VOLUME 68 ISSUE 2 | OCTOBER 28, 2020
THE VIEWER
MOUNDS VIEW STRIDES TOWARD EQUALITY
INSIDE THIS ISSUE MS.WARD 03/ PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE 06/ FALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 08
2 NEWS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020
MV students work at polls
by Oliver Smith staff reporter This year has been an unusual year for the electoral process, and with the CDC warning that contact at the polls will raise the risk of infection, this election is inherently trickier than any other. Despite the risk, students from Mounds View are working in the polls to help people cast their votes. “I have been volunteering at the polls going on a year now. I originally volunteered back in March,” said Jude Houle, 12. “I had never been able to see how an election worked first-hand. It was important for me to see the electoral process and help it go as smoothly as possible.” Despite the risk of COVID-19 exposure, many still believe voting in person is safe and worth what it entails. “I know that they have instituted a lot of new precautions as a means of being safe,” Houle said. “So we’ll all be wearing masks; we’ll all be six feet apart. So, I think it’s worth it, especially with this upcoming election.” It is common for young people to be working at the polls this year because those who are younger, especially high school students, are typically at a lower risk for serious complications from the virus. “Somebody has to do the job,” said Kieran Connolly, 11, who also plans to work at the polls in November. “I, personally, am low risk, and I fully intend on wearing gloves and my mask all day, so I am safer than others would be.” Poll workers have a process that requires being both social and methodical. “Essentially, there are four or five different stations that a person under 18 will be
at,” Houle said. “The first is the greeter position that’s checking people in, showing them where to go, making sure they’re comfortable casting their vote. Second is actually pencil and paper registering them to vote. The third one is you get your slip based on your party, and then you take the ballot over to the place you vote. And
then there’s the last station, which is where the vote is counted and then you get metthe ‘I voted’ sticker.” Health concerns are, of course, the biggest obstacle of this election. “There’s a lot more precautions that need to be made based on the health of the worker. There is a lot more emphasis on absentee voting and
Performance Activism by Namitha Narayan staff reporter Scrolling through social media in 2020 is drastically different from what it used to be. Social injustices have been brought to the forefront and have sparked an outcry worldwide. Many are using their social media platforms to advocate for change in the world. With an intense political environment, various forms of activism have manifested on social media. “I think the coronavirus caused people to start using their Instagram stories for informational purposes, and that combined with the murder of George Floyd caused a huge amount of frustration with what society has come to,” said Vibhaa Venkat, 12. However, with this heavily opinionated shift in the media, many question the motives of the trends. “I definitely do think that there’s fear of how others will think of you if you don’t conform to the opinion of the majority, like self-image. It can sometimes even hide true beliefs,” said Claire Landberg, 11. This urge that viewers have to imitate social justice trends on social media for a sense of validation illustrates the discrepancy between what true activism encompasses and what performance activism represents. Activism describes the concept when one puts in immense effort to spur change in society. However, many see performance activism as an antithesis to traditional forms of activism due to the absence of the vigor seen in traditional activism. An example of this occurred in June when people participated in an Instagram movement coined “Black-
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out Tuesday.” As the initiative gained traction, it lost its original focus to create a halt in the music industry for a day to reflect on how to support the black community and recognize the contributions of black artists in the music industry. Instead, it became a symbolic gesture to stand in solidarity with the black community, with many posting black squares on their social media feed to demonstrate their support. “Out of the people I follow on Instagram, most of them go to Mounds View or did at one point. The majority posted a black square and deleted it the next day,” said Ian Tsai, 11. “Is that really standing in solidarity? It seems more like a bandwagon mentality.” Moreover, the distinction that separates performance activism from true activism may not always be as extreme, with some pointing at the good, albeit misguided, intentions behind the trend. “I’m never going to shame anyone for reposting something because I will never know what went through their mind before posting it, and obviously it’s their choice,” said Riley Stern, 11. “Performance activism has a lot of gray areas.” Such a distinction has led many to explore ways to avoid unintentionally participating in the phenomenon. Some have emphasized the need to personalize their message to demonstrate their genuine concern for the issue, rather than following the common trend. “What’s more impactful is if someone were to add a caption with personal input, start a conversation about something that isn’t talked about or provide resources to help make change happen,” Venkat said. With such improvements to the content consumed on media,
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mail-in voting, so we’re probably not going to be full at the polls in-person,” Houle said. This entails extra protection for voters, like sanitation, masks and social distancing. In some cases, voting at the polls is unrealistic. Fortunately, there are alternatives that do not involve entering the polling place. “Obviously, COVID-19 safety practices have become a big talking point. To keep some of our more vulnerable voters safe, we now offer curbside voting. All equipment is being sanitized after every use,” Connolly said. Houle says that health concerns are not the only challenges posed for the polls this year. “I think there has been a lot of contradicting information from every news source possible about when you should vote, how you should vote, all the information you would normally get. I think the biggest challenge is understanding how you should vote and how your specific choice impacts when you should vote,” he said. Although voting is a crucial part of democracy, those too young to vote are still capable of exercising their political freedom. “Marches, protests, petitions and contacting elected officials are great ways for younger people to get involved,” Connolly said. Especially in this past year, there has been a rise in youth using their freedom to influence America. “Even if you’re younger than 16, get out and use your voice to advocate for policies and changes you actually believe in, because it has a ripple effect,” Houle said.
many feel that it can better connect and inform viewers of the issue, who would then be more likely to add to the conversation, pitching in their perspective rather than merely reposting. The many social issues brought to the forefront this summer have yielded various forms of activism, ranging from attending protests to advocating for change on social media. Performance activism is a form of activism that many feel underscores the importance of having a meaningful dialogue about issues rather than simply endorsing popular trends.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020
Cakes from Kate’s kitchen
by Josie Fenske staff reporter Students found new ways to keep themselves busy this summer as typical activities were restricted because of the pandemic. Some began running or reading more, but Kate Spence, 12, started her own baking
business called Kate’s Cakes. Kate’s Cakes offers cakes, cupcakes and specialty macarons made from scratch with prices ranging from $9 to $30. Customers fill out a form to place an order and can customize their desserts with a wide variety of flavors and fillings. The final product is picked up by the customer or delivered by Spence herself. Rather than keeping the profit, Spence donates all of her earnings to the University of Minnesota Caregiver Emergency Fund and has raised $1,788 so far. Spence has been passionate about baking for a long time. She remembers the first dessert she ever baked was a s’mores cupcake mix when she was about 12 years old. “I thought I was so cool because I put the graham cracker and the marshmallow on top,” Spence
said. “I felt very professional, but, obviously, I have gotten a lot better since then.” Her interest and skill in baking grew as she watched videos and TV shows about dessert making. “I used to watch that YouTube channel Rosanna Pansino all the time in middle school, so her combined with picking up things from watching Food Network, I developed more knowledge and techniques,” Spence said. Spence devotes much of her time to performing in musicals, so when the pandemic put a halt on the live theater scene Spence was so involved in, it left her with more free time than she was used to. “I had always thought about having a business, but I have been so busy with activities and stuff that I never had the time,” she said. Seeing medical workers struggling to access PPE, Spence decided to take action and apply her love for baking and desire to help. “The two ideas just gelled together, and then it was literally overnight I just decided, ‘OK, if I’m going to do it, I’m just going to do it now,’” she said. In early June, when Spence first created Kate’s Cakes, she received about three to four orders a day that were all due the following week. She recalls the particularly hectic Fourth of July weekend. “In one day, I had to make nine orders’ worth. I was up until 1 in the morning, and then I had to go to bed and wake up at 5 a.m. to finish,” Spence said. “That was a little bit extreme. I think that was my maximum.” Once summer ended, the number of orders dropped to about one per week. “The orders have slowed down a lot, which is good because I need to focus on school,” Spence said. Through managing her business, Spence has developed skills that help her stay on top of tasks. “I think staying organized is the most important thing, which sounds cliché,” Spence said. “It’s a lot of scheduling and fitting stuff around my schedule.” Spence’s packed schedule leaves her with little downtime. Regardless, she enjoys her bustling lifestyle. “I like to be busy, even though I might not seem like it in the moment because I’m all stressed,” Spence said. “I don’t really have a lot of time for myself, even
Equity for all
by Maya Betti staff reporter Heather Ward, Mounds View’s newest equity specialist, is a familiar face who has been making an impact on students’ lives for years while working in the district. Prior to taking this position, Ward worked in Student Services for over 13 years. From her involvement within the school, Ward noticed the need for another equity specialist. Starting this fall, Ward joined Joel Brown, Mounds View’s other equity specialist, to work together to help provide equity for all students. According to Ward, “equality is making sure everyone is invited to the party. Equity is ensuring everyone has transportation to and from the party. Basically, equality is our inalienable right, to see all human beings as unvarying and to be respected as one species. Equity is acknowledging the barriers that exist for many of those that are considered to be ‘different’ in the society that we live in.” During her 13 years as a Mounds View staff member, Ward has witnessed inequality in the school. “As a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) woman myself, I have seen implicit bias throughout the building. The administrative staff and I feel strongly that MVHS can only do better by acknowledging these disparities and working on them as a team to create an equitable educational experience for all students,” Ward said. “Equity
helps ensure all students the potential for success, not just a chosen few.” In 2016 Ward started Soror, a female empowerment club at Mounds View. “As a founding member of Soror, I have heard many conversations about racism, inequality and bias in our building. I am asked what students can do to help hold those [people] accountable for ignorant and racial comments. The answer I give in most instances is, ‘Speak your truth and tell the administration,’” Ward said. Throughout the day, Ward stays quite busy with
FEATURES 3
though I will take it when I need it.” Spence enjoys baking for her business, although making the cakes is not her favorite part of the baking process. “I will admit I like the decorating more than actually baking,” Spence said. Her love for decorating is apparent in the skillfully frosted flowers and swirls that frequently top her baked goods.
As much as Spence likes running her business, she does not know where it will end. “As of right now, I am not planning to go to culinary school or pastry school … I don’t know what my business is going to be like a year from now, ” she said. “Maybe in 10 years when I’m done with college and I have my job, I’ll be like, ‘OK, now’s the time to start my second baking business.’” Despite the unknown future of Kate’s Cakes, there is one fact Spence is certain of: “I will always be baking, ” Spence said. Desserts can be ordered from Kate’s Cakes through her website: sites.google.com/view/katescakes/home. photos courtesy of Kate Spence
various tasks involved in her job. “I typically get here at 8. I like to greet the students. And then I come into my office for questions. Then, I meet with the BILT team, the ISF, the dean team and any teaching staff that has questions of equity and education,” Ward said. Building Instructional Leadership Team, or BILT, is a group that works with other teachers and the site principal to improve educational practices, review and provide input into the building’s instructional model. In her involvement with the Instructional Strategies Facilitator, or the ISF, Ward assists in organizing new teacher programs and helps with early college data and student lists. Despite her busy schedule, Ward finds her job enjoyable. “I would say my favorite part is the relationships that I am able to gain with students, family and staff members. I want to create a feeling of community, and I find it very fulfilling,” Ward said. During her time at Mounds View, and especially now as an equity specialist, Ward has played a huge role in the process of making the school a fair and impartial place. She saw a need within the community and stepped up to help. “I truly hope that students feel that they can reach out to all the specialists in the building to help them navigate and know that we are all here to help them. We are actually here for everything that you need,” Ward said. photo courtesy of Heather Ward
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4 EDITORIALS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020
More name-calling than debate by Megan Stryker staff reporter The first presidential debate of the 2020 election has been widely regarded as one of the worst debates in United States history. On Sept. 29, in Cleveland, Ohio, the first presidential debate took place between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden. According to a CBS News poll, 83% of Americans
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...both Trump and Biden strayed away from the major topics that needed to be discussed in order to give Americans a clear insight....”
thought the debate’s tone was negative. The same poll asked Americans how they felt while watching the debate, and 69% said they were annoyed. It is undeniable that this debate was unhelpful and uninformative for Americans due to the name-calling and lack of discussion of each candidate’s policies. The debate was a disaster before it even started. Prior to the event, Trump argued that Biden was not fit to be president and accused him of using performance-
enhancing drugs. Furthermore, the candidates focused on attacking each other more than discussing actual problems, like Trump saying that Biden should be drug tested or claiming that he would be using an earpiece during the debate. In addition, Trump mentioned voter fraud, stating that mail-in ballots with his name were being discarded. With these accusations, it is evident that both Trump and Biden strayed away from the major topics that needed to be discussed in order to give Americans clear insight into how each candidate would lead as president and who they should cast their vote for. Going into the debate, there were many important issues that the candidates needed to discuss. The topics ranged anywhere from Trump’s and Biden’s personal records to racial injustice and election integrity. Each topic was supposed to last 15 minutes, allowing both candidates two minutes to answer, yet Trump repeatedly interrupted Biden during his time. The moderator of the event, Chris Wallace, even asked Trump multiple times to respect the rules of the debate. At one point, Biden asked, “Will you shut up, man?” as Trump continued to interrupt him. However, the name-calling went both ways. While debating health care policies, Biden called Trump a “clown.” As the debate continued, both Trump and Biden frequently lashed out at each other, whether it was through name-calling or Trump even telling Biden, “There’s nothing smart about you, Joe.” Debates are a crucial part of the election process that allow the American people to see differences in the candidates’ policies as well as help them decide who to vote for. However, this debate was clearly more about Biden and Trump’s petty name-calling rather than their policies, which is why it was extremely unproductive. It was hard to pay attention while the candidates were debating because they continued to insult each other
and would not remain silent during the other’s time. Trump was especially immature, as he constantly spoke over Biden and Wallace, showing a clear disrespect for the rules. The words that both candidates used sounded childish and irresponsible, rather than those of a president whose decisions influence millions of people. It is quite unnerving that two people run-
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It is quite unnerving that two people running for president acted like children while discussing important issues that American lives depend on.”
ning for president acted like children while discussing important issues that American lives depend on. Voters deserve much more than what the candidates presented in the first debate. While what Americans needed was a message of hope and productive discussion of the candidates’ policies, instead they received a debate that was useless, ineffective and a big waste of time.
Renovations worth the investments
no traditional desks, but these changes give teachers a chance to experiment with different classroom atmospheres and teaching styles in a way that traditional classrooms do not allow. The size and adaptability of the revamped areas also allow for better adherence to COVID-19 restrictions, which is an added bonus for both teachers and students who use these new spaces. Despite the minor drawbacks, the renovations are a good thing. Both students and teachers benefit from these changes to the school. The rooms are structured to help students learn more efficiently, and it makes the students feel more comfortable. Navigating
by Olivia Sperbeck staff reporter
For returning Mounds View students, the extensive renovations that have modified the school building over the summer are a significant change. A year of construction added many new wings and redesigned areas to the school, like the new athletic complex and the new social studies and language classrooms. While these changes have made the hallways harder to navigate and the locations of classrooms harder to find, overall, there are more positive changes. The new
“The building looks better than it did before, adn teh updates, like the new assortments of chairs in the new classrooms, have made for a nice change in scenery.” changes to the building provide challenges for sophomores and upperclassmen, but the freshmen experience no change and the general student body benefits from these differences. Since incoming students are not familiar with the old layout, navigating Mounds View presents no
unusual struggles. But for the other share of the student population, the different style, modern, window-lined study spaces and moved classrooms can be a difficult adjustment. After years of traversing a building, having to relearn the locations of various teachers can be an inconvenience. Other students find the large amount of money directed to athletics facilities unnecessary, but the positives on the athletes’ end, such as higher quality equipment and more space, greatly outnumber these concerns. While the renovations have temporarily thrown returning students off when it comes to navigating the school, since they have had time to get used to it, it does not pose a problem anymore. This is why the new changes have been more beneficial than harmful. The building looks better than it did before, and the updates, like the new assortment of chairs in the new classrooms, have made for a nice change in scenery. Moreover, the new and improved gym makes sports more enjoyable for athletes. The flexible spaces in the new tower and language hallway allow students with different learning styles and schedules to have the environment they need. The students are not the only ones benefiting from the renovations. Some of the new classrooms are rather unconventional, with windowed walls, no doors and
“... these changes give teachers a chance to experiment with different classroom atmospheres and teaching styles in a way traditional classrooms do not allow.” the new area might be difficult at first, but will become less of an issue over time. All in all, these renovations have improved the school. photo courtesy of @moundsview_highschool Instagram
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020
Voter ID
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MOUNDS VIEW THEN VS NOW 5
Though the number of convicted fraud cases in voting has been Many argue that the minimal, the debate over burden of accessing ID requiring Minnesota citizens to present state issued offices in rural areas voter ID is very controverand the cost of obtainsial. The Minnesota ing identification put Voter Identification Amendment, many poor, elderly, if passed, would require voters to present photo identification before and minority groups they are allowed to vote. at a disadvantage and Thirty states have already passed laws requiring a voter to may keep them from present identification. There are voting.” 2 different types of state voter ID laws: photo vs. non-photo. Seventeen states require a picture in the ID. Other states accept different forms of identification such as birth certificates, bank statements within the last 90 days, utility bills, or property tax statements. Many argue that the burden of accessing ID offices in rural areas and the cost of obtaining identification put many poor, elderly, and minority groups at a disadvantage and may keep them from voting. Advocates of photo ID laws believe that they minimize the number of voting fraud cases, even those that would not result in conviction.
Same-sex Marriage
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2012
Ever since 1996, when Congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act, same sex marriages have been outlawed at the federal level. Minnesota’s proposed Marriage Amendment will not be on the legalization of marriage but the definition of marriage. Voting Yes means defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman; Voting No means that no such definition will bei n the state constitution. If the proposed amendment does not pass, same sex marriage will remian illegal in the state. The issue has divided Minnesotans. According to a recent StarTribune. poll, 49 percent of According to a recent com Americans are for marriage StarTribune poll, 49 equality while 47 percent like to keep marriage percent of Americans would restricted to between a male are for marriage equal- and female. Similar amendments will ity while 47 percent also appear on the ballots would like to keep of Main,e Maryland, North and Washington marriage restricted to Carolina, voters. They have already between a male and been proposed and passed in 30 states. Never has a female.” proposed amendment of this kind been defeated.
Elections: Then vs Now by Morgan Dalton Online Editor
Supreme Court
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A position on the Supreme Court has opened with the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and less than a month until the elecIf Barrett is contion. Historically, replacing firmed to the court, justices has been a lengthy process, averaging months she will be the third of judicial review and justice appointed by scrutiny. While the process may sound dull, Congress Trump within his promises to make the new apsingle term.” pointment an extremely contentious subject. Republicans are pushing for a rapid approval of nominee Amy Coney Barrett, while Democrats intend to delay the process as much as possible. Typically, candidates are nominated by the president, subjected to intense scrutiny by the Senate Judiciary Committee, and then voted on by the Senate, which requires a simple majority to confirm a new justice. Should the Senate tie, Vice President Mike Pence would decide the vote. While Justices can be confirmed in November and December, the last Justice confirmed this far into an election year was William Burnham Woods in 1880. This is likely due to the surprisingly political role Justices play in American democracy as key elements of the legislative process. With lengthy terms, Justices are appointed for life, with the average term length being about 17 years. In 2016, Merrick Garland was nominated in March by then-President Obama to replace Justice Antonin Scalia. Due to the proximity of the election, the Republican majority drew out the process long enough to prevent Garland’s appointment. When Trump took office, he nominated Neil Gorsuch, who was approved in April of 2017. Later, he nominated Brett Kavanaugh, who was also approved. If Barrett is confirmed to the court, she will be the third justice appointed by Trump within his single term. .
2020
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Mail-In Voting Due to the current health risks associated with large gatherings and close quarters, much of in-person voting is replaced by mail-in ballots. With an immense amount of voting being carried out remotely, this will be an election like no other. Each state has its own voting rules, making it difficult to make national estimates of how citizens will vote. However, in Minnesota, early voting by mail began on Sept. 18 and will run up until Nov. 2. For the majority of the nation’s citizens, mail-in voting is somewhat of a foreign concept. However, members of the military have been voting by mail since the late 1800s, and Americans living overseas have been able to vote by mail, and in some cases, receive their ballots by email and fax. But as with most new undertakings, new concerns arise. In recent weeks, the capacity of the post office and voter fraud have become major concerns. Some Americans believe this new system would allow postal workers to tamper with ballots or completely throw them out. Despite the possibility of such clerical and administrative issues, voter fraud seems to be less prevalent than what people might believe. A Washington Post study of the 2016 and 2018 general elections discovered 372 out of 14.6 million cases of voter fraud, which is equivalent to a mere 0.0025%. A far more likely problem will be the ability of the postal service to deal with a mailing surge and the amount of time it will take to ensure everyone’s ballot is counted. Thus, given such unique circumstances, the process of voting may become more complicated than usual for this year’s election.
A Washington Post study of the 2016 and 2018 general election discovered 372 out of 14.6 million cases of voter fraud, which is equivalent to a mere 0.0025 percent.”
BLM at Mounds View Students weigh in
This past summer, this nation experienced a continuation of the racial justice movement, and protests for racial equality have affected the student community at Mounds View. Despite the message of equality and inclusivity the school proclaims, students of color have shared their experiences of racial discrimination and ignorance at school. Students often perceive Mounds View as fairly accepting, but students of color feel there are still deep-seated issues that the school needs to address. Many feel as if there is a divide between how unified and accepting the school is often perceived as and the reality of racism. “We need to be heartbroken that the human race picture is missing a puzzle piece, which is the black race, and we can’t see the bigger picture because not everyone is aware that the puzzle piece is missing, making the human race union incomplete,” said Jorannie Saryee, 11. This sentiment describes the racial issues felt at Mounds View, as students of color do not feel completely included and accepted in the school. Another student, Destiny Beulangh, 10, noticed that many aspects of her experiences at school are lacking in accommodation for a racially diverse student body. “Mounds View is a pretty accepting school when you first get there, but staff at times don’t really do much about racial problems, or if they do, it takes forever before anything actually happens,” she said. “Mounds View wants to seem like a racially diverse school, but don’t actually put in effort.” Students are looking for change that will assure the school genuinely works toward providing a welcoming environment for students of color. Another common complaint is the lack of representation in the school’s curriculum. “At MV and most of the schools that I went to, they don’t really talk about African American history or the Indian American history,” said Zeinab Rashed, 10. “If they do, they only give simple info, and all they say is how they are slaved or being killed. They don’t talk about the struggles they had to go through. I recommend that they give us more information about the African American history.”
“Mounds View wants to seem like a racially diverse school but doesn’t actually put in effort.” ~ Destiny Beulaugh, 10
by Joseph Hoffman staff reporter
Students often bring up education because many believe racism stems from ignorance. “On issues concerning race, it’s mostly people being way too comfortable with being racist, but sometimes some people are just uneducated,” said Upendo Gimbi, 11. Students believe that education has always been one of the most important tools used to fight racism and implementing it at Mounds View is necessary. Another student-suggested idea is a place for students of color to have access to an inclusive environment where their concerns are heard. “I feel like some policies that could be in place are places where [students] can feel safe to report issues and actually revive change,” Beulangh said. Many believe that providing opportunities like these is an important step in lifting that puzzle piece into place so that the school can eventually find unity. Mounds View is by no means immune to racial inequality. While some students believe the school has a generally accepting nature, that does not mean all students experience it the same way. Students of color have plenty of ideas for how administration and staff can make changes, and they desperately want to see improvements in Mounds View’s culture.
During the past several months, the issue of racial injustice has become a prevalent topic of conversation around the nation. Protests have taken place all around America pertaining to racial discrimination, and many people have voiced their opinions on the appropriate actions that need to be taken. In response to such instances, Mounds View has been working to ensure that it can create and maintain a safe learning community that pursues zero tolerance for any form of racial injustice. As the Black Lives Matter movement has gained momentum, the school has re-evaluated and reinforced ideas and policies to eradicate as many instances of racial injustice as possible. Associate Principal Benjamin Chiri’s work has constituted a crucial part in the school’s ongoing journey to reach racial equality. “The school district is reviewing all of their policies that are in reference to racial equality, and there are policy changes underway currently being reviewed by the school board,” Chiri said. In addition, the Mounds View School District sent an email to students on July 2 describing the prospective changes it will instill throughout different schools. The email states that the district is planning to review its policies from a perspective of anti-racism, equity and inclusion and wants to ensure that systems for recording instances of racial injustice will be implemented to enforce necessary measures of accountability.
“The school district is reviewing all of their policies that are in reference to racial equality, and there are policy changes underway currently being reviewed by the school board.” ~ Benjamin Chiri, Associate Principal These changes have also been reinforced as current and former students are speaking to the administration about their experiences in school pertaining to racial inequality. This past June, Administration Intern Bethany DeCent attended a walk from the Shoreview Community Center to the Arden Hills Town Hall with other Mounds View teachers and staff. This walk provided students and community members with the opportunity to show support and hear former and current students’ stories related to racial inequality. “They were able to share some extremely moving stories as well as some poetry,” DeCent said. “Some students had also shared just some things that they had written about how they were feeling in the current situation about racial inequality.”
Admin takes action by Rachel Zou stafff reporter
Although racial injustice may present itself to some people as an issue too immense to tackle, the school finds that it can take the first step by concentrating on the different subsystems of racial discrimination. For example, Associate Principal Gregory Martin has been focusing on mitigating occurrences of microaggression throughout the school. “[Microaggressions] are very small and indirect statements or actions that happen over and over again,” Martin said. “It makes the alumni and scholars feel less welcome because these things have happened.” To combat such issues, the school has responded by training teachers on how to use culturally responsive teaching strategies, recognize racism and implicit bias and advocate for racial justice. In addition to racial equity training, Mounds View also increased its efforts in hiring staff to help guide the school in becoming more accommodating to students of different racial backgrounds. Over the summer, Mounds View hired Courtney Bell, an education consultant who has experience and training in appropriate methods of teaching for a diverse student body. With Bell’s expertise, the school will enhance its curriculum to meet appropriate standards of teaching for a diverse student body. Instances of racial injustice around school occur more often than one may expect. A solution for such prejudice is increased awareness of the school district’s Equity Promise. One portion of the Equity Promise states that programs and services will be in place to ensure that race, gender, class and disability will not predict students’ success in Mounds View Public Schools. “In regards to looking at our school district, anything that happens in the district that goes against our equity promise is something that gets addressed,” DeCent said. “They work to make sure that we are thinking about that promise that we have set forward as a priority.” In response to student requests and to bring more racial diversity into the district, a new class pertaining to African American history will be taught for one semester at Irondale and one semester at Mounds View. In addition, several changes to existing aspects of Mounds View have been implemented. To reflect a diverse student body, the U.S. History curriculum has been modified to incorporate more learning units about African American and Native American history, as previous learning plans were discovered to heavily emphasize British and American history. In addition, the administration made a conscious effort to ensure that English texts are written by authors whose viewpoints are compatible with racial diversity and justice. Staff have also reviewed posters around the school to ensure that they follow the Equity Promise guidelines. . Meanwhile, plans to revise other aspects of Mounds View are still in the process of reaching full fruition. As time progresses, policy changes and equity training for staff are just a few changes to create a more equitable high school environment. “Creating a more racially equal environment is at the heart and soul of everything we are doing this school year, and moving forward we will continue to do so,” Chiri said. The staff and administration are aware of the different issues pertaining to racial equality around the school. They are planning to continue to learn from students, staff and the community to ensure that Mounds View can house a steadfast system of support for racial justice. illustrations by Sienna Wood
MOUNDS VIEW THEN VS NOW 5
8 SPORTS
COVID weakens Mustang fan attendance by Marie Diffley student writer On Sept. 21, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) approved high school football and volleyball seasons to begin after a delay due to COVID-19. However, even though the football and volleyball seasons have commenced, the MSHSL enacted many fan restrictions that limit the number of fans in the stands and prevent students from cheering for their favorite teams. For fall sports, high schools have to follow the MSHSL’s guidelines that designate how many spectators are allowed at sporting events. The number of fans allowed depends on whether the sport is played indoors or outdoors. After initially saying fans could not attend indoor high school sports events, on Oct. 8 the MSHSL published its new guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Education that allow each player a maximum of two spectators at home games. While each high school can make its own decision on whether it will even allow fans into games, this maximum fan count is effective immediately and concerns over 500 high schools in Minnesota that are MSHSL members. Mounds View has now announced it is allowing two fans per player at home games for all indoor sporting events. For outdoor sports, a total of 250 spectators are allowed to attend. At Mounds View football games, 125 tickets are issued to the home team, and 125 tickets are issued to the away team. All of these tickets are currently being issued to family members, so students are not able to attend. At soccer games, the tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Bob Madison, associate director on the board of the MSHSL, says that even with all the fan restrictions, he is
“glad that students are able to participate in activities at school.” Though the restrictions are disappointing, he believes just having the teams playing makes things feel a little bit more normal. Though the MSHSL decided on the protocols and restrictions for fall
can attend the games, Mounds View volleyball players Jessica Sprague, 10, and Addy Kluz, 9, are glad to be playing their sport again. “To be back in the gym with teammates has been very exciting,” Kluz said. While many players were ready to
cially for multi-sport athletes,” Sprague said. For sports fans who are not able to attend sporting events due to fan restrictions, they are glad to hear that athletes are enjoying their seasons. However, students still wish they could attend games and sit in the student section. To make up for this, some students are finding creative ways to send encouragement to players, such as Cecelia Bronson, 10, a volleyball player who has posted photos online to keep fans up to date about Mounds View volleyball games. However, with the new rule allowing two fans per player at indoor events, fans may be able to catch a home game here or there to support friends, family and fellow Mustangs. Students can now start gearing up for another, although different, year of exciting home games. While this may be unfortunate news for fans who already got their pompoms out, nothing can fully extinguish Mustang pride. Many students are looking forward to cheering on players by potentially continuing theme days and virtually sending words of encouragement. Some students have even signed petitions on websites like change.org arguing that more fans should be allowed into games. With the additional space in the gyms and on the track, students believe that more fans could attend, as they could still social distance with the added numbers. A sparce fan section at the 10/9 football game. While the MSHSL is still disphoto by Madeline Jepko cussing guidelines for winter sports, stu sports, it now also has to make plans for jump back into the season, some athletes dents and fans look forward to cheering each of the other sports seasons. “[We also had trouble adjusting between the on players while social distancing. are] working on the protocol for winter two sport seasons. With the delay of fall sports; each sport has different require- sports, some training for winter seasons ments to fit COVID-19 regulations,” started to overlap with fall sports. “TryMadison said. outs and everything [for fall sports] were Regardless of how many fans pushed back. That was really hard, espe-
Mounds View teams deal with state cancellations by Isabelle Shrab online editor
As COVID-19 restrictions are eased, many students have found themselves able to participate in fall sports and activities. However, despite the continuation of a regular season, albeit with new regulations, the Minnesota State High School League is disallowing state tournaments for the fall season. Football and soccer usually get to play at the U.S. Bank Stadium if they advance to state, and this serves as a reward for their hard work. Without the possibility to make it to state this year, athletes are disappointed at missing out on a well-deserved honor. The boys cross-country team often advances to the state championship, even winning it last year. Though the MSHSL has not allowed a crosscountry state meet this year, the coaches association decided to create their own “state-like” experience. One of the cross-country captains, Matthew Miller, 12, explains how grateful they
“
are to have a final chance to compete. “I don’t necessarily think it changes things that [the unofficial state meet] is not technically sponsored, but as a team we are all very thankful
The runners are finally allowed to have one last race to win “state” after all the hard work they have put in this season. The seniors are especially
I don’ t necessarily think it changes things that it’s not technically sponsord, but as a team we are all very thankful to have a chance to throw down with some of the top teams in the state...”
Not having state is a really big letdown because I feel our team could have won it this year and went to the Bank which is super disappointing.”
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-Matthew Miller, 12
to have a chance to throw down with some of the top teams in the state, even though it is very different.” In their short season, most races have been between conference teams.
-Grace Freimouth, 10 grateful that their entire season was not cancelled after how much work they have put in throughout their high school running careers. Aside from the boys cross-
country team, the girls soccer team has had a difficult time coping with the shortened season and not getting the same experiences as past years because of the restrictions. There are many athletes this season who do not get the chance to play against the best teams in the state. A first-year varsity member, Grace Freimuth, 10, spoke about how it affects her season: “Not having state is a really big let down because I feel our team could have won it this year and went to the Bank which is super disappointing, especially that it is my first year on varsity,” she said. The team is disappointed because many of the athletes trained for years for the possibility of playing at the large stadium. They still hope that they will get a chance through the coaches association to play in a “statelike” tournament like the cross-country team.
ATHLETE OF THE ISSUE 9
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020
Another amazing season for Ahmed by Angie Larson Online managing copy editor
Sometimes those around us can inspire us to do great things. Initially encouraged by his friends and family, Uzair Ahmed, 12, started playing soccer at the age of seven and is now an avid player for the Mounds View boys soccer team. Currently, his two greatest influences are Juventus F.C. soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo and Paris Saint-Germain F.C. soccer player Kylian Mbappé. Ahmed says his greatest soccer accomplishment and current highlight of his entire soccer career was scoring five goals in one game.
As a left forward on the team, Ahmed scored a total of six goals against the teams of Roseville, Forest Lake and Woodbury and has a total of four assists against Cretin Derham-Hall and White Bear Lake so far this year. “[My favorite game was] against Roseville,” Ahmed said. “We won 1-0 and I scored in the last two minutes of the game to win it.”
Even with his many solo accomplishments, Ahmed attributes the team’s victories to all of his teammates. “Everyone on the team contributes to the team’s success,” Ahmed said. “We win together and lose together. I love playing soccer because it’s a game where everyone unites and comes together.”
One piece of advice that Ahmed would give to other soccer players is: “Never give up and always work hard. Put in extra hours outside of practice to become a better player.” While Ahmed does not currently know if he is going to continue playing soccer in college, as he says it depends on if he gets scouted or not. Ahmed has set a leading example for his teammates and continues to be a valuable asset for Mounds View boys soccer. With the season winding down, students hope to see Ahmed and the boys soccer team bring home more wins. photos courtesy of Brian Franz
10 PHOTOGRAPHY
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020
AUTUMN ACTIVITIES by Josie Mackenthun photographer
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 11
“It’s all just a bunch of hocus pocus” by Julia Berens staff reporter
Halloween is a time for tricks and treats, but also a time for nostalgia. Whenever I think back to being a kid during Halloween, I think about the classic movie “Hocus Pocus.” Whether viewers remember it for its wacky witches or Bette Midler’s rendition of “I Put a Spell On You,” this movie has a special place in the heart of Gen Z, and I am no exception. I used to absolutely love this movie, but now, I am not so sure. “Hocus Pocus” follows the story of a teenage boy, Max, who moved to Salem from California. On Halloween, Max hears of the town’s legendary trio of soul-sucking witches, the Sanderson sisters, who were hanged 300 years prior. Legend has it that if the witches’ black flame candle is lit by a virgin on a Halloween with a full moon, the sisters will come back from the dead. Max does not believe the legend, and in an attempt to prove it false, he accidentally resurrects the witches. With the help of his sister, Dani, and his crush, Allison, Max must defeat the witches and save all the children of Salem from getting their youth and life sucked from them. Being a Disney movie from the ‘90s, the film is very cheesy, in both a good and bad way. It is filled with tiresome stereotypes like the pretty blonde witch, Sarah Sanderson, being ditzy, a huge flirt and boy-crazy. This trope real-
ly made the movie frustrating to watch; it felt like a huge step back in feminism, but since the movie is from the ‘90s, when films were not necessarily politically correct, this was not an uncommon
Even though this children’s movie is rated PG, I would recommend watching it with older children because it contains some explicit material that some may not want a young child to be
soundtrack. As much as I found myself frustrated with the movie, there is still that certain nostalgic charm that sticks with me and makes it a bit more enjoyable. This movie would be great for
occurrence. Furthermore, the characters were unlikeable because they were constantly making dumb choices. For example, the Sanderson sisters only went after Dani when they could have easily gotten any other child to use for their purposes. It is a little baffling how the movie gives no explanation as to why they needed Dani versus any other child. However, in the movie’s defense, the story is made to appease children and therefore does not need to be logical.
exposed to. Some examples include the frequent use of the words “damn” and “virgin,” talk of drug and tobacco use, mild sexual references and the witches getting hanged. While the listed warnings might seem excessive, most of it is done in a light-hearted Halloween tone, so I leave this as no more than a headsup. This younger generation Halloween classic, though hard to watch, had some enjoyable aspects to it. The movie has its funny moments and a well-crafted
people who prefer a more fun and lighthearted Halloween movie that they do not have to think about too much. Personally, I just find it to be “a bunch of hocus pocus.”
The Verdict: 5/10
“Us” is stunningly thrilling
by Julia Berens staff reporter With spooky season at the door, it is the perfect time to cuddle up on the couch and watch movies with some friends — but not just any types of movies — horror movies. Horror movies and thrillers are the Halloween staple that get anyone in the perfect mood for the season. A perfect movie to get into the Halloween spirit with is the movie “Us.” Following up the 2017 smash-hit “Get Out,” “Us” is Jordan Peele’s second solofilm ever, and it is clear that Peele kept with his stylistic use of symbolism. This film is a doppelgänger thriller movie that follows a seemingly normal family of four, battling against their soulless doubles, called the Tethered. In this movie, Peele toys with the idea that humans are the worst kind of monster. “It’s a movie about the duality of mankind, and it’s a movie about our fear of the invasion of the outsider and the revelation that we are our own worst enemy,” Peele said in an interview with Rotten Tomatoes. The film is beautifully made. From the cinematography to the characters, everything was perfectly done. The characters felt like real people and, unlike a lot of other horror movies, their decisions throughout the film felt logi-
cal and justifiable. This made the movie so much easier to watch. Normally, it is frustrating when I see characters make dumb decisions like going toward the eerie noise or running into a graveyard, but in this film, they did not do that and it was so refreshing to see.
“From the cinematography to the characters, everything was perfectly done.” That, however, is just the beginning of how Peele defied horror movie norms. The family the movie is centered around is a middle class black family, which is something one never sees in this genre. “I realized that element was pushing the boundaries of representation that have been established and that that was an important thing,” Peele said in an interview with USA Today. While the movie may be great, sometimes the symbolism was easy to miss. I could easily see how some scenes would strike me as odd if I was not aware of the film’s allegorical na-
ture. One thing I ended up disliking was that at times the movie could feel slow. However, the easy-to-miss symbolism and slowness can arguably make it better to watch and rewatch. One could find a different meaning with every new viewing, and the slowness helps the viewer take a second to process. This movie is so strategically made and is just so unique, not only in concept but also in inclusivity and style. Despite the R rating of this movie, I was not very scared, but that does not mean it did not keep me on the edge of my seat. It has some incredibly tense moments that make up for any lack of jump scares. The versatility of the film lets the audience watch as a casual viewer, but also watch in search of underlying messages and themes and still be completely spellbound. The experience I got from watching the movie was absolutely thrilling, so I would recommend this to everyone. For audiences who love a good psychological thriller, this film is a perfect watch.
The Verdict: 9/10
illustrations by Sienna Wood
12 ARTIST OF THE ISSUE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020
Refined and Alive information compiled by Madeline Edgar photos courtesy of Olivia Chen
Olivia Chen
Chen offers glances into the personalities of her subjects through simplistic but detailed art.
“I’ve always enjoyed drawing little things.”
Olivia Chen, 12, has been making art since elementary school. Starting off with horse drawings and working her way up to third-grade art class (and beyond), Chen has finetuned her style to perfectly portray everything from beautiful city streets to impressive portraits of people from all walks of life. Bringing her subjects to life with practiced ease, Chen always starts with a simple pencil sketch and works her way up to graphite, watercolor and oil paints, injecting color, personality and a quaint sense of intimacy into each of her works. “I think I draw more for myself than for others,” Chen said. “Like, I’ll see something that really piques my interest or makes me feel some sort of way, and I would want to capture that sort of beauty on paper.” This simple approach to her work is obvious in every line of Chen’s pieces, with every portrait offering a glance into the life and mind of its subject, but only for a peaceful, personal moment. With refined and careful attention to detail, Chen brings paper and canvas to life with the ease of a master.
All art shown is by Olivia Chen. If you want your work in traditional art, SFX, or other medium to be featured, please contact madeline.edgar@mvviewer.org