie Ahuma.” repeating the phrase, “All n****** matter.” Jeshua Ambrosia (11) told the Zoom bomber to stop, explaining that “this is a classroom” environment where this kind of behavior is not appropriate. Several other classmates responded by recording the incident on their cell phones, hoping to ensure that the perpetrator could be identified later on. Shaken up by the statement, Ms. Arge told the Zoom bomber to stop, but promptly ended the Zoom call when they did not stop. The class reconvened roughly 20 minutes later and Ms. Arge sought to address the inappropriateness and injustice of the racial slurs, possibly triggered by her husband’s illustration. Shortly after, Ms. Arge informed all Mills administrators and the Dean of Students about the incident. She was able to speak to Vice Principal, Lyndsey Schlax the same afternoon to give her the details of what happened and share the login data of the Zoom bomber. While the investigation is still going on, Ms. Arge informed her class that “it looks like 2 people logged in and we are trying to identify them.” To combat these risks of online learning, Mills High School is now requiring all of its students to join zoom calls via their student SMUHSD accounts. Ms. Arge is also now requiring that students enter a designated password to join every Zoom class with her. Ms. Dusyznski came to the next day’s class on Wednesday (August 19th) to talk about the racial trauma that was felt by all the classmates and to applaud those who stood up against the commenter. In an interview with Ms. Duszynski, she stated; “I do want to say that I’m proud of the upstanders in this class who took quick action to confront this racist act.” Efforts have been made by administrators to ensure that the perpetrator is found and receives disciplinary action. It appears that this Zoom bomber potentially logged in with an alias account, not associated with a Mills student. Administration is also asking for students to submit an anonymous alert with any information leading to the identification of this person.
Fireside Chat With Principal Duszynski By Leanna Yu, Editor-in-Chief Story is a shortened article with main topics covered
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fter the first week of distance learning, Principal Pamela Duszynski revealed insight on coping with distance learning and Mills’ future endeavors for starting the academic year online. As students and staff work from home, Principal Duszynski remains hopeful that the Mills community will be able to return to campus soon–– “I am hopeful and encouraged that
we are doing the right thing in terms of distance learning, so we can bring kids and staff back as soon as possible this semester.” The first week of school was organized by Ms. Dove, the Student Activities Director, in a two day school wide orientation to (re)learn Canvas, adjust to the new online platform, and develop a sense of community. Principal Duszynski commented that the first week of school went really well: all teachers had a working Zoom link on the first day of school, despite learning the new technological features 4-5 days prior. Another concern of hers was having a drop in attendance due to distance learning, but found good participation the first week of school. With the success of the beginning of school, Principal Duszynski claimed that school activities and events will be figured out once students have adjusted to the new schedule, distance learning, and flex. Clubs are still encouraged to meet virtually during office hours with their club advisor present. The school still has visions for virtual town halls in every grade level and the annual club fair. Additionally, Mr. Hudelson has plans for an audio performance of The Crucible to substitute for this year’s fall play. During this digital learning period, Principal Duszynski touched upon how the Mills community is continuously growing. “I would like to see us continue to do what we’re doing–– discovering new ways to connect with one another. In some way, we are becoming closer to one another.” This is seen in increased attendance in PTO meetings and students reaching out to their teachers. “We are a school that’s about much more than just the curriculum.” Principal Duszynski would like to say to new students, “You are not alone. Even though we are not physically together, we are still very much a part of your support network. You are our inspiration, our hope, and define the reason why we do this work everyday.”
Back to School Edition
THE FUTURE OF CIF SPORTS
By Madison Wong, Opinions Editor
S
ports, alongside many other school activities, are rituals that many students look forward to participating in throughout the school year. But sports this school year will look different due to the impact of COVID-19. The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) has altered the schedule for sports of all seasons in the 2020-2021 school year. The new schedule was last updated on July 20th, but is still subjected to change due to the unpredictability of the spread of COVID-19. While schools in the San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD) have opened the academic school year with distance learning, athletes may still condition together under certain circumstances to prepare for the new seasons. The CIF has stated guidelines that schools may follow when allowing students to begin training and conditioning. In what the CIF says to be “Phase 1” (not to be confused with the term used by state and local county agencies on the reopening of workplaces, travel, and public activities), students must follow their local county’s guidelines, remain at a distance of at least 6 feet from each other, and workout in “pods” consisting of the same 5-10 people who meet on a weekly basis. In “Phase 2,” the same guidelines apply except up to 50 people may gather for an outdoor workout. On August 13th, the SMUHSD Athletic Directors had a town hall meeting, via Zoom, sharing updates and answering questions regarding the athletic programs in the 20202021 school year. The Athletic Directors explained that if San Mateo County is off of the state’s watch list for at least 14 days before September 14th, then sports may begin conditioning, under certain circumstances. All workouts must be outside and there is going to be a rotation schedule in which small groups of students in a team will have to take turns using the SMUHSD outdoor athletic facilities. The Mills track will not be open until around October, so Mills students will have to go to other SMUHSD campuses for conditioning when allowed to do so. Other precautions directed by the district include having temperature checks before entering any facilities, limiting participants allowed in one place at a time, having specific entrance and exit points, and requiring everyone to be socialSports | Page 2
Bianca Reyes Center Spread Editor
The effects of the coronavirus have been hard on students, with seniors getting the brunt end of the stick. We interviewed several seniors to hear their thoughts on the over looming possibility of their school year being done virtually.
The start of a new school year is always an exciting time, but
for seniors in particular, it is especially thrilling. Senior year is the year that’s the most fun because there is so much to look forward to—prom, the senior trip, and graduation to name a few. The class of 2021, however, is looking less optimistic in comparison to former classes due to the current pandemic restricting nearly all school activities. In addition to this, the pandemic has restricted the very act of school itself, ultimately resulting in distance learning and very mixed opinions from seniors.
Other seniors are somewhat in the middle about the topic. Isabella Vaka (12) states, “I’m quite hesitant about the possibility of my entire senior year being done through distance learning because I find it difficult for my mind to be simulated through a screen. Although my learning approach cannot be catered to, I’d of course rather be safe by learning in the comfort of my own home.” While not particularly preferring to do distance learning, Vaka remains understanding due to the circumstance at hand, however it makes sense as to why she leans more towards physical school. It’s quite easy to stop paying attention to a lesson when you’re being taught while in bed rather than in an actual classroom. The limited interaction over zoom is no help in this predicament neither, since the lack of hands-on work can result in students falling behind.
Distance learning through the lens of Seniors
There are some seniors who are content with distance learning. “Personally, I like it because I find it easier to talk in front of people over a computer screen than in front of the class,” Lauren Miranda (12) commented. Ice breakers during class are rarely something a student looks forward to on the first day, and doing it virtually can help ease some stress about the situation.
On the other hand, there are seniors that are concerned about getting help with college applications. “I think [this situation is] especially hard since this is the year we’re applying for colleges and it’s kind of difficult to reach out to counselors and teachers for
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help,” one senior expresses. While it is possible to contact counselors via email and over the phone, a response can take up to two weeks due to the large amount of students that are reaching out to change classes and schedules. It’s much easier to walk into the counselor’s office and get an immediate response, especially when talking about something of urgency such as college applications.
There is no definite answer to the question as to whether or not seniors enjoy distance learning. While some do not mind it, others are concerned about topics such as college application season and the ability to contact counselors. Nevertheless, we can only hope that Mills students can return to campus once it’s safe to do so. Stay safe and remember to wear a mask!
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I think [this situation is] especiallyhard since this is the year we’re applying for colleges and it’s kind of difficult to reach out to counselors and teachers for help.
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Madison Wong Opinions Editor
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A common concern brought up in the meeting, from students, was that winter and spring sports overlapped in the CIF adoptive schedule, where traditionally, students were only allowed to participate in one sport per season. The Athletic Directors announced that for this school year only, students may play two sports in one season or play club and school sports concurrently. The Athletic Directors recognized that this will be hard on the athletes, stating they must get permission from both coaches first to engage in dual activities.
20202021 Sports
Nothing is certain yet, as we do not know what the pandemic will look like in the upcoming months, but the district recognizes the importance of sports and is supportive of letting students condition when it is safe to do so.
Mills has been known for having natural grass fields in-
stead of modern synthetic turf made of a rubbery material that performs similar to grass. Excluding Capuchino, all other schools in the San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD) have invested in these turf fields. Mills was given a terrainial advantage against opposing schools during home games because competitors were not used to playing on a grass field. Recently however, the SMUHSD has noted multiple problems with maintaining traditional grass fields and are ready to make drastic changes. The designs for remodelling Mills’ athletic fields were approved on June 12th of 2019. Filing for The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a statewide policy of environmental protection, was completed on December 2nd. Since voters approved the plans, construction began on May 18, 2020 and is scheduled to end by October of this year for the multi-use field (football and soccer field). The remaining fields will undergo construction from May 15, 2021 to April 15, 2022. A large factor as to why there has been a demand for these renovations is the malfunctioning of the storm drain under the football and lower fields. Aside from sig-
nificant amounts of water being consumed to keep each field healthy, manual labor and gas powered equipment produce a large carbon footprint which negatively affects the environment. There has also been an uncontrollable gopher problem in the lower field which disrupts sports and other activities. Other problems include unlevelled fields, lack of playtime for the Mills community, and years without renovating the tennis courts. These renovations to Mills and Capuchino will also bring greater parity with the other four schools in the district in terms of facilities. The stadium field will become a football and soccer synthetic field; the lower field will become one large turf baseball field with upgraded tennis courts spread around it. The area where tennis courts used to reside will become a soccer and softball combination field. Mills athletes such as tennis player Curtis Draheim (11), and former baseball players James Gayer (12) and Karl Headley (12) spoke on the effect this could have daily practices and games for each team. Draheim said the remodelling and movement of the tennis courts is “not good because it’s gonna take time off of practice time” for their team. Regarding the baseball fields, Gayer thinks Mills has the worst fields in the district, and it’s “about time” the fields are remodelled. Headley believes the remodelling will be “beneficial in the future for Mills.” Thankfully, the future general obligation bond, a government pledge to use all available resources (even tax revenues) to repay holders of the bond, has covered all fees required for the reconstruction of the fields. The total cost for both projects at Mills and Capuchino are an estimated $38.16 million.
Misa Gomez
Q
Update On New Astro Turf Fields
Sports Editor
Popular Activites
u a r a n t i n e
From baking to binge-watching Tiger King, the past six months have been jam-packed with enjoyable new activities to fill the long days. Starting mid-March when COVID-19 cases began to skyrocket, finding engaging activities to partake in during quarantine has been an everlasting search.
Popularized from the app millennials can’t seem to get enough of, Tiktok, many found themselves in the kitchen whipping up some delicious treats. Whipping coffee, to be exact. In the early months of quarantine, Dalgona coffee became the treat everyone was dying to try. It’s made by whipping together equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it becomes nice and creamy. Put on top the milk of your choice and it makes for a perfect iced cold pick me up! Keeping with the theme of treats in the kitchen, making banana bread was also an early quarantine activity. Coming from a banana bread connoisseur, it was so beyond underrated pre-quarantine so it’s great that it finally got the recognition it deserves! Individuals found themselves baking loaves and loaves of bread, some choosing to venture further into the world of bread-making, baking sourdough and cloud bread as well. As we are all most likely familiar with sourdough, let me enlighten you with a quick 101 on cloud bread. Made with only three ingredients—eggs, sugar, and cornstarch—cloud bread takes on a fluffy, cloud like texture upon being whipped and baked. Not to be fooled by its dreamy looks and texture, many found it wasn’t the best tasting item. It was fun while it lasted its short lived popularity!
With these and many other fun baked goods, it is crucial to find a good show to binge while snacking on your treats. An activity that never goes out of style, and that took over the majority of people’s quarBy Karine Chan, Editor-in-Chief antined months, is finding and watching new shows. Some front runners that got many hooked these past months were Tiger King, Outerbanks, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Many also found themselves staying up through the late night playing video games, watching Tiktoks, and video chatting with friends. Speaking of style, quarantine gave many the opportunity to play around and explore different styles of clothing as well. With all this time to ourselves and responsibilities to a minimum, fashion soared as people began to explore trends outside of their comfort zone. And along with the numerous fashion awakenings, many took it upon themselves to better their lifestyles by partaking in a variety of at home workouts. With oh-so-many at home workouts posted online, fitness YouTubers such as Chloe Ting, Pamela Reif, and MadFit gained larger followings throughout the past months. Quarantine has been a long, at times dreadful six months, but luckily we have the internet to help us stay entertained and connected to all of our loved ones. It’s hard to say what is to come, but we can most definitely rely on the fact that new activities to keep us from hopping on the next train to crazy town are constantly arising. Please remember to stay safe and take care of your mind and body. Go easy on yourself, remember that not every day has to be filled with productivity. we’re
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