MV Viewer 2021-2022 Issue 5

VOLUME 69 ISSUE 5 | JANUARY 26, 2022

THE VIEWER

What’s Trending in the New Year?

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Instagram Gossip Pages 02/ School Fights 06/ Theodore Rex 07

02

NEWS

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Shoreview’s new playground

by Bria Farmer staff reporter

A new playground in Shoreview opened in early November. Located in the Shoreview Commons Park outside of the community center and a few miles away from Mounds View, the playground is part of a multiyear renovation for expanding community space.

“The goal of the playground is to have a community gathering place for the playground. There’s no cost for it; it’s open to the public,” said Steve Benoit, Shoreview Parks and Recreation Director. The large size of the space makes the playground a destination playground, something Benoit says is sizable enough that people would travel from around the state to visit.

The playground currently has multiple sections, each targeting a different age group. A marshy area was designed for toddlers, and a challenging obstacle course was made for older students. “For the junior high level, and even high school, that’s a really hard group to create structures for that they can enjoy,” Benoit said. The city wanted to make the playground accessible to all ages.

A marsh theme runs through the entire playground, from giant lily pads to the treehouse tower. Even the green and blue matting colors keep true to the theme, with a blue stripe mimicking a river. In accordance with the environmental theme, Shoreview made sure not to cut down any healthy trees during construction, according to Benoit.

The first phase of construction included building new paths, a skate park and a sizable water fountain. To clear space for all these features, Shoreview converted a softball field into the playground space. “I’m kind of sad about the kickball field, but nobody ever used it anyway,” said Gwen Brandt, 11. While removing a field can be disappointing, the field was chosen to be removed because of its low utility.

A planned second phase was supposed to add a park building with bathrooms and storage space. However, Shoreview delayed the construction of the park building due to budget constraints.

Despite this, the playground attracts people from the community, especially on days with good weather.

“On the days when it got up to the 40s, it was abso-

lutely packed, up until when it was too dark to play,” Benoit said.

The proximity of the playground to other community spaces also makes it ideal for play. “I think it’s a good spot because there’s so much inside the community center as well, so you can do inside or outside things,” said Greta Johnson, 11. The playground is also easily visible when driving to anything in the Shoreview Commons area.

Although high schoolers may be out of the playground’s demographic target, many younger children enjoy all the fun features. Johnson, who is a babysitter, said, “I know little kids who go there all the time. Especially this summer, with COVID and everything, it’s a great place for kids to play outside.”

Khadra Abdulahi, 10, agrees with this. “I have little siblings who’ve been on it, and I think it’s cool,” she said.

With an official grand opening planned for this coming spring, the expansive playground ensures children can play outside for years to come.

person knowing, it can be a violation of privacy. “It depends on their intentions, but it’s an invasion of privacy and can be rude,” said Bria Mills, 9. For accounts that post unappealing qualities—the bad parking and bad posture accounts, for example—featured students could be embarrassed.

However, if someone ever gets an unwanted feature on one of the pages, they can just message the page and ask to be taken off. “I didn’t want to be on the sleeping page, so I just messaged them and they took me off right away,” said Juliana Peterson, 11. “At least they were nice about it.” Some pages, such as @mvhsposture, explicitly state this policy in their bio.

Due to the intrusive nature of these pages, the students who own them prefer to stay anonymous. “No one really knows who makes them. I think that’s because they would get in some trouble if people found out,” said Cooper Larson, 9. Some of the accounts state that they are not affiliated with the school so that any negativity regarding the posts would not be directed at the school, which could get the student in trouble.

Despite these problems, many students view these pages as just a humorous joke where students can submit photos of their friends and laugh about it. “My friends put me on the page, and I thought it was so funny, I guess I just don’t really care about it,” said Kristen Cosgrove, 11. Cosgrove was featured on @mvhs_antimaskers for not wearing her mask properly.

These pages also have unintentional upsides. Students are more aware of their actions—such as wearing their mask properly, not dozing in class and improving their posture—due to the fact that being featured on these pages can be mortifying. “I think it makes students more self-aware because they don’t want to be on it, so they would wear their mask right or park better,” said Brynn Mills, 11. Students could be more mindful of their actions in the aim of avoiding being seen on it.

Whether these accounts are deemed to be a harmless joke or a violation of privacy, this fad offers a way for students to interact with the Mounds View community through social media.

Mounds View Instagram accounts

by Morghan Larson staff reporter

Since the release of Instagram in 2010, Mounds View students have been drawn to the app. In recent months, Mounds View-related Instagram pages have exploded in popularity. Students create these accounts anonymously, and each one has a theme, such as questionable parking skills, slumped posture, sleeping during class and more. Either the account creators take these photos, or they have fellow classmates send them in.

This trend was originally popularized on TikTok. “People saw it on TikTok, and they think they are so funny, and they’re trying to get famous off of it,” said Grace Peltier, 12. Some students from other schools have gotten some fame from their posts.

There are two opposing opinions of these exposing accounts amongst students. Some believe this could be a form of online bullying, while others look at them as a humorous joke and a way to connect with others.

Because these photos can be taken without the

Editor Opinions on the Instagram accounts

Viewer Staff 2021-2022

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“I think these accounts can be harmful “I think as long as the subject matto people’s self confidence in school. ter isn’t too personal or invasive it’s However, it’s good that the accounts allow ‘dm for removal.’”

- Zige Wang managing copy editor

Elisa Guo Zige Wang Darah Ostrom, Johnny Yue Morgan Dalton Yatharth Sharma Maya Betti Darah Ostrom, Johnny Yue Junha Yoo Joseph Hoffman Olivia Sperbeck Iris Ren

“I honestly thought they were funny

at first, like the bad parking and bathgenerally more humorous considering room feet accounts, but now there are school is public.” so many that it kind of gets old. ” - Joseph Hoffman arts and entertain-

- Darah Ostrom spread editor

ment editor

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features 03

wednesday, January 26, 2022

From Bangkok to Mounds View

by Michael Wang staff reporter

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is the country’s most populous city with a population of over 10 million people. With a culture, education system and society that is vastly different from America’s, Bangkok holds many wonders that contrast with what life is like here. Emily Mehta, 10, recently moved to Minnesota from the bustling city.

Mehta came to Minnesota on account of her father’s job. He often travels for work, and Mehta, who was born in California, lived in Idaho and Thailand before coming to Minnesota. She arrived here around two months ago and started her first day in November.

Arriving in Minnesota, Mehta’s first impression was the pace of life. “Thailand has a very laid back atmosphere. If you go to downtown Bangkok, everyone looks like they are on vacation, even though they are not. It is very calm,” Mehta said. “Here, things feel a lot more fast paced. There is always something

“You always have a place to go or something to do.”

-Emily Mehta, 10 to do.” Along with the distinct culture and language, Mehta immediately noticed the difference in energy.

For Mehta, the new school system surprised her. She attended an international K-12 school in Thailand, where the school had significantly fewer students

than Mounds View. “There were around 900 kids for all those grades,” Mehta said. “There are kids from all over. Most people have a parent who travels for work, so you’re in [the same] boat as the people you are with.”

The student population was not the only part she found different. “[Grading] was on a one-to-seven scale. One would be failing and seven would be the highest,” Mehta said. Additionally, despite the laidback atmosphere of Thailand, the international school that Mehta attended was far from relaxed. She said, “[School] was more competitive with the other students.” Mehta also notes the smaller student population.

Other major differences in schooling include the campus and school schedules. Mehta’s international school in Bangkok had an expansive campus with outdoor hallways. Her daily schedule featured four 80-minute classes that began at 7:15 in the morning and ended at 2:35 in the afternoon.

In comparison to the U.S., her local school community contrasted the typical public or boarding school environment. “[The community] was like a bubble. People drove golf carts around, and the school was a part of the community,” Mehta said. The school system in Thailand integrates into the surrounding population far more than it does at Mounds View. Most people attending the school lived in the same area, making Mehta’s community tight-knit and goods and services more accessible. “There was a dentist there, a doctor there. There was also a mall really close by,” she said. “You didn’t really need to go anywhere.”

Despite the close community in Thailand, Mehta

Atticus Comer: CAP

photo by Michael Wang with cadets under me and flying planes,” Comer said.

“When you join, you give five free gilder flights and powered flights. You can do them whenever you want.”

These flights are one of the reasons he became interested in CAP. Oftentimes, hands-on flight programs are not available to most high schoolers.

by Madeline Boespflug staff reporter

After high school, most young students plan on going to college to pursue their prospective careers.

However, a handful of students explore alternatives to the standard four-year degree. Some are joining one of the six branches of the U.S. Military, with 87% of new recruits being 18 to 21 years old, according to Active Component recruits. A prime example of this is junior Atticus Comer, who has been involved with the Civil Air Patrol since middle school and hopes for a career in aerospace and the military.

Within most schools, there are a wide variety of military programs available to students. Civil Air Patrol (CAP), an auxiliary of the U.S Air Force, is one of these programs. Specializing in search and rescue, disaster recovery, and homeland security, CAP allows youth to work in aviation through a curriculum that aims to teach leadership and aerospace skills.

Comer, a cadet Chief Master Sergeant of CAP, has been working at the Anoka County Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol for several years. “I’m in charge of a group of people called a flight… [I teach them] different things about responsibility, how to lead, that kinda thing,” Comer said. Practicing his leadership skills has become a large point of satisfaction for him.

Members of CAP are able to apply to training programs across the country that involve them getting hands-on experience with emergency response. “There are two different ones in the nation. And if you get in [then] you get shipped to… Nevada and one other

enjoys school in Minnesota and looks forward to the new experiences Mounds View provides. Mehta’s favorite subjects include English and science. “I have really been liking my science teacher,” said Mehta. “I also like English as a subject.” She has found the classes here engaging and interesting, and intends to further explore her interests.

In Thailand, Mehta liked participating in various extracurricular activities. “The best part [about my school] was probably the extracurriculars,” Mehta said. “I did Habitat For Humanity, Operation Smile and other activities like that.” Mehta continues her engagement outside of class at Mounds View. In the fall, she joined the cross country team, and she plans to compete in track and field in the spring.

While Mehta has gone through significant changes, she already has future plans laid out for after high school. “I might want to major in psychology,” she said. “I like running, so [I’m hoping] I can get a scholarship.” For now, Mehta enjoys living in Minnesota and attending school at Mounds View.

“It is really nice to be working with cadets under me and flying planes.”

-Atticus Comer, 11

photo courtesy of Maya Betti place, and you get taught by Air Force rescuers,” Comer said. Within these interactions, cadets learn essential search and rescue techniques and develop skills that Air Force Pararescuemen use consistently.

These experiences allow students like Comer to enter the workforce ahead of the game. “[There are] a lot of opportunities in getting your private pilot’s license and flying…working on the ground, doing search and rescue,” Comer said. He believes that building independence at an early age can be fulfilling.

With the choices available to Comer, he has been able to pick up experiences that he will remember throughout his lifetime. “It is really nice to be working

Depending on academic and curricular interests, there are a wide variety of options available for high schoolers to consider pursuing. Within CAP, Comer has been able to succeed in bolstering his aerospace interests and possible future careers. “I think it’s great.

It’s awesome,” he said.

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Lifestyles

by Anika Metz staff reporter Lifestyle trends impact people of all ages.

However, they tend to be more noticeable within younger generations. It is common for people to want to look, act and use routines similar to others as humans seek a sense of belonging.

Junior Sam Notch said, “It feels like you fit in and are more in tune with the rest of your generation.” Students may feel pressure to act like others to fit into their environment—which is heavily impacted by trends.

In fact, psychologists have studied trends and conformity a lot throughout history. One famous psychologist, Solomon Asch, found through his experiments that 75% of people will answer the obviously incorrect answer if several people before them had answered the question incorrectly. This is due to social pressure and the need to belong.

Trends also occur because factors in the world necessitate change that alter the way people think and operate. In response to growing calls to combat climate change, there has been increased accessibility to recycling bins and trash cans at Mounds View, and many students are using reusable water bottles to be green.

In addition, due to their experience of

New Year, N distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, some are continuing to take additional classes online. One student in particular, Jean Xie, 11, enjoys learning online. “It allows me to have some extra free time in the morning as well as get my work done,” she said.

Many students were aware of the option to take an online course before. However, they had not given it much thought until they were forced to do school during last year’s distance learning. It worked better for some students, and they continued to take online classes even when school went back to in person.

Another common trend nationwide, as well as at Mounds View, is an increased awareness and focus on mental health. During the pandemic, the number of people talking and learning more about mental health has exponentially increased, becoming less of a taboo subject and more of something students can relate to.

Recently, Student Council members Sonali Bhaskar, 10, and Maddie Terwilliger, 12, have added a column titled “Mustang Mindfulness” in the Mounds View Daily News, the daily e-newsletter emailed out to all Mounds View students and parents. It attempts to support students’ mental health through monthly mindfulness themes and weekly

self-care practices. Their message for January 10 was, “We encourage you to be mindful of taking breaks between homework or studying.

With finals coming up it’s important to take breaks to ensure the well being of your mental health.” This column is in direct response to current trends focusing on the effects of the pandemic and mental health.

It is safe to say that current events have impacted trends both in and out of school.

From mental health to increased awareness of helping our environment, trends will continue to make their mark on the lives of future generations.

Fashion

by Sarafina Dillon staff reporter Fashion can be something that many high school students value on a daily basis. For some, wearing certain clothes allows them to express themselves. For others, it’s a way to help society achieve certain goals, such as promoting environmentalism.

The start of a new year is usually associated with the birth of a new set of fashion trends.

As a result, many students have started to predict and anticipate what will be considered to be up to date to wear. “I would definitely have to say colors like orange, lavender and navy and sky blue,” said Isaac Seichen, 11.

In addition, many have used current events related to celebrities as inspiration for what styles to showcase. “I definitely think that low rise jeans will make a comeback,’’ Seichen said. As trends tend to cycle in a 20- to 30- year

pattern, the trademarks of 2000s fashion, as seen on celebrities like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, have made a resurgence.

Although present in fashion trends throughout the years, the bending of gender norms have grown stronger in recent years.. Harry Styles, famous British singer, changed others’ perceptions of what fashion is considered appropriate for different genders when he wore skirts in a Vogue cover back in November 2020. With the celebrity’s massive social media following, students like Bret Swenson, 9, think that men wearing skirts will be a continuing trend going forward into 2022 as well.

During the long periods spent at home due to the pandemic, many have noticed their fashion choices shift. “I definitely think that relaxed clothing will stay a trend for a while,” said Lindsay Berggren, 12. “I think that this has a lot to do with [the pandemic] becoming a part

of all our lives and causing us to stay home, [resulting] in us wearing comfier clothing.”

There are many sources for certain trends to arise and die out. With the rising popularity of apps like TikTok, many have found inspiration in how to pair certain outfits together through different influencers. “I think it has a lot to do

New Trends Music

by Lucy Zhao staff reporter Music is one of the most common ways people can connect with others, relax and have fun. In the last few decades, music trends have continued to change. In addition, the Information Age has brought innovative ways for people to enjoy auditory artistry.

An important part of culture, people have always liked listening to music. “I used to definitely be a big music hound and I lived in Chicago,” said Mallory Nelson-Rehder, photography teacher. “I was always trying to find new artists and go to a ton of concerts.”

While concert-going remains one way people enjoy music, in recent years streaming services have become more popularized, with the most notable being Spotify—an app that can be downloaded on a multitude of devices.

According to Spotify’s official website, there are currently 381 million users and 17 million paid subscribers across 138 markets around the world. This app can be used to listen to music through phones and computers as well as artificial intelligence devices such as Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home which are also becoming increasingly prevalent.

As music has become more accessible for many teens, students at Mounds View are able to stream through personal devices. This with what is on social media apps and certain people on these apps like Emma Chamberlain would be a good example.” Seichen said.

Where a person lives also has a large say in what is appropriately fashionable to wear. “I think it has a lot to do with what people wear around your area,” said Charli Kelly, 10. “For example, we live in Minnesota, so things like Carhartt hats and UGGs are more trendy here because they fit more in our cold environment.”

While many high school students are flooded with a variety of trendy fashion choices to wear for each school day, it might be surprising that teachers may have certain fashion norms that they like to follow. “I think that fashion trends come around every 30 years,” said Taylor Williams, frequent substitute teacher. “I think that eventually everything will come around and make its return in fashion.”

For day-to-day wear, however, many teachers have found their fashion choices change from their work lives in school and outside of school. “Normally I wear business casual clothing like a button-up shirt and dress pants when

popularity makes it easier for underground artists to introduce their music to people all around the world as more listeners follow different bases.

In fact, as an end of the year project, music streaming services like Spotify and Soundcloud create specialized presentations for their listeners that highlight the different genres, artists and songs that each individual user of that particular streaming platform listened to the most during the year. These projects help categorize listening trends.

According to Medium, while the 90s was characterized by music styles like grunge, alternative and heavy metal, in the 2000s, preferences shifted to R&B and adult contemporary sounds and in the 2010s, trendy music centered around electronic dance music and hip hop.

Today, many genres of music can be found on different digital platforms. Trendy music that reached their peak years ago have circled back while new music continues to rise. “I think the top 40s is still cool. I know 90s kinda grunge music is coming back a little bit,” Nelson-Rehder said. Older musical trends are returning to mainstream music. This can be seen in the use of samples in lofi tracks, taking inspiration from vintage songs. 90s grunge can also be seen in the aesthetics of artists like WILLOW.

I’m at school, but when I’m out with friends or out in the town, I normally wear jeans and a more relaxed shirt,” Williams said.

Being environmentally-conscious can be a major factor students consider when following the latest trends in clothing. “Clothes can have materials that cause lots of waste,” Kelly said.

“Especially when [certain styles] are trending, [manufacturers] have to make a lot more, which causes more waste.”

Some recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between staying on trend and minimizing environmental damage.

“I think one reason to fix this problem is to not throw away unwanted clothes, but to donate or re-sell them,” Berggren said.

What also stands out is the vast differences in the ways high school students expressed themselves through clothes in the past decades compared to now. “There were a lot more different styles from when I was in high school,” said Mitchell Turner, history teacher. “Now it is harder to tell what groups people are a part of because of all the popular trends taking part of

Not only is American music sensational, but the recent rise of Asian music, especially K-pop, has become a massive industry with thousands of fans anticipating concerts and releases every month. According to Billboard, more than one in every 100 digital songs purchased in the U.S. was a song by BTS, a famous K-pop boy band.

The attraction towards fast-paced music for teenagers has helped shape the music throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s. “I think specifically, for teenagers, rap is getting really big, in different genres of it, I think pop is always going to be huge,” said Spencer Fellman, 12. “Anything with a high tempo and catchy track is gonna be super popular with teenagers.”

Social media sites such as TikTok have also helped bring attention to artists that are not as popular as mainstream music stars.

“I think it’s Tik Tok music that’s trending a lot,” said Khadra Abdulahi, 10, describing the rising popularity of the app where people frequently post videos with a trendy song.

Music, as an integral part of pop culture, will continue to develop and evolve over time, as new genres become popular and different streaming platforms make music more accessible around the world.

what everyone wears so it is all the same.”

There are many different ways that students can interpret their sense of style and whether the current fashion trends appeal to them. As the trend cycles for clothing and accessories continue to change at a rapid rate, many find themselves trying to keep up with the latest trends. However, when certain trends do make a meaningful mark on teens, students use their sense of fashion as a comfort zone to express themselves freely. illustrations by Iris Ren

06

editorials

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Fights at Mounds View

by Maya Betti features editor

For many, fears concerning in-person school after a year-long pandemic were centered around vaccinations, mask mandates, social distancing and education.

However, as the school year progressed, it became apparent that the pandemic’s influence on education was not only detrimental to grades and learning, but also to student mental health and development. Upon returning to in-person learning, an unexpected effect was soon discovered: school fights.

“

Mental issues such as chronic stress and anxiety have been proven to put younger brains on “high alert.” Because of this, developing minds experiencing periods of stress tend to overreact to seemingly small problems.”

Recently, the Mounds View student body has experienced an increase in peer-on-peer violence. While these incidents might feel unrelated to the pandemic, mental health experts argue otherwise. Mental issues such as chronic stress and anxiety have been proven to put younger brains on “high alert.” Because of this, developing minds experiencing periods of stress tend to overreact to seemingly small problems.

The pandemic became a perfect example of this, as returning students seemed to display more aggressive actions. According to an article by Chalkbeat, many schools attributed these reactions to “behavioral problems” that are “out of their hands.” However, as long

as this mental health crisis is ignored, the violence will continue and student safety will be jeopardized.

For many youth, fights and peerabuse hold a lasting effect well after they occur. “I have seen quite a few

“

As long as this mental health crisis is ignored, the violence will continue and student safety will be jeopardized.”

cases of violence between students. It is unsettling to see and hear about acts of violence in a space that is supposed to be safe and nurturing,” said Isaac Siechen, 11. Without properly addressing this issue, intense outbursts could continue to affect more than just the participants and disrupt an environment conducive to learning.

Recently, the student body of Mounds View was confronted with heightened restrictions during a time meant for relaxation, ReFLECT. “Whatever they are trying to prevent they aren’t doing it well because it’s obviously still happening,” said Hudson Hirsch, 11.

If ReFLECT truly intends to help students to refocus, learn and connect, then it must be ensured that students do not have to jump through hoops to simply retake a test. In addition, if a student wishes to simply take a break from schoolwork and relax, none of the flex spaces or common spaces are available to do so.

Mounds View is only one of many schools across the nation struggling to mitigate growing tensions amongst students. In fact, it has become such a prominent issue that the Department of Homeland Security released a public awareness bulletin warning school districts of the effects of distance learning on mental health and youth behavior. It states, “Schools—and the

Shorter work weeks

by Maya Gjelhaug staff reporter

Last year, Mounds View resorted to four-day school weeks to give students and teachers a break from online learning and provide time to work on homework or lesson plans. While only implemented during the abnormal school year, the shorter school week gave students and teachers more time to spend with family and participate in activities they enjoy. Despite the extra time away from school, a shorter school week can benefit students mentally, physically and academically.

Studies continue to show that switching to a four-day work schedule can dramatically improve worker well-being. For example, the government of Iceland conducted a series of experiments from 2015 to 2019 to analyze the effect of a shorter workweek—from 40 hours to around 35 hours per week—on workers.

The trials found that while productivity improved or remained the same, worker well-being greatly increased.

The findings from this study influenced some countries and corporations to adopt a shorter workweek, and Mounds View should follow suit and do the same.

An article published by MIT in 2021 found that

“

An article published by MIT in 2021 found that over 1,600 school districts across 24 states have switched to a four-day school week, and showed that shorter school weeks are a good idea to cut costs.”

over 1,600 school districts across 24 states have switched to a four-day school week, and showed that shorter school weeks are a good idea to cut costs, especially for rural school districts. Students reported that they got more sleep and had more time to schedule appointments that otherwise would have taken them out of school, helping them focus in class and decreasing absenteeism. Some districts even stated that a four-day school week helped with staff recruitment, allowing schools to hire more qualified teachers.

Furthermore, a study from the University of Georgia found that a shorter week likely boosted academic achievement. Researchers found that both reading and math proficiency increased among students. The researchers speculated that eight-hour school days lowered absenteeism and gave teachers more time to engage students, which increased productivity. However, since this study focuses on rural districts, it is possible that results may vary for urban and suburban districts.

Opponents argue that a four-day school week disproportionally affects students who do not have access to sufficient meals outside of school. Additionally, shorter school weeks could pose a threat to families without access to affordable childcare. The main concern of four-day school weeks is a loss in time spent

communities in which they are located—will need to increase support services to help students adjust to inperson learning as they cope with the potential trauma associated with the pandemic response.” However, as the school year continues, it feels as if the problem is not being properly addressed.

The acts of violence, both on and off campus, reflect a community reeling from the damage of the pandemic. No amount of college preparation, administration emails, or heightened restrictions can change that damage. It is only by taking a step back and listening to the student population can Mounds View truly achieve its goal of creating “...an inclusive community of responsible, respectful and resourceful citizens who value learning.”

illustrations by Junha Yoo

learning, which was proven in a 2013 study by the Education and Urban Society to decrease academic achievement.

These are reasonable concerns, but with proper countermeasures, these issues can be avoided. For example, to help students with food insecurity, the Mounds View School District can provide free meals on the day off as they did last year. More affordable and accessible childcare could help parents who cannot watch their kids on the day off, and slightly longer school days or a longer school year could ensure that schools meet the required instructional hours.

Four-day workweeks give students more time to be creative and practice critical thinking skills outside of school. In addition, increased rest can contribute to increased productivity. While students

“

A study from the University of Georgia found that a shorter week likely boosted academic achievement. Researchers found that both reading and math proficiency increased among students.”

and teachers at Mounds View have returned to the fiveday week, many miss spending more time with family, participating in different activities on the day off, catching up on any classwork and getting more sleep.

The four-day school week benefits students and teachers alike, and with more research, the administration can construct an effective and beneficial plan to make the switch.

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Arts & Entertainment

Crisp & Green review

by Poppy Robertson staff reporter

When most people think of fast food restaurants, they tend to think of places that sell burgers, fries and other foods that are delicious, yet unhealthy. Crisp & Green, a restaurant chain based in Minnesota, hopes to redefine the perception of fast food by providing customers with healthy options that are also friendly to those with food sensitivities and allergies.

There are multiple Crisp & Green locations around the state, and although I had previously been to multiple restaurants in Minneapolis, this time I tried the new location in Blaine.

When I walked in, I noticed the modern interior design of the restaurant. The color scheme, white and green, fit its “health” theme. The cleanliness is also apparent in the restaurant’s COVID-19 procedures. All of the staff wore masks and gloves.

The food bar, filled with vegetables and other nutritious foods, was also bright and colorful. Customers can order from a set menu or choose ingredients for a to-go bowl. The two main items are salads and grain

bowls. I chose the brown rice-based Greek salad bowl, as it is one of my favorites.

The bowl at Crisp & Green incorporated a delightful explosion of ingredients, which included traditional Greek salad components such as olives, feta cheese, cucumbers and tomatoes, but also interesting additions such as radicchio, roasted chicken and spinach. The Greek salad also included hummus and pita chips, as well as a lemon-herb vinaigrette that complemented the dish well.

At this specific Crisp & Green, I also noticed that they had smoothies on the menu, which I previously did not know were sold. The various flavors, including dragonfruit and medjool date, were definitely unique.

Each smoothie also included protein power. Although I did not try a smoothie when I was there, I have heard from my friends that they were delicious.

Although the bowl was healthy and quite filling, with each ranging from about 500 to 700 calories, it was quite expensive. One bowl costs an average of $15, and extra additions could raise the price. Especially with the smaller portion sizes, the price of the meal may

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not be worth it to some people.

Crisp & Green’s easy accessibility also makes it a convenient place to eat. The Blaine location is along a main road with plenty of nearby parking spaces. Hungry customers elsewhere can find restaurants in Wayzata, Maple Grove and Edina, as well as the Twin Cities area. More Crisp & Green locations are opening up this coming spring, according to their website.

Crisp & Green, although pricier, is a healthy alternative to typical fast food for anyone on the prowl for a quick meal.

Verdict:

4.8/5

Theodore Rex: an atrocity

by Lale Baylar staff reporter

In 1995, Whoopi Goldberg starred in “Theodore Rex” as a police detective named Katie Coltrane who partners up with a Tyrannosaurus Rex nicknamed Teddy Rex. Throughout the comedy film, the two try to uncover the mystery while the culprits try to sabotage them. Despite having elements of a suspenseful and comedic story, the combination of terribly edited scenes and lack of humor or excitement made watching this film feel like a nightmare.

Taking place in a society where dinosaurs and humans coexist, the movie starts off with Teddy experiencing a nightmare. After waking up, he discovers that the murder of a fellow dinosaur. Motivated by the death of his dinosaur friend, Teddy joins the police force to solve the case, only to encounter the challenges of working with a human partner.

While watching the movie, I came across the many negative aspects critics mention in their reviews. First and foremost: the lack of world-building in the film. I learned that a billionaire named Elizar Kane brought dinosaurs back into existence. However, the filmmakers provide no further details about how the dinosaurs speak English or about their ability to adapt and coexist with humans. The absence of these specific details left

me confused throughout the beginning of the movie.

The filmmakers’ usage of props and costumes also left me in utter disappointment. Throughout the movie, the creators used horrific, low-quality dinosaur costumes. The costumes didn’t have a style or complementing colors, making it look like a three year old’s drawing in 3D form. The unrealistic proportion of dinosaurs to humans in the film hyperbolized the atrocity of the designs. Instead, they could have used CGI for the dinosaurs, which would have slightly improved the movie. However, viewers also need to consider the fact that the film produced in 1995, had a budget of $33.5 million.

As for the props, the color scheme included bright colors that a typical person would not pair together. The jumble of colors didn’t have a specific pattern or concept, making it difficult to follow and hard on the eyes.

The humor and excitement, or the lack of it, became yet another downside of this film. The characters kept on using the same jokes repeatedly, only making the first delivery humorous. These bits range from Teddy Rex knocking everything over with his tail to his nonsensical obsession with cookies. What could I expect from movie calling the murder of a dinosaur a “dinocide?” Also, the absence of exciting and creative moments in the movie led to intense boredom while

watching it. Therefore, I would not consider this movie as an enjoyable comedy to watch.

However, the few heartfelt moments in the movie create a positive aspect. In the beginning of the film, the detective, Coltrane, disliked the idea of having a dinosaur as a partner. However, throughout the movie, Coltrane realizes the good qualities of Teddy Rex, a good-hearted person—or rather, a good-hearted dinosaur—and that he truly wants to help solve the case.

I would only imagine that someone with time to waste would consider watching this movie. To viewers who will, I hope they at least enjoy the warm moments in the movie that I mentioned before. For some, the comedy comes from the many terrible aspects of the movie.

The Verdict:

1/5

First five students to finish both puzzles and DM @ mvviewer on Instagram win free coffee from Mustang Mocha

puzzle by puzzleopolis

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SPORTS

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Mounds View basketball team

by Tyler Quattrin staff reporter

The Mounds View boys basketball team started out their season strong. On Saturday, Dec. 18, Mounds View defeated Big Lake High School’s team with a score of 77-54, securing the 1,000th win in school history.

Senior Kobe Kirk, one of the captains, highlights that the player’s collaborative attitude and hard work has contributed to the team’s success. “I think we are a really solid defensive team, and we have some good scorers on offense, but the entire team really pushes each other in practice and everyone contributes,” Kirk said.

Despite their collaboration, COVID-19 has unfortunately impacted the team again this year.

However, restrictions regarding the pandemic have loosened quite a bit. Players can take off their masks when playing in games, which they were unable to do last year. The team also started the season practicing without masks, but they have recently decided to go back to practicing with masks even though it is not required by the school. As COVID-19 cases are likely to continue rising, Dylan Wheeler, 12, another captain, said they want to do their part to stay healthy and make sure their season can continue.

Leiser explains another obstacle the team faces is playing in one of the most competitive conferences in the state. “The greatest challenge for this team is competing in the always-difficult Suburban East Conference. Every night is a tough challenge and we need

“

to

I think we are a really solid defensive team, and we have some good scorers on offense, but the entire team really pushes each other in practice and everyone contributes,” -Kobe Kirk, 12

play as a team to reach our goals,” Leiser said.

Wheeler agrees, especially since their ultimate goal is qualifying for the state tournament and winning their section. “I think if we stick together as a team and we keep getting better throughout the year as a team, then we should be able to handle it,” he said.

Another challenge that the team must work through are players’ injuries. Wheeler recently injured his wrist from a power lifting accident, and will be unable to play for three to four weeks. This forces the rest of the team to adjust to his absence.

Duncan Loegering, 12, believes that this is an opportunity for new players to improve their skills.

“We have a great coaching staff that can adjust on the

fly, so I think it will work out,” Loegering said. He believes that by the time Wheeler returns to the court, the team will be stronger because they had to work hard to cover for Wheeler.

In the meantime, Wheeler says he will be watching from the sidelines, giving lots of high fives and helping keep spirits high. “I am excited to help the team in a new way for the time being,” Wheeler said.

The team appreciates support from students and always looks forward to seeing spectators show up to support them at games. Games are mostly Tuesdays and Fridays, and their schedule can be found under the official website of Mounds View boys basketball.

Mounds View hockey team

by Olivia Sperbeck and Ariana Eschenbacher sports editor and staff reporter

start to finish,” said Landon Mazzocco, 11.

Lucas Xiong, 11, agrees, describing the beginning of the season as a bumpy ride. However, the team is improving, turning their season around with a recent win against Roseville. This success has led the team to be optimistic about their future performance.

“For the rest of the season, I feel that we’ll start

illustration courtesy of Iris Ren

During the chilly winter season, many Minnesotans stay at home in an effort to keep warm. However, the Mounds View boys hockey team braves the ice as the athletes hope to accomplish their goal of making it to the state tournament in March.

Although hockey is a winter sport, preparation for the season began in late September with captain’s practices. They ran drills to help players warm up for later tournaments. Many of the practices consisted of scrimmages, where players would play three-on-three or five-on-five games. Then, in November, players participated in tryouts to determine their position on the varsity or junior varsity team.

Despite all the work at the beginning of the season, players say their performance could have been better. “I think we have played some good games, but we haven’t really played every game with 100%. We need to work on our effort and make sure we play every game from

“

For the rest of the season, I feel that we’ll start to win more games and come together as a team, and by the end of the season we’ll have a winning record.”

-Grant Dean, 11

to win more games and come together as a team, and by the end of the season we’ll have a winning record,” said Grant Dean, 11. A winning record is accomplished when a team has more wins than losses.

The players still need to work hard before the state tournament, however. First, they have to win sections, where they need to beat out eight other teams for a spot in the state tournament. If they win the sections tournament in late February, they then will need to prepare for state by continuing to put in effort and stay focused, as well as utilize their strong team bond to their advantage.

photo courtesy of David Leiser

The team frequently spends time together to ensure a strong team spirit. “Sometimes we go out to restaurants after practice,” said Xiong. “Sometimes we’ll have carboloads.” Xiong mentions that Panino’s is a particularly popular spot for the team.

One of the reasons Dean stuck with the sport was because of the relationships hockey helped him build. “[I] stayed with it because I get to play with two of my best friends, and we’ve just always played together and gotten better together, ‘’ he said.

Xiong also appreciates the sport because of the friendships he made on the team. “I honestly just love to play hockey and I enjoy playing it with the other boys,” Xiong said. He credits the Mounds View Irondale Youth Hockey Association for some of the friendships he has built with his teammates.

These bonds will stick with the athletes through Mounds View hockey as they work to the state tournament in March.

photos by Amy Dean

Wednesday, January 26, 2021

Artist & Athlete of THE ISSUe

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Artist and athlete of the issue Q: What do you normally create art about?

A: Normally, a lot of the more traditional pieces that I do are more to demonstrate skills rather than to capture meaning. But, the digital pieces that I work on are just for fun so I’ll basically make art about anything I’m feeling at the moment.

Q: What other artist(s) do you look up to the most?

A: I look up to the older artists, who have most graduated, from my studio since I would look and admire their work when I was younger. I also look up to anyone’s style that I wish I could replicate so basically many of the artists on Pinterest.

Q: When did you start creating art?

A: I’ve been drawing ever since I can remember, it was just something that always piqued my interest. I started attending art classes probably around 6 years old and have been attending them ever since.

Q: What is your favorite thing about art?

A: My favorite thing about art is just how concentrated I can become while I’m doing it. It’s almost like meditation when working on a piece and it’s very relaxing. Getting to admire your own work once finished is also very rewarding.

Q: What is your favorite medium?

A: My favorite medium is definitely charcoal since I can get the most detail and have the most range with it. My second favorite medium would be digital because it just allows for more creativity.

artwork courtesy of Amanda Diao

Q: When did you start playing tennis?

A: I started playing tennis when I was very young but didn’t get into competitive playing until I was around 8 or 9

Amanda Diao

Diao (11) excels in both drawing and tennis.

Q: Do you prefer playing singles or doubles?

A: Both have their ups and downs. Singles is more stressful, but at the same time you have more control. In doubles, you have someone to share that stress, but sometimes it’s hard to predict what your teammate will do so you have to take that into account as well.

Q: How long does your tennis season last?

A: About 2 to 3 months

Q: What is the biggest thing that tennis hastaught you?

A: The biggest thing tennis has taught me is that it’s not worth doing something for the wrong reasons. For a long time, I just played tennis just because I had done it for a long time. I grew to resent it, not trying as hard as I should have. This past season has taught me to appreciate tennis more and realize that it’s not all about the end result.

Q: How many hours do you play during your season?

A: During this season we practiced every day from 3:30 to 6:00 pm, 6 days a week.

Q: How do you manage tennis with school and other activities?

A: Since our season is at the beginning of the year it really isn’t that bad because school is just picking up. The boys on the other hand have the tennis season around finals so I think they have it worse.

photos courtesy of Amanda Diao