VOLUME 68 ISSUE 1 | SEPTEMBER 2020
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE LEARNING PLUS DAYS 04/ ZEROS 10/ GRACE PITSENBARGER images courtesy of gettyimages
2 NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2020
COVID changes college perspectives
by Savannah Guiang features editor
In light of the pandemic, colleges have broken traditions and adapted to the challenges that COVID-19 presents. These changes have resulted in a lot of mixed feelings and shifts in perspectives for Mounds View students. One large alteration that colleges have made has to do with application requirements. Due to limited testing options because of the pandemic, a majority of colleges are going test-optional for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle. According to NPR, because of this unfamiliar shift, colleges such as the University of Michigan and the University of Southern California request that students demonstrate on their application what best represents them in an academic setting. This could include anything from short essays to Advanced Placement scores. In addition, admission officers will examine academic rigor on transcripts and essays more closely in an effort to make up for lack of test scores. Seniors think the new policy has both pros and cons. “I think test-optional is the right way to do it,” said Rajan Singh, 12. However, Singh acknowledges that it is difficult for policies to appeal to everyone. “I know for a fact that if I didn’t get the chance to take [the ACT] or do well on it, I would be stressing out a lot right now,” Singh said. However, test-optional does not necessarily mean that it is optional for everyone. “The thing is, I still need that financial aid. So even though we’re in a pandemic and the last thing I want to go and do is take a test for three hours, I still had to go do it,” said Mena Feleke, 12. “I feel like [the policy] didn’t really affect me.”
The current situation has also altered seniors’ current perspectives on college. For Singh, it has changed his outlook on what he wants to get out of college. “From a learning environment, I know the advantages of being in-person now, so I value being in a classroom more, and from a social setting, I know I will appreciate [social interactions] more,” Singh said. Similarly, when Feleke attends college next year, she hopes to put more focus on spending more time
“I think it was kind of weird how [colleges] were fine with sending people home in the spring and then now, they’re like come back and board with us. It’s kind of hypocritical.” -Raj Singh, 12 with friends. “I regret how I wasn’t as social as I could have been, and now, I don’t have that opportunity anymore,” Feleke said. “I don’t remember some test that I studied for or was super stressed about, but I do remember the memories that I made with my friends.” The pandemic has forced almost every college student to learn material online as campuses have had to close at one point or another. There is no way of knowing if or for how long these changes will remain, but many are trying to stay positive. “I’m cautiously
optimistic,” Singh said. Even if the pandemic resolves when this year’s seniors go off to college, students doubt that the college experience will return to what it was like pre-COVID-19. Feleke believes that if the pandemic is over by next year, college students are going to put more of an emphasis on social activities such as traveling abroad. “People are more likely going to be social and active in the community. They’re not going to be as concerned with school,” Feleke said. Singh anticipates that masks will become the new norm. “[College] will definitely change. People are going to wear masks just for normal now, because it’s a good way to stop the flu and sicknesses like that,” Singh said. In addition to affecting outlooks on college, the pandemic has altered seniors’ post-secondary plans. Quarantine has resulted in some students becoming more aware of where their priorities lie. “I have less of a desire to go to a really good school now,” Feleke said. “I’ve really connected with family more, so I feel like there’s more of a desire for me to stay close to home, rather than go out of state [for college].” The pandemic has undoubtedly thrown prospective college students a curveball. Along with adjusting to new policies in the admission process, the presence of COVID-19 has made a significant impression on seniors this year that may impact their futures. “I still value my education, but I’m going to be more likely to prioritize other things in my life because a lot in my life is paused right now,” Feleke said.
Reopening plans for different schools
by Molly Shwiff features editor Earlier this spring, the doors of schools all around Minnesota slammed shut because of COVID-19. By early April, thousands of students studied online and communicated with their teachers and peers through Zoom or Google Meets. Some even joked they were enrolled in “Zoom University.” However, in late July, Gov. Walz announced that Minnesota school districts would decide what model of instruction they planned on using for the 2020-2021 school year, given that their school’s county met certain requirements. Mounds View students had a variety of opinions on its blended learning approach. While students were eager to go back to school in-person, there were drawbacks. “I’m excited to go back to school, but it won’t be the same with the social distancing. Also, not all of my friends will be there. Hopefully the second semester will be more normal,” said Peter Culp, 12. Other Mounds View students were satisfied with the school’s approach to reopening, but felt that both students and teachers needed to get used to the new medium. “I think that the reopening was very wellplanned out. But, the technology has, in my experience, troubled both the students and teachers,” said Kirnesh Arumugam, 11. Totino-Grace, a private high school in Fridley, decided to send its students back to school full-time and in-person, with necessary safety precautions.“I am happy to be back in-person and for things to be a little more normal, but there are so many guidelines to
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follow every day which make it kind of exhausting. I think a happy balance would be a hybrid schedule,” said Tess Jacob, 12, a Totino-Grace student. Similarly, other Totino-Grace students are not thrilled with their school’s approach. “We can only have 15 people in a class, so the rest of the class goes to either the commons or the gym and we join the class through a Google Meet,” said Ellie Cummings, 11, a Totino-Grace student. “And it’s difficult with having classes online at school, because sometimes Internet problems or things are just really slow, and sometimes you can’t hear what’s going on in the class.” Cummings also took issue with the length of the class periods. “We switched to having A and B days, so four classes a day for 80 minutes each and then the next four classes the next day. The 80-minute periods become really long and draining, and it makes the day go by really slow,” Cummings said. Unlike Mounds View, Roseville High School decided that it will not go back to school for the entirety of its first trimester; however, students can still participate in sports and other activities. Many Roseville students have mixed emotions about their school’s decision. “I am a little disappointed because I would like to have a special senior year, and at least be able to do hybrid, but unfortunately our school isn’t able to go back this trimester at all. Online school is difficult and not super fun, but in a way it is still a unique experience and I have more independence and time to do other things than I normally would,” said Elsa Horsted, 12, a Roseville student.
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Other Roseville students have similar thoughts concerning returning to school. “I’m sad to not start my senior year off in school with all my friends. On the other hand, though, I do believe it’s the best and safest option for us right now,” said Trista Grundtner, 12, a Roseville student. The examples of these three school districts illustrate three completely different approaches to schooling during the pandemic. Each school has its own approach and justification, which has yielded mixed feedback from students.
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FEATURES 3
SEPTEMBER 2020
Student Council takes control by Ellis Maloney news editor Since March, COVID-19 has affected students at Mounds View and brought forth many drastic changes. One of these big changes was the cancellation of prom, which was especially disappointing for the Class of 2020. As of right now, it seems that the start of this school year will likely follow the same trends of the spring to try to stop the spread of the virus and keep students and staff healthy. Mounds View’s Student Council is making an effort to find activities that are realistic in these times and keep everyone healthy this fall. One of Student Council’s copresidents, Lauryn Jones, 12, states
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Our main goal this year is to create safe events that bring together the community that we’ve had in past years. -Lauryn Jones, 12
that Student Council is trying the best it can to arrange the same events that the school has had in years past. Much like in the spring, the health and well-being of students at Mounds View outweighed the opportunity to host a dance at the school. Although homecoming
has always been one of the best ways for students to demonstrate their school spirit, Jones and the other members of Student Council have been forced to come up with new, safer ideas because of the pandemic. One of these ideas is to have spirit weeks for each grade level. “Obviously, the normal homecoming dance was cancelled this year, but we are still in the process of planning a spirit week or a safe event for each grade,” Jones said. “Our main goal this year is to create safe events that bring together the community that we’ve had in past years.” Bailey Powell, 12, the other co-president of Student Council, says that the uncertainty of current times can make the job of Student Council a bit precarious. Because there are no universal rules that go along with COVID-19, it is difficult for the administration and Student Council to balance the safety of students with the wants of the student body. Powell and the other members of Student Council organized the Senior Sunrise on Sept. 8, where the class of 2021 met up to watch the sunrise together on the first day of school. It not only followed social distancing guidelines, but also gave students a taste of regularity. But, as far as most other social events go, the chances of having dozens of people together at once remain bleak and unpredictable. “We also have to work closely with the admin because what we can and can’t do is constantly changing,” Powell said. “We want to return to some form of normalcy during this really weird time for students.” Despite regulations and concerns regarding COVID-19, the Student Council presidents are working toward finding events they can host for students. “Everyone is bummed about how most things have limitations or have been canceled, so we hope to provide some safe ways for students to have fun,” Powell said.
Artists for Lebanon
by Yatharth Sharma news editor On Aug. 4, Beirut’s port in Lebanon exploded, killing 200 people, injuring 6,500, making 300,000 temporarily homeless and resulting in $10-15 billion in property damage, according to BBC News. Moreover, this catastrophe came when Lebanon was already in an unstable condition. “There was a civil war already going on in Lebanon prior to this and years before. Lebanon had already been facing an economic crisis, social crisis, and the explosion increased the horrible position the
photo courtesy of UNICEF the Mounds View Club
people were in,” said Joey Tan, 11, vice president of Mounds View UNICEF Club. The explosion in Lebanon was catastrophic and the effects that ensued have many worried about the country’s vulnerable state. In response, Mounds View UNICEF chapter is working to help people in Lebanon recover from the blast. UNICEF, which usually works on local humanitarian efforts, has decided to extend its outreach beyond its community after learning about the disastrous effects of the explosion. “We did some more research and found out how bad the Lebanon explosion was. Additionally, Lebanon was already in a bad state, undergoing an economic crisis,” said Angie Chen, 12, president of Mounds View UNICEF Club. In response, Mounds View UNICEF Club created an innovative fundraiser that would incentivize people to donate to the cause by allowing them to receive a commission from an artist of their choice, leading the fundraiser to be aptly titled, “Artists for Lebanon.” The group recruited volunteer artists who would create commissioned work given to the donors in response to their donation. All the collected money would go toward the fundraiser. “I have a couple of artist friends who I had seen do commissions for fundraisers. That seemed like a good way to donate,” Chen said. The group’s efforts have been fueled mainly by the empathy they possess for those suffering in Lebanon. Through news sources and social media, Tan has a vivid image of the environment in Beirut. “Right now I think it would definitely be difficult. Of course, UNICEF and
Living through this virus as high school students is no doubt a crazy experience that Mounds View Student Council hopes to make the most of.
Student Council co-presidents Bailey Powell (left) and Lauryn Jones (right) pictured at a Student Council-led food drive this past August. photo courtesy of Lauryn Jones
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other organizations are doing the best they can to help the people that are living there, but many people are homeless; their homes were destroyed or they were injured and unable to get proper care,” Tan said.
I have a couple of artist friends who I had seen do commission for fundraisers. That seemed like a good way to donate.” -Lauryn Jones, 12
Through “Artists for Lebanon,” Mounds View UNICEF Club has highlighted that even the smallest contribution can make a difference. “I think 2020 brings a lot of social change,” Tan said. “People are finally going to realize the fact that they have a voice that can make a difference.”
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SEPTEMBER 2020
4 EDITORIALS
School’s reopening policy by Elisa Guo spread editor The first days of fall usually bring on familiar feelings of excitement and nervousness surrounding the back-to-school season. This year, however, was relatively anticlimactic. The days leading up to the start of school were sluggish, and on the first day, most students found themselves staring at their classmates’ blank Zoom screens for a full six hours. With a virus on the loose, it is indisputable that this school year will be far different than any other. What is disputable, however, are Mounds View’s reopening policies. Even with the two-week delay to blended learning, the district should have been able to formulate a better plan for reopening. As people worry both about the health risks of returning to school in-person and the ramifications of a subpar online education, Mounds View needs a reopening policy that provides students with as normal of an education as possible without sacrificing the health and safety of the school community. The school had to give families the choice between hybrid and distance learning so that those who prefer in-person instruction or do not have a suitable home environment for distance learning have the opportunity to return to school, while students concerned about health risks can remain at home. Mounds View also released plans to keep hybrid learners safe at school. However, Mounds View needed to be clearer with its communication prior to the start of the school year. A few weeks before school began, posts about the plausibility of the reopening plan began to circulate online. In one of these, Paige Leiser, a Mounds View alumna and daughter of two teachers in the district, expressed her frustration with district leaders for not taking teachers’ health and safety into serious consideration. Additionally, she showed screenshots of generic email replies from school board members in response to concerns from Leiser and teachers in the district. With the surge of speculation surrounding the efficacy of Mounds View’s reopening plan, the district decided
to delay the start of the blended learning model by two weeks. However, even with the delay, it was not apparent that teachers received more time to prepare. As students returned to school, it was relieving to see that the reopening policy’s safety procedures mostly minimize health risks. Every classroom had hand sanitizer and disinfectant spray. Students were expected to use hand sanitizer and spray down their desks before or after class, but some teachers made this an option rather than a requirement. Other teachers took further measures as they wore face shields in addition to masks and hung clear shower curtains
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Although safety procedures are strictly enforced, the effectiveness of the education component is ambiguous.
around their desks. Teachers were able to rearrange desks and chairs to ensure social distancing inside the classroom, especially in the new, spacious rooms. The school used a similar approach to make sure students could socially distance during lunch, a critical time when students have their masks off. Hand sanitizer stations were placed intermittently around the school and in eating spaces. The only major blunder was remaining socially distanced in the hallways. Even with two cohorts, longer passing time and staggered dismissals at the end of the day, students tended to clump together and walk with their friends in busier hallways and lunch lines. Although there are safety procedures set in place
by district, it is imperative that students and teachers continue to follow them and not become complacent. While the school is handling safety procedures well, teaching plans are somewhat unstable in comparison. During the two weeks of distance learning, it was clear that teachers were unsure of how to teach hybrid and distance students simultaneously. Many teachers stated that they will figure out how to teach as they go and adapt their plans as the school year continues. Between teachers, there is a lack of uniformity surrounding their plans as some had distance students on a call while they taught in-person students, and others planned to have distance students learn asynchronously on certain days. Although distance students can use Learning Plus days to catch up, teachers cannot address every student’s questions in one day. This could cause distance students to unfairly fall behind their hybrid counterparts. Furthermore, some teachers are now teaching from home. While teachers should be able to teach remotely if they do not want to risk exposure, this leaves students in the classroom as distance learners. Essentially, it undermines the point of students coming to school for in-person instruction, and the school has to pay for another staff member to sit idly watching over the classroom. It would be more efficient if teachers who decided to teach remotely taught classes consisting only of distance learners and teachers at school taught hybrid learners. So far, Mounds View’s reopening plan seems a little precarious. Although safety procedures are strictly enforced, the effectiveness of the education component is ambiguous. Additionally, the sustainability of the reopening policy is worrisome. In the future, staff and administrators should pull together successful learning plans and establish more concrete routines. Students’ health and education depend on it.
Less learning with Learning Plus
by Johnny Yue spread editor In dire situations such as the ones we are currently facing, high school students have never longed for school more. After months of isolation from friends, teachers and classmates, a return to a sense of normalcy is crucial. The school’s reopening plans have partially made this possible, yet some parts of this school year still seem out of the ordinary. The district has introduced Learning Plus Days to help students adjust to hybrid learning, offering a variety of in-person and online enrichment opportunities. The district has ensured that such opportunities will help students who need ad-
“Learning Plus Days are promoting detrimental learning strategies that diminish valued class time. Thus, the school is simply creating a system of tolerance for less academic rigor and diligence.”
ditional guidance. However, this plan disregards those students who are not dependent on an extra day to get caught up on their schoolwork. By stripping away a day of learning every week, Mounds View is not doing any justice to its already deteriorating school ranking. Named the 23rd Best Minnesota High School in 2020 by U.S. News & World Report, which is drastically lower than its rank of seventh in 2019, Mounds View should have stronger incentives to enhance the areas of education that need improvement. Although it is understandable that distance learning creates a completely different setting for academic achievement, there should not be an excuse for caught-up students to go without school one day every week. It was inevitable going into the school year that distance learning would manifest many differences from in-person school days. However, the reduced amount of class time was unexpected, as students have already experienced classes that have failed to take up their full 110-minute block. In fact, 28 out of 38 randomly-selected Mounds View students stated in a poll conducted by the Viewer that their distance or hybrid learning classes last less than the 110-minute class block originally designated by administration. In addition, 23 out of the 38 students stated that they have a substantially decreased number of assignments in distance or hybrid learning compared to normal learning. Thus, many students have been able to use the time that was originally allotted for class time to finish their assignments and schoolwork earlier throughout the day than normal. Though it is completely understandable that distance learning may disadvantage students when learning online is incompatible with their learning styles, the amount of time that has been left empty in each class block should be utilized for students to ask questions and ensure that they are caught up with their classes. Thus, by adding Learning Plus Days, the school is cre-
ating an environment that allows students to get caught up with their work, instead of allowing students to independently advocate for themselves to succeed in their classes. With the pandemic producing chaos in schools around the nation, Learning Plus Days are promoting detrimental learning strategies that diminish valued class time. Thus, the school is simply creating a system of tolerance for less academic rigor and diligence.
74% (24)
38 people polled
26% (10) Students whose class periods do not last the full 110-minutes Students whose class periods last the full 110-minutes information compiled by Johnny Yue
MOUNDS VIEW THEN VS NOW 5
SEPTEMBER 2020
Vaccines: Then vs. Now
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Why would you even get it if it is only 59 percent effective?”
Graham Goodwiler, 10
by Madeline Jepko Sports Editor
2011 As flu season begins, people of all ages flock to get their flu shot, believing \that the vaccine will protect them. Unfortunately, this may not be true. According to a University of Minnesota study, researchers have found that there are “major holes” in the flu vaccine. This new study shows that flu shots may provide effective protection from the flu to only about 59 percent of Americans that received flu shots, compared to the originally estimated 70 to 90 percent of Americans that received flu shots. According to Dr. Michael Osterhohn, the lead scientist of the University of Minnesota Centel. for Infe tious Disease Research and Policy, 59 percent, although low, “is a lot better than zero.” The vaccine is at least doing something to combat the disease, despite its limitations. Some students don’t believe getting a flu shot that has such a low chance of being effective is worthwhile. “Why would you even get it if it is only 59 percent effective?” said Graham Goodwiler, 10. According to the CDC, from 1976 to 2006, 3,000 to 49,000 people have died every year from common influenza in the United States. The vaccine uses an inactive virus, like most modern vaccines, allowing the immune system to adapt and create antibodies to protect the user. Other than basic hygiene, such as frequent hand-washing and covering a cough, getting the vaccine is one of the precautions to avoid the flu.
2020
One of the most anticipated commodities estimated to be released in the near future is a vaccine for COVID-19. All over the world, scientists and doctors are working toward this demand as quickly as possible. But as vaccine research progresses, many are becoming skeptical of the potential side effects of COVID-19 immunizations and the vaccine’s efficiency in allowing the world to reach a sense of normalcy. According to a Gallup Poll conducted between July 20 and Aug. 2, about one-third of the US population would not be willing to get the COVID-19 vaccine, even if the vaccine was free and FDA-approved. Mounds View students had a similar response when asked if they would be willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available. Many students are open to the idea of receiving the vaccine, but only if its side effects are minimal and there is proof the vaccine can effectively eradicate the virus.. “I would only get it if I knew there were no side effects of any sort and that the vaccine actually works. If I were to get it, I would probably wait,” said Ella Jones, 12. Other students simply do not see the point of getting vaccinated if they are healthy and not at risk for severe health complications that can potentially accompany the virus. “I don’t think I would [get the vaccine] unless schools or sports required it. I see no need for it, personally. I’m a healthy 17-year-old with no preexisting conditions,” said Evan Kim, 12. Usually vaccines take years to develop, but the current high demand for a COVID-19 vaccine has forced many vaccine developers and researchers to develop a rapid response. It is unknown when exactly a vaccine will be available to the public. According to WebMD, the CDC stated that COVID-19 vaccines may be available by November, while U.S. News stated that a vaccine will be available by 2022. In other words, there is no factual way to know when there will be a vaccine or who will be able to be immunized. Though nobody is sure when the vaccine will be available or how effective it will be, it is still important to take proper action to prevent the spread. While we wait, the CDC recommends incorporating masks and washing our hands frequently in hopes of preventing the virus from spreading.
M O w 2 s s d c i
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I would only get it if there were no side effects of any sort and that the vaccine actually works” Ella Jones, 12
J i h a t h f a
Cancel culture controversy by Darah Ostrom editorials editor
Social media provides many positive interactions for teenagers, but despite the benefits, there are some downsides to online engagement. Recently, the term “cancel culture” has been coined to describe a form of mass-shaming on social media that involves people attacking prominent people or companies who have said or done something controversial and offensive; however, cancel culture does not only apply to people in the public eye. Cancelling someone for what they believe in or share on social media also affects teenagers and students at Mounds View. Last month, the Instagram account @mv.turnips was created and has since gained significant following and engagement with over a 1,000 followers in a short period of time. The account is similar to other anonymous student-run Instagram accounts, like @moundsviewmemes. The intention of the @mv.turnips account, according to their bio, is to expose Mounds View racists, homophobes, sexists and transphobes. Typically, the account owner will post either a picture of someone for something controversial they said, or an image with a caption asking people to express their opinions on the topic photographed. The latter are the posts that receive the most engagement from students. The number of comments on each post ranges anywhere from 10 to nearly 200 as students express and debate their political opinions on a variety of different subjects. On multiple occasions the owner has made it clear that the account was made to inform people and does not wish to spread hate. “Originally, I had just wanted to make people aware of how the comments they make affect people and wanted them to understand why the things they have said and actions they have made are wrong,” said the account owner, who wishes to remain anonymous. Cancel culture is the main issue that students often find problematic while engaging with the account. “I don’t currently feel like @mv.turnips does anything helpful at the moment,” said William Brown, 10. “There are some things that the owner could do to make it a good place for discussion, but at the moment it just tries to create drama and division among people for their political opinion.” Ashwin Wariar, 12, also mentioned that he does not condone the posts exposing other people on the account. “I don’t think this account is helpful at all,” Wariar said. “The people who are being exposed are simply trolling for attention in the most hateful way possible, and the account ‘exposing’ these posts are falling right into the traps that are being placed.” As an open forum for discussion, the account can also be polarizing and oftentimes leads to students attacking each other over dissenting opinions. However, some students feel comfortable discussing political issues on the account. “I, myself, feel free to share my opinions, but that doesn’t mean I don’t face issues with other people for doing so,” Brown said. On the other hand, students who express unpopular or controversial opinions frequently receive backlash and negative responses. The account owner agrees with some aspects of the plight against cancel culture. “[I] don’t believe in ruining someone’s life because they made a mistake they learned from,” the account owner said. However, the owner still believes there are benefits in exposing others. “Calling someone out on their behavior and actions [is] fine to do when doing it in a respectful manner that encourages change and improvement.” Regardless of the disagreement surrounding the account’s purpose, some students have expressed appreciation for the account, according to the account owner. “I’ve had a fair amount of students reach out and tell me that they support this account and are glad I’m doing what I’m doing.” The owner also hopes to continue to post about these bigger issues and why they should be acted upon because “it is important as we are the future and we need to make sure we have educated mindsets instead of going based off of biases.” While some students disagree with the account’s main intentions, many find it helpful when it comes to hearing others’ opinions. “If this account were simply a political debate account, I would be fine with that,” Wariar said. “I really enjoy having debates or discussing politics, especially if I don’t agree with someone on their views.” Others feel the same way. “I like to talk politics more with people I don’t agree with than do, because I want to understand why they believe what they do,” Brown said. This account exemplifies the normalcy of cancel culture at both Mounds View and across the internet, which in turn can affect students and their relationships with their peers. However, even with the speculations and mixed feelings surrounding the cancel culture aspect of the account, @mv.turnips continues to receive mass engagement with students at Mounds View.
Social media’s spirals by Madeline Edgar editorials editor
It seems as though everyone is familiar with the newsboy trope: a young teenager on a bicycle, with a bag full of newspapers and an alarm clock set to before dawn for a daily route around the neighborhood. In nearly every mid-century movie, daily fights with paper-hungry dogs and unnerving encounters with the local haunted house are hallmarks of a normal kid’s morning routine. But somewhere between then and now, the newsboy disappeared. According to Pew Research, newspaper circulation has declined significantly since reaching highs in the mid-1990s. The number of American households receiving daily and weekly publications dropped from around 62 million to 30 million in only a matter of decades. As online news sites began to gain traction in the beginnings of the widespread internet age, a large swath of former morning paper readers have turned instead to their phones. Subsequently, millions of children have grown up without ever having a family subscription to a newspaper in the first place. Naturally, as the news cycle becomes less of a bullet on a to-do list and more of a de facto way to occupy every spare moment, the public’s relationship with news media has changed. Young people have transformed from the passive agents of news distribution to active participants in both its subject matter and its perpetually shifting medium. With news organizations amassing millions of followers on social media, receiving an update on the latest headlines between selfies and memes has become more familiar than the morning crossword. This integration of news and therefore politics into social spaces has encouraged an entire generation of young people to become more acquainted with the news and the subject matter their preferred publications cover. When an Instagram story wishing someone a happy birthday is immediately followed with a reminder to vote, encountering and engaging with politics is something that seems somewhat more pertinent to this generation than to previous generations. Not only has the way in which young people consume news changed, but the content of that news has as well. According to research conducted by RAND, the combination of social media, the 24-hour news cycle and a shift toward opinion-based and politically targeted content has contributed to “truth decay.” This refers to the process by which the quality and objectivity of political reporting has decreased significantly to account for a more divided nation and the echo chambers created by algorithmic apps and websites. “Truth decay” consists of disagreement about facts and data, uncertainty about what is opinion and what is not and the declining trust in previously reputable news sources. While this brings concerns about the nature of the news we consume, it can be explained by the essence of the way in which we consume it. The algorithm of social media sites such as Instagram and Twitter can create bubbles of thought that can create political polarization, according to studies such as one from the University of Southern California. If an Instagram user likes a post by a left-wing politician, they are more likely to then be recommended similar posts, which the user then interacts with, reinforcing to the algorithm that the user would like to see content along that vein. When people are interacting with and receiving a specific kind of content but perceiving it as the full picture, misinformation is easily spread and biases are reinforced. In some cases, these echo chambers can feed into extremism, with a report from the Department of Homeland Security displaying connections between the social media presence of extremist groups, the radicalization of youth who encounter these groups and the acts of violence that sometimes follow. Notably, the suspect in the 2017 Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, was well connected with racist, anti-semitic, xenophobic and homophobic groups, which law enforcement believe he encountered and participated in through social media and internet chat groups. The influence of social media on the formation of young people’s political opinions is not always so extreme, however. Simply being exposed to and frequently given the chance to participate in political debates, being kept up to date on current events, having access to a wide array of sources and hearing about the opinions of others are all contributing factors in the increase in youth involvement in politics. With studies from Pew Research showing that 85% of adolescents use YouTube and 72% use Instagram, it is no surprise that many teenagers feel they would not be as connected to current events without internet access. “I wouldn’t know as much about the news,” said Aayush Raheja, 12. “I haven’t experienced having to keep up on political events without the internet.” Even as social media contributes to the rise of social movements across the world, with major events such as the 2011 Egyptian Revolution and the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests being primarily organized and supported via the internet, only about 15% of American adults believe that social media contributes to actual change in policy, according to Pew Research. Despite the high levels of social media use amongst young people and the saturation of political content on online platforms, US Census statistics show that under 50% of eligible voters between the ages of 18 and 29 participated in the 2016 Presidential election. The push for young people to vote has increased in recent years, but for those yet unable to check a ballot, social media remains the predominant way to gather and spread political information. “Social media has made me more vocal about my own beliefs because there is more of a platform to express myself,” said Clara Tebbe, 12. “I consider others’ viewpoints more seriously instead of assuming mine is the correct baseline.” Others feel that social media has created a toxic environment around political discussion. “I think social media has allowed organizations to hide behind insults and spread misinformation instead of having beneficial conversations,” Raheja said. While the pros and cons of social media’s political influence fluctuate as quickly as the news cycle itself, it is clear that the ability to learn, share and communicate quickly has turned politics on its head. Even as questions about the ethics of internet politics arise, young people from across the world continue to use the tools of our modern world to interact and impact it in ways hitherto unseen. illustration by Sienna Wood
8 SPORTS
SEPTEMBER 2020
Ain't nothing gonna break their stride by Molly Shwiff features editor While the Minnesota State High School League initially postponed football and volleyball to the spring, one sport that the MSHSL approved to continue on schedule is cross-country. These runners have eagerly started their season this fall, despite COVID-19 concerns. Cross-country has been categorized as a low-risk sport because of its little to no contact, and because it takes place outdoors. Though the cross-country team is already competing, it is not the same as past years; new guidelines have been put into place due to the pandemic. One modification to the cross-country season is that the MSHSL reduced the number of weeks in the season by 20% and reduced the number of races by 30%. Another drastic change to the 2020 cross-country season is that a maximum of only three teams are allowed at meets.
Runners prepare for their conference race. photo courtesy of Amelia Sparks
Despite this reduction in competition, the runners have still been performing well at their meets. “Meets have been going well! Both JV and varsity won the meet last Saturday [Sept. 19] against Irondale and Woodbury,” said Lauryn Jones, 12. One sense of normalcy for the cross-country girls was that they were able to still participate in their annual summer running program. Throughout the course of the summer, the girls met up at different locations to run together, although they were in smaller groups. “We always have runs in small groups, so this year it didn’t feel much different. I love being able to run with my friends throughout the summer and fall!” Jones said. Cross-country requires an extensive degree of motivation during normal times; that is even more true this year, as many safety precautions are in place due to COVID-19. Crowds have been significantly reduced, so runs are nowhere near as lively as they were in years past. Because of this, runners have to look elsewhere
Cross-country seniors pose at a race. photo courtesy of Lauryn Jones
for their drive. “This year, there are small meets with 12 girls in my heat, and one or two opposing teams with little to no bystanders cheering the runners on. In past years there were 100-plus racers, large crowds, huge team carbo-loads and activities,” said Amelia Sparks, 12. Although the season is shorter than in previous years, the cross-country girls are still keeping their heads up and thinking of each day as a gift. While it may look a little different, the team is still looking forward to a great season. “Something that hasn’t changed, though, is the spirit of the team. Even though we are in small groups and wear masks, we still have so much fun and run a lot, working towards our goals,” Sparks said.
Amelia Sparks, 12, (left) and Alyssa Lebow, 12, (right) at William O’Brien State Park. photo courtesy of Amelia Sparks
MSHSL reverses football, volleyball decision by Zige Wang arts and entertainment editor In the midst of a global pandemic, the Minnesota State High School League was faced with the difficult decision of balancing the health of the public with athletes’ desire to play. Originally, the MSHSL decided to postpone football, performance team and volleyball to the spring, but recently, the league reversed its decision and decided to let the athletes have a fall season. For most sports, the season will look the same, except with fewer games and additional safety precautions. According to Aaron Moberg, head coach of Mounds View football, This conclusion was made by the MSHSL with two major factors in mind: success of other states that started their seasons on time this fall and taking into consideration concern for the athletes. “What our athletes gain being part of a team, the lessons that they learn and the benefits for their social and mental health [were major factors],” Moberg said. Many athletes who participate in sports were enthusiastic about this decision. “This is super exciting and [the football team] is ready to roll,” said Will Conlin, 12, football captain.“This schedule change will provide very little problems as the team has been preparing mentally and physically all summer long. Of course, there will be some bumps in the road starting
this season, but no major issues.” Josie Gatto, 12, a member of this year’s girls volleyball team, expresses the same excitement, but has some hesitance. “As of right now, I haven’t been able to see how training will go exactly,” Gatto said. “I know for me, I am still doing my training and trying to put as much, if not more, effort into my training as I used to before Corona. However, it is trickier due to the restrictions like social distancing.”
“As a captain, [this decision] only changes how the other captains and I motivate the other players to switch the flip and start the grind. ” Will Conlin, 12
The MSHSL allows the fall sports teams to practice, but with the proper safety precautions. “[For] training, we have to wear masks in and out, sign in, have our temperatures taken and use hand sanitizer,” Gatto said. Distancing restrictions also limited the schedule for the football teams’ training back in the summer; however, “[we] were able to still move forward with our strength and speed training,” Moberg said. He explains that even with the safety guidelines, 180 athletes from all sports were able to train safely and successfully over the summer. This year brings challenges to all athletes, but the players are keeping an optimistic view. “As a captain, [this decision] only changes how the other captains and I motivate the other players to switch the flip and start the grind,” Conlin said. Gatto and this year’s girls volleyball team are also keeping a positive attitude. “I think the season is promising; we have a lot of girls that are very talented and dedicated to their sport,” Gatto said. The fall performance team is now also moving forward with its season. “Yeah, the season hasn’t started yet,” said Marilyn Johnston, 12, a performance team member. They could provide no further details or opinions at this time about the changes to their season.
SEPTEMBER 2020
ATHLETE OF THE ISSUE 9
Wilkes makes waves by Sienna Wood front page designer, illustrator
“On your mark. Get set. Go.” Siri Wilkes, 9, has been hearing those words before every race since she started swimming competitively at seven years old. Wilkes has improved greatly since then and is having an amazing season this year as a rookie on the Mounds View swim team. On Sept. 15, in a dual meet against Irondale, Wilkes placed first in both the varsity 200yard individual medley and the 100-yard backstroke — an impressive accomplishment, since she is not only swimming varsity in her first year on the team, but is also placing first in her events. In addition to how well Wilkes has placed in swim meets, individually she has set personal bests in three different events.
However, developing her speed and technique comes with a huge time commitment. “I practice six days a week, which ends up being about 10 hours a week,” Wilkes said. She also swims year-round, which helps her improve constantly. Even though swimming is often considered an individual sport, and Wilkes recognizes her own hard work, she also credits her impressive first season to the quality of the coaching and her teammates. “They have been very positive and have built a great environment,” she said.
Although the MSHSL’s new restrictions and guidelines due to COVID-19 have affected her season, Wilkes is still enjoying her first year on the team. “So far, we have only had dual meets. The championship meets are up in the air. A lot of the team-building activities can’t be done, but we are still having fun,” she said.
After high school, Wilkes plans to keep swimming in college, as long as she can strike a balance between athletics and her future studies. When asked how she will continue to perform well this season, she said, “I am going to continue to train hard, keep a positive attitude and a couple push-ups wouldn’t hurt.”
photos courtesy of Siri Wilkes
10 PHOTOGRAPHY
SEPTEMBER 2020
Socially Distanced Mounds View
by Josie Mackenthun photographer
SEPTEMBER 2020
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 11
Mulan lacks original’s Disney magic by Madeline Jepko sports editor
Many Disney fanatics have seen the original “Mulan” released in 1998, complete with catchy songs, comedic animals and an overarching theme of female empowerment. Disney recently released a mature remake of “Mulan” on Sept. 4, available on Disney+. While this new non-animated version did keep a lot of the original material, many of the most memorable parts from the original movie were nowhere to be seen. The newly released “Mulan” costs $30 and is only available for streaming on Disney+, which has a monthly subscription of $6.99. Although this is expensive, the pricing makes sense; “Mulan” is not available in theaters due to COVID-19, so Disney needed to make money in some way. The film is also non-exclusionary, so numerous people could chip in to watch and actually pay less than they would at the movie theater. My favorite parts of the original movie were Mulan’s animal sidekicks, Cri-Kee and Mushu, and the great songs in the movie including “I’ll Make a Man
Out of You” and “A Girl Worth Fighting For.” Sadly, neither of these aspects were present in “Mulan” 2020. The lack of humor in the remake seems like an attempt to make the story more realistic, but it was disappointing to see some of the greatest moments from the original left out.
“One powerful aspect I am grateful ‘Mulan’ kept was the theme of female empowerment. ” One powerful aspect I am grateful “Mulan” kept was the theme of female empowerment. At a time when women could not become soldiers, Mulan overcomes this obstacle to fight in a war for her family. I love that this movie shows how women do not always have to stick to stereotypes and they can do what a man does. Mulan’s red attire emphasizes this moving message by making her stand out from the surrounding colors and seem more powerful. Along with the powerful theme, the
beautiful scenery in China and New Zealand creates stunning visuals throughout the movie. These shots create an elegant and enthralling background to contrast the chaos of war. These vivid war scenes gave the movie a dramatic effect, but also made it the first ever Disney live-action remake with a PG-13 rating. I found the 2020 adaption to be notably graphic and ill-suited for children compared to the G-rated original, but it also made the movie more realistic and engaging. This movie is a great watch; however, that Disney magic is just not there. I would never guess that this is a Disney movie due to the lack of catchy music, humor and innocence. Disney does, however, make up for it with beautiful scenery and camerawork. If you want a feel-good dramatic movie, it is definitely worth the watch, but if you are looking for a classic Disney movie, stick to the original.
The Verdict: 7/10
photo courtesy of Needpix.com
Indie darling to groundbreaking artist by Madeline Edgar editorials editor
Often hailed as a teenage prodigy following the astonishing success of his 2015 single “Brazil,” British artist Declan McKenna rewrites his own narrative in his sophomore album, “Zeros.”
establishes the retro, astronaut-inspired aesthetic that tracks throughout the album. This retro influence stems from McKenna’s traditional production route, as he often cites his recording session in music history powerhouse Nashville as a major influence on the album. With idols
ga-like music, as stated in an Apple Music interview. This standout second track also introduces the mysterious character of Daniel, whose struggles are addressed again in the peppy and yet nihilistic song “Daniel, You’re Still a Child.” McKenna confronts the uncertainty of being young in a world that
McKenna ensures his audience is well acquainted with his own view of society and complements the oddities that characterize his work. McKenna’s method of facing the often distressing subjects of his music creates an auditory feast, leading the listener on an adventure through McKenna’s own galaxy. This amalgam of raw talent, carefully con-
“
McKenna’s method of facing the often distressing subjects of his music creates an auditory feast, leading the listener on an adventure through McKenna’s own galaxy.
photo courtesy of Drew de F Fawkes licensed under CC-BY-2.0
Released Sept. 4, “Zeros” creates a stunning twist on his often introspective and politically inspired lyrics plus homegrown feel, by diving into new genres such as electropop, classic rock and pop while maintaining his unique flair. Opening with the pop-rock ballad “You Better Believe!!!,” McKenna sets the stage for the apocalyptic themes and stories of personal strife, with lyrics reminiscent of ‘70s rock and a tone that
photo courtesy of Drew de F Fawkes licensed under CC-BY-2.0
such as Bob Dylan, the Waterboys and David Bowie, as cited in interviews with DIY and Radio X, any fan with a welltuned ear will be able to spot the stands of these iconic artists’ works in McKenna’s, but it is not just classic rock that works its way into “Zeros.” “Be an Astronaut,” a sweeping saga of childhood and its accompanying feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness, is inspired by the indie artist Sufjan Stevens’ own sa-
seems to teeter on the edge of perpetual oblivion quite often through more blatantly chaotic and daring tracks like “The Key to Life on Earth” and “Rapture.” Then, he balances these songs with quieter ones such as “Emily” and the closing anthem “Eventually, Darling.” This allows for a personal feel to the album, as if McKenna tailored the tone for each individual listener. Through his eccentric persona,
structed aesthetic and topical themes makes “Zeros” an album for the ages, confirming McKenna’s transformation from unknown indie darling to a groundbreaking artist in his own right.
The Verdict: 9.5/10
12 ARTIST OF THE ISSUE
SEPTEMBER 2020
Color and beauty in ink information compiled by Madeline Edgar
Grace Pitsenbarger
photos courtesy of Grace Pitsenbarger
Pitsenbarger explores genre and color through her depictions of emotion, femininity and fantasy.
“All you need to be good at art is a sharp pencil and some determination.”
Grace Pitsenbarger, 12, has been making art for as long as she can remember, but began to focus more on her work toward the end of middle school. Throughout high school, Pitsenbarger’s style has developed into a slightly psychedelic display of both humanity and fantasy. “Overall, my art is an outlet for personal emotions,” Pitsenbarger said. Those undertones of personal experience add an intriguing depth to the bright colors and striking poses of Pitsenbarger’s subjects. Pitsenbarger tends to work in ink and marker, creating eye-catching vibrancy throughout her work. The combination of style, symbolism and glittering detail makes it easy to get lost in Pitsenbarger’s drawings. Her occasional simplistic ink or watercolor works are evidence of Pitsenbarger’s range, but the colorful displays of topics ranging from politics to pride are easily her most interesting and fascinating pieces.
All art featured is courtesy of Grace Pitsenbarger. For more information on her work, she can be contacted at @gracepitsenbarger on Instagram.