The Paw Print - October 2020

October 2020 Volume III Issue I

Dripping Springs High School, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

mydshs.com

The Paw Print

New Year, New Classroom 2 Stay Home, Stay Connected 5 Corona Athlete Edition 7 News 2 Entertainment 3 Features 4 Opinion 5 Sports 6,7 Student Life 8 The Paw Print’s core purpose is to serve the students and staff of Dripping Springs High School, as well as the surrounding community, with the most meaningful news and content regarding our school’s culture and the student body that influences it. From students, to students. But this one is just for fun.

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Background Photo: Cover Design: Max Levey Evelyn Peterson

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The Paw Print

A Loud Interruption

October 2020

News

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COVID-19 Policies

Debate Starts Successfully Despite Difficulties

What to Expect

ALEC STUART & ABBY TREDWAY STAFF WRITERS

MALLORY NEFF STAFF WRITER

The COVID pandemic has affected schools worldwide, obviously including this school. Many activities, clubs, classes, and other things have had to adapt to the changing situation, with many unsure of their next course of action for the school year.

Debate is one such class. However, the fact that it’s very different from other classes in many ways has made it especially difficult for Debate to adapt to the new schooling system. Davy Holmes, the coach of the Speech and Debate program, has had quite the experience managing the program at this time. Mr. Holmes, like most if not all other teachers, have found it unfortunate that he won’t get to see all of his students for now.

“I know it’s only the beginning of the second week, but I think the biggest downside to teaching online is missing the opportunity to get to know students,” he said.

“Some of that is still happening, but it will likely be a slower process this year.”

This had been the case with many teachers. Since the school gave the choice of in-person or online learning, not everyone returned. Nearly 60% of students have chosen to return to school, while the remaining 40% have stayed home. This is especially hard on the Debate program, as teamwork and communication are required to prepare students for tournaments, usually by writing speeches and cases.

The most important aspect of Debate is tournaments.

Nearly every week is another tournament, usually somewhere in Texas. Before the pandemic hit, they were, of course, in person.

“We normally travel around Austin and San Antonio to attend competitions, but this year students will be competing from home or empty classrooms at DSHS,” Holmes said.

The pandemic has rendered all current and future tournaments virtual until further notice. As tournaments are the main aspect of Debate, this has severely changed how the program is managed and taught. Despite their difficulties, however, the first three scheduled tournaments went smoothly. I got to attend La Vernia (the third tournament) last Saturday. While there, many of the students (including myself) were relieved that they got

to stay from home. While returning to physical education may be the best outcome in the future, there are ways in which students can adapt to the disruption in many ways, not all specific to Debate.

Adapting to this situation has been difficult for everybody, but in the end, students and staff have found so many ways to do that. Debate is a great observation, as it shows that no matter what happens, you can always find a way through.

“I actually feel like I am teaching again,” Holmes said, “even if it is a bit different than in-person.”

Davy Holmes, Debate teacher and STUCO teacher of the month for September. Photo by Alana Bruni

2020 Debate Team Photo by @DSHSSpeech&Debate

Students take a mask break outside of the new J Wing.

Photo by Alana Bruni

New Year, New Classrooms Final Phase of J Wing Expansion Comes to a Close TIA DAVISON STAFF WRITER In May of 2018, Dripping Springs ISD voters approved a 132 million bond referendum for an expansion at the high school to accommodate a capacity of 2,500 students, along with various other improvements for the seven schools within DSISD. Now, in September of 2020, the new expansion has finally entered its home stretch.

As school begins for the new semester, the students will now be able to enjoy the new facilities that come with the expansion. The new wing includes many CTE classes along with other programs that require non-traditional classrooms with creative lab spaces. This will help accommodate classes such as robotics, engineering, video production, aquatic science, floral design, journalism, and more.

“The new wing is beautiful and I am one of the lucky ones who get to call it home,” audio-video technology and animation teacher Lew Colborne said. “I was elated when I heard about it.”

With students coming back into the school, the teachers and staff members had to prepare for the risks and challenges ahead. The school has implemented multiple policies to keep students safe during the next few months.

“The most important rules are to make sure that you’re wearing your mask at all times and trying to maintain social distancing between class periods,” Jessica Chambers, health science teacher, said.

“Because, as teachers, what we have come to understand is that we can only control what we have in our area. Within the classrooms, we have tried to social distance based on desks. Outside of the classroom, we can put up signs, and arrows to try and provide as much instruction as we can.”

As well as maintaining social distancing throughout the day and wearing masks, washing hands, using hand sanitizer, going straight to class in the mornings, and using one-way hallways are some other policies that should be practiced consistently to help stop the virus from spreading. We still don’t know how much longer we will need these rules.

Out of the 2,170 students at the school, 65%of students are currently back. However, these numbers could decrease over the next couple of weeks as students rethink their decision to return or decide that they could be doing things at home instead.

“I’m hoping that that’s not the case and that they do come to school,” Chambers said. “That’s where we want them, but that is one thing that might change over these next couple of weeks.”

Teachers moved into the new space on Aug. 18. The feedback from the staff confirms that the building is living up to expectations, but they have had to overcome other challenges that come with the new technology.

“As of right now, there are cables everywhere, holes in walls where more audio cables are being installed, and we do not have much of the big gear that connects the new infrastructure to our current equipment,” audio-visual production and cinematography teacher, B.J. Mercer said.

Because the new classrooms specifically accommodate courses that require non-traditional materials and utilities, the staff had the opportunity to have as much or little input as they wished.

“I met with the architects several times to talk about the space we needed and even to talk about the kind of furniture we wanted/needed in our classrooms,” floral design teacher Christy Trussell said.

With input from the teachers, the J wing has helped fight against the overcrowding issue previously

experienced at DSHS, and it will give the building a few more years of life as the only high school in Dripping Springs.

“I think it gives the district more time before a decision has to be made on how to address the continued growth,” business teacher and head boys soccer coach, Josh Hill, said.

As a result of the lack of space in the past, many teachers had to share a classroom. Now teachers who had to float from one classroom to another get their own new space.

“I didn’t have my own classroom before, so I just miss the interaction with the teachers whose room I used,” Josh Hill said.

Ultimately the new two-story expansion has created more opportunities for the students to expand their knowledge with the use of the new facilities.

“The students will have a state of the art workspace that provides and enhances their opportunities to learn, experience, produce and create at a professional level,” Mercer said. “That will prove to be beneficial in the real world now and in the future.”

Senior Cady Russell videos the ribbon cutting for My_Dshs_News. A few select students were invited to represent the programs that moved to the J Wing. (right) Superintendent Washburn cuts the ribbon for new J Hall. The school board attended as well as the staff that would use the new building. (left) Photos by Teagan Krewson

The virus is unpredictable and with the increase in globalization since the last pandemic, we can’t accurately predict when we will have the virus under control. If the severity and spread of the virus become worse, there is a possibility that students may all be moved back into fully remote learning, but since there has been so much planning done it isn’t likely to happen.

“When we get a vaccine, and we get to a point where enough people are immune then we won’t be in this situation,” committee member Kristen Adams said, “but it’s hard to know how long that’ll take. If there is an outbreak we’d have to do what’s safest for everybody.”

While we do have these rules in place, some students and teachers will likely be infected. The faculty will use the seating charts as a way to track cases and keep others from spreading the virus unknowingly.

“We are looking for who that student has been around for longer than 15 minutes, or within six feet for an extended period of time,” Adams said. “Then all of those students would have to be home so they couldn’t spread it until they could come back with a negative test or show that they were symptom-free for a certain amount of time.”

Both students and teachers expect things to get easier with more repetition and exposure. Although students have been excited to see each other and have been talking and forgetting some safety guidelines, they believe that with time students will fall into a pattern and be more relaxed.

“I think that us students will be more comfortable with talking and putting our ideas together,” freshman Jaiden Stankard said. “Another thing I think, and hope, will happen is having more activities for students to participate in and to raise school spirit.”

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The Paw Print October 2020

mydshs.com

Entertainment No School, No Problem

Staying Busy at Home During these six long months of quarantine, students have kept themselves busy in many different ways. Some students have taken on art as a hobby, as well as singing, baking, skateboarding, and playing cards. Students have also been staying active by going on walks alone or with their family and also going on bike rides.

Sophomore Elise Chiang says that her favorite thing about quarantine “was getting to sleep in,” and her least favorite part was “not having a routine” because she never got anything done.

MALLORY NEFF STAFF WRITER

TV shows and streaming sites have been a large part of the entertainment during the last few months. Shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Stranger Things, The Office, and anything Disney is being binge-watched by students of all grades.

Extracurriculars started up again and students are back competing with their teams. Football, volleyball, dance, and cheer began their seasons already.

Students are excited to be back doing what they love.

Hannah Caddell

Q & A

Skate boarding (top) photo

by Mikael Huostila Baking (left) photo by Camryn Sulser

Online Student Sophomore TIA DAVISON ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

What’s the biggest change you’ve had to make to your study routine now that you’re online?

“Everything is different now. Normally, I would do school and then come home, take a break, then go and do school work. But, now with the asynchronous period, I’ve been working on homework and getting stuff done in between classes and in the mornings and not so much in the evenings.”

What do you miss most about in-school learning?

“I miss being with friends in class, like figuring where am I going to sit in the class. Just being with people, like all the stupid things that kids do.”

What is your favorite thing about online learning?

“Zooms are awkward and not fun, but I like the asynchronous period. I’ve been able to get stuff done in between, and it’s been very productive for me.”

What is your least favorite thing about online learning?

“My least favorite thing has been the Zooms; they are super awkward. I’ve had so many awkward moments on Zoom. Which, awkward moments are unavoidable in person or on Zoom, but it’s so weird.”

Painting (top) photo by Erich Burmeister , Card (left) photo by Charlie Clarno, Gaming (right) photo by Kyra Heflin

Isolation Tunes

ABIGAIL TREDWAY STAFF WRITER

What DSHS Has Been Listening to Over Quarantine

Nothing Happens-Wallows “Right now I can’t stop listening to “Wallows’ album Nothing Happens. It’s always been one of my favorite albums, but they recently released a new song and got me listening to them again.”

Delaney Roberts

Fine Line-Harry Styles “I’ve been listening to Fine Line by Harry Styles a lot because it has a song for every occasion or mood, and is just a really good album overall.”

Brooklyn Rice

Art Angels-Grimes “I’ve loved this album for a long time, but I recently just got back into it. I just love her type of music. It gives me so much energy and makes Tate Daugherty me happy.”

Tik-Tok Takeover How My Attention Span was Ruined Over the past three years, TikTok has become one of the most used social media platforms for teens. If you didn’t know already, TikTok is a social media app that shares short videos made by other people your age that are around 15-60 seconds long. I’ve had the app since October 2018, and there have been a lot of changes in my life that have been caused by TikTok. One of the biggest changes I’ve seen is my decreased attention span. Because of the app’s format, the videos are made to give you as much content as possible in a very short amount of time.

Not only do these videos present you with so much information in a short period, but they are also tailored to your interests, so you rarely see a video that doesn’t interest you.

As I previously mentioned, over the three years I’ve had the app, I’ve seen my attention span drastically decrease. I often find myself unable to focus on anything that requires my full attention, when this wasn’t the case before.

Sure, I got bored sometimes, but paying attention was never a huge problem for me. Now, I can barely focus on conversations with my family because it takes them too long to get to the point of the story for me.

My decreasing attention span wasn’t a problem for me as long as I was on TikTok, but once I had to go talk to my family I started to realize that maybe it was a bit of a problem.

One thing my family loves to talk about is movies, but I’ve never really been that interested in them. A month or two ago, I tried to watch a movie by myself, but I couldn’t even last ten minutes because I was so bored. Even when I was playing a game on my phone, I was still way too bored by the movie.

Initially, I went to go talk to my sister and ask her if she was dealing with the same thing, but she told me she had deleted TikTok a few weeks ago, so I had to ask someone else. I talked to a handful of my friends

ABIGAIL TREDWAY STAFF WRITER

about this, and some of them told me that they were experiencing the same thing about not being able to concentrate on anything.

The appeal of things like TikTok and Instagram Reels is that they’re so short, and they’re meant to give you as much information and content as possible in under a minute, and that’s why it’s so popular. However, I think that the popularity of TikTok and other apps like that is going to hurt people’s ability to pay attention to things for more than 10 minutes without getting bored.

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The Paw Print

October 2020

mydshs.com

Features Shattering Silence Pandemic Devastates Students SOPHIA PORTILLO STAFF WRITER

Laughter through the hallways, pens clicking on desks, teachers giving lectures, and the sounds of footsteps in the halls, all ended by something that cannot be seen by the eye. All that remained? Silence.

No physical touch. Just a bleak computer screen for contact with the outside world.

Loneliness and isolation took over the lives of thousands of students. Many saw school as an escape from their lives at home, but now the only thing left behind?

Pain and depression. The pandemic left so many hopeless and fearful for their lives. The virus created an overbearing reality for each person. No happiness came out of the quarantine. Just destruction and loss.

As time passed, the lockdown wasn’t the only thing that shutdown. Numbness and emptiness spread like wildfire throughout students. The pain? Completely unbearable and never seen before. Students wanted every aspect of their old lives back. However, it would change forever.

“All the days blended together and it just seemed like some nightmare out of a movie,” junior Ashley Dunn said. “I was paranoid, and I felt like I was trying to survive each day instead of living my life.”

During the lockdown, depression wrapped its cruel hands around students. Over half of the population in

the United States reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the coronavirus, but it only gets worse from there.

“I witnessed the hospitalization of my best-friend in a psychiatric hospital,” Dunn said. “I understand because quarantine was very hard on my mental health as well, so it makes sense that more people would be hospitalized during the quarantine.”

As a result of the quarantine, suicide attempts increased and nearly 11 million people experienced suicidal thoughts. As standard protocol, those who attempt sucide are hospitalized in mental facilities, therefore, the hospitalizations drastically spiked. Hospital beds even became full in some areas, therefore people with disorders or unknown health problems suffered to get the help that they needed. However, death decided to stick around and didn’t stop with just suicide.

“My grandpa just had a life threatening surgery to remove cancer in his body the week before the quarantine was issued and all of my family were very scared and worried for him because if he got COVID he would die from it for sure,” Dunn said.

Paranoia began to feed on the fear of people worldwide. Terror filled each household as people feared their loved ones would contract the ruthless virus. If people didn’t lose a loved one, then they were likely to lose their home.

“The quarantine made me feel empathy for the people who are economically disadvantaged because they don’t know when their next paycheck is coming in and their living arrangements are up in the air,” sophomore Becky Guzman said. “They don’t know when they

are going to get food next, and they don’t even know if they can pay their medical bills or when they’re going back to work which made me appreciate what’s at my house.”

With the shutdown in place, around 22 million Americans lost their jobs. Children everywhere who relied on school for hygiene and food now live in cars or shelters.

40 million Americans total lost their homes from the quarantine. Recent polling data even shows that more than half of the people who lost income or employment reported negative mental health impacts from worry or stress over coronavirus; and lower income people report higher rates of major negative mental health impacts compared to higher income people which is often ignored.

“I feel like there’s so many stigmas and stereotypes revolving around mental health that never stop,” junior Isabella Roske said. “I know in some cultures it’s just completely ignored, and some family members don’t even accept it.”

Stigma from mental health has existed for years, and with the quarantine, many students became aware of disorders or symptoms of an illness that they ignored in the past. Still, however, some deny the illnesses they have and perpetuate the stigma even further.

“Being isolated and away from my friends and family was really, really difficult for me,” Roske said. “I’m a very social person, and I enjoy interaction especially with my friends and people that I have a like-minded attitude with, so the inability to see them definitely took a toll on me.”

The Oasis of Online Learning How Students Establish Optimal Work Space at Home GABRIELLA PLASENCIA STAFF WRITER Every day until in-person classes began, every student went up to their desk, kitchen counter, unintentionally indoor pool room because they can, or whatever flat surface is available to start their school day.

Despite everyone being connected and being assigned the same school work, each and everyone’s environment is not in uniform because there is none, at the students’ convenience. The requirements for a student to forego remote learning enables a more personalized environment for the students to adapt to as they continue their education on their own devices but staying conscious of a stressfree and productive environment has become more noticeable to those aiming to gain an optimal space at home.

“So, I’ve been having a peach tea obsession lately and

that basically means my desk is full of empty water bottles and If it’s messy I get frustrated pretty easily,” sophomore Kayla Johnson said.

Not only does maintenance impact a student’s workflow, but the location the student chooses to work in dictates what someone wishes to show when they turn on the camera.

“People need to knock on my door in case I’m in a call, otherwise, just no,” junior Tessa Allred said.

An environment can also make the school day more bearable with the perfect lighting.

“I have this lamp that is the perfect shade of yellow and it creates a nice atmosphere,” Johnson said.

Depending on the type of lighting being exposed to the student, that will come in handy when pressure and stress occur, thus a comforting workspace.

Comfort is a priority according to Allred.

Creature Feature COVID-19 Affects Spooky Season SIERRA TRBOVICH STAFF WRITER Fall is right around the corner, which means the leaves will start turning colors of orange and red, and the weather will begin to get chilly, and you’ll be able to smell that fall essence that floats through the air. It also means that the holiday that many love is almost here - Halloween.

Halloween is the time of the year where you can dress up as anyone or anything and no one could have a care in the world.

It’s a time to spend with family and friends, cooking delicious fall meals, and watching the scariest of movies. When it comes to Halloween, you’re always in for a surprise, whether it’s the clowns, the jump scares, or even just seeing how everyone chose to dress up.

This year, we were in for quite a surprise - a global pandemic.

Many people aren’t sure what that means for our beloved holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, and yes, even Halloween. No one is sure whether it’s safe to go out or if we’re even allowed to, for that matter.

“Honestly, I think as long people are wearing masks and keeping groups to a minimum amount of people, it’s okay,” sophomore Taylor Barnett said.

“When you go out on Halloween, you’re usually pretty spaced out from other groups, plus you’re outside. However, I don’t think it’s safe to go to parties. People are in such proximity to each other and the chance of someone catching COVID is very high.”

Because of this threatening virus, it has put a stop or pause to so many things, especially anything with a large gathering of people.

Capacity limitations remain in effect. Now, with that being said, it depends on what you’re doing for Halloween. If you go out to a party, the chances of you catching COVID are very high, whereas if you stay in and watch Halloween movies, you should be fine. There are so many Halloween themed shows and movies to watch ranging from scary movies to funny animated cartoons.

“You should watch ‘Beetlejuice’ or ‘Goosebumps’. They are really cool,” freshman Natalee Scholl said.

“I love the ‘Halloweentown’ series, but my favorite Halloween movie is the ‘A Nightmare Before Christma’s’,” Barnett said.

“Although some may say it’s a Christmas movie, it’s a great movie to watch to get in the Halloween spirit. Disney channel also has some great T.V. show Halloween specials too.”

Everyone has a different mindset when it comes to the times we’re in right now. Some people rather stay in and watch scary movies, while others won’t let COVID stop them from having the fun that they planned.

“For Halloween, I’ll be hanging out with friends and going to see a movie,” junior Katelyn Hudson said. “Yes, COVID is a thing, but I can’t just let it keep me inside not socializing with anyone. The show must go on.”

So, has COVID really affected how this holiday will run this year?

Will it just be a year to stay in and watch movies, or will nothing have changed? If you plan on going out for Halloween this year, maybe you could wear a hazmat suit; you’re protected and it would be seen as a costume. Sounds like a solid plan.

Have fun and be safe this year!

“I always have a blanket on because it’s cold in my room and I don’t always have my camera on.”

The amount of leisure taking place online compared to in-person classes is apparent through the flexibility that is available for students who opt for zoom calls instead of physically attending classes. In addition, despite the struggle of procrastinating or staying organized, both can be solved easily in theory however students wish, whether it be digital, pencil on paper or both.

“I keep an agenda and the Canvas calendar,” Johnson said.

Besides the mild disruptions an online student encounters, the biggest one being a pandemic caused all kinds of changes that will leave a lasting memory of a lifetime.

“Once you have this many monitors you can’t go back.”

Photo by Savannah Karas

Corona Shuffle Hi-Steppers Practice Dance Despite Challenges come together and grow together,” senior Faith Daniels said. “Especially for the new members, I know it is much more difficult. I do see lots of seniors and upperclassmen asking for the new members’ numbers and reaching out to them Dancers come into the school one by one, though. We will find a way through this and goone after the other on a hot summer’s day. The ing back to school in person will definitely help.” scent of bleach and cleaning supplies can be Not only has it been hard for members to smelt throughout the whole school. The fumes fill meet each other, but also the newest members their noses as they enter the building. They head or rookies have also had to learn how everything to the large dance room only to remember they works from being online or distanced from othall have to distance from each other as if there ers. Though there’s been a few challenges the was a barrier between them. rest of the team has helped them Unrecognizable faces hidden through it. behind a cloth to remain safe, “I would say it’s not too difficult, and all of this because of a new because everyone is really friendchallenge that can’t be seen by ly, and you figure things out pretty the naked eye. quickly,” sophomore Lizzy McDowell The Hi-Steppers are the drill said. “But, remembering stuff the team and have had to drasticalwhole team has known for a couly adjust the way they practice ple of years, that’s kind of different and get together. With the newbecause some things, like formaest issue, COVID-19, rules have tions and certain chants and parts become more strict such as stayof dances, people have already ing six feet apart and having to known. And, then, it just takes longer constantly sanitize. However, they to get used to that. But as far as have figured out new ways to dance-wise goes, it’s not that hard keep going despite this setback. to keep up.”

“We’re wearing masks,” The captain on the team has also Hi-Steppers Captain Pey- had to adjust to COVID-19 as well Hi-Stepper Director Tracy Neef said. “The majority of the time we ton Beck. by having to change how things are are about six to eight feet apart all Photo by Kayla Childress done but tries to make the best of the the time in the studio, so that has situation. been a little bit difficult not being able to prac“I get stressed out easily, and it’s a lot of tice close together in formation, but I think the pressure obviously, but, on the other hand, this is team has adjusted well.” such a great experience,” Captain Peyton Beck Their dance room has recently gone under said. “I’m gaining so many leadership skills; I’ve renovation to double in size which has helped gotten closer to Neef and [Dazzlers coach Chriswith the spacing that must be followed. Not only ten] Manning; I feel more connected to people has it helped follow guidelines, but also allowed on the team just because of what I’m doing; I’m the dancers to help better themselves. not in ranks and focusing on a small group of “We can do things full out now because a people. I focus on everyone, so in a way. I feel lot of the time we’d have to mark stuff because more connected to people.” we didn’t have room, or if we were dancing in Through all of this, the team has tried to have formation, everyone was so squished together, a more positive outlook on things and focus on and, so, now we can actually do it more full the good rather than the bad. This way, they out,” sophomore Olivia Funk said. can have a memorable and productive year.

With having to be more spread out and dis“Because we didn’t get to have a lot of tanced, it has been harder to talk to others and opportunities to dance in person over summer,” get to know one and other. However, they are sophomore Elise Chiang said, “I’ve been trying still trying to make those new connections and to be more optimistic about the ones that we bonds. currently have right now.”

“We don’t have our normal opportunities to

ABIGAIL HERNANDEZ STAFF WRITER

mydshs.com

The Paw Print

5

October 2020

Editorials Q &A

Q A

Trials, Tribulations, Teachers

The reality of quality learning amidst COVID What is the school doing to assist those without adequate access to meals?

“Students on Free and Reduced lunch have been receiving food items since Spring Break. Our Child Nutrition team is on it. Additionally, our community, through an organization called Tiger Totes, provides snacks to students that need that little bit of support during weekends and holidays.”

-Counselor Jennifer Foreman

Q

What advice would you give the upperclassmen who are trying to make concrete plans during this time?

A

“My best advice is to plan as if things are normal and/or will be by the time you graduate. Life has a way of working out every time. It may not be the way you planned or hoped it would be, but it works out.” -Head Counselor Retta Ary

Q

What steps will the counselors take to help seniors applying to colleges during this unique time?

A

“We started this in January before we even knew what would happen with Rising Senior Night. We are still hosting a college fair but it will be virtual. We also hosted Zoom dropin sessions for seniors and their parents to ask questions about college applications, testing, etc. [In September], we held a workshop on college essay writing and will continue to do events like these.” -Head Counselor Retta Ary

SAM MOORE CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

This school year is filled with unique challenges never faced by teachers and administrators before. Most of what we are dealing with right now is foreign territory to everyone.

It is important that this year we understand the importance of empathy and appreciating the efforts of our teachers who have been faced with these challenges. The school has done its part to make sure all individuals face their challenges, ranging from poverty to college applications, with as much support from the school as possible.

There is no perfect solution to this issue, but what is important is that our teachers have put their best effort into making this a quality school year for all of us. According to counselor Jennifer Foreman, the school has made a major effort to make sure remote students are still part of the classroom experience, as well as receiving the same instruction and workload.

The school has taken extreme precautions in terms of student safety. Along with these precautions, our school is fortunate to have a new building which allows us to better practice social distancing.

Safety in school and the home is as much of a priority to our school as ever. Retta Ary, the head counselor, mentioned there to be even more resources and counseling available amid the pandemic.

The administration has done an excellent job at rising to the challenges they’ve been faced with for this school year. This is especially apparent in the lengths they’ve gone to ensure everyone can get the same quality of remote learning, such as providing technology to all students who may need it.

Understandably, seniors are struggling with their unique circumstances when it comes to deciding

their future, but the school has been taking extra steps this year to help make the process easier. In September, the school held a workshop on college essay writing. And specific events like the workshop are posted on the Class of 2021 Canvas page. All of the general information students need can be found on the counseling website.

We must appreciate all the hard work our teachers and administrators have put into making this year as functional and safe as possible while meeting everyone’s needs. Counselors are encouraging students to reach out any time and created Google forms to simplify the process of getting in touch with them.

Although some may think the school isn’t doing enough to keep students safe and well-educated during this trying time, it’s important to remember that it’s near impossible to make everyone satisfied with the decisions that are made. We must recognize the school is doing as much as it can to keep us safe.

We need to appreciate all the hard work and thoughtfulness that has been put into creating a quality year for us. This is a situation in which nobody can react perfectly, and there are only so many precautions you can take.

Instead of criticizing what the school is lacking, let’s take a moment to appreciate all the effort that has been put into making this an enjoyable school year for all.

“How we do our jobs may look differently but the what and why didn’t change. Every adult in the building and across the district cares about the students here. All it takes is letting us know what you need, and we will do everything in our power to meet that need.” - Head Counselor, Retta Ary

Stay Home? Stay Connected?

Students decide which course of action is right for them BROOKLYN HAGBLOM STAFF WRITER

Due to the world’s most recent pandemic, students have two options when it comes to returning to campus. They are either able to come back to school or continue with remote learning like the end of last year, and the beginning four weeks of the 2020-2021 school year. Many students are on edge about it. Many stay home to stay safe, while others take the journey back to school, facing exposure to a fatal virus to learn better and ease into more social interactions.

Students should slowly begin to return to campus.

For most students, it is very hard to work at home. From a disruptive family, more freedom to be distracted, and no teacher there to easily ask questions, a lot of students find it difficult to stay on top of things and keep their grades up. Going back to school can solve all these problems. With a teacher there in the classroom teaching students, it makes it easy to get up and ask a question. Students are expected to finish their homework and are given a set time to work on it with teachers there watching them, keeping them on track.

Going back to school can also help switch back to our normal routine pre-coro-

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October 2020 Volume III Issue I

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navirus. Our lives have been shaken up a bit. Last school year, the students finished the second semester with remote learning. Sports seasons were cut short, competitions were canceled, businesses were closed, and the community was under lockdown. Going back to school, getting back into a routine may be very beneficial to students.

Another main reason for returning to campus would be socializing. Since the quarantine, many people haven’t seen their good friends for months. Going back to school, remaining socially distanced, could help get back that routine and encourage working together. Although Zoom calls have breakout rooms, these are not the same as communicating with your peers in real life.

Although, besides all the reasons on why it would be beneficial to return to school, there are still many things that can cause a student to want to stay home, remaining quarantined. One of these would be their family member or loved one is high risk, and if a student were to bring that kind of exposure to their home, it could be fatal.

However, reconsidering returning to campus could help students in many ways.

The Paw Print encourages the student body to submit letters to the editor.

Letters, guest columns, and all material submitted for publication must include the writer’s name and stay under 400 words. The Paw Print does not guarantee to print or online publish work submitted. The meaning of any submission will not be altered, however The Paw Print reserves the right to correct spelling, grammar and punctuation when necessary, as well as condense.

Additionally, The Paw Print refuses to print criticism which is not constructive or unsupported by credible evidence.

Email submissions to dshsstudentmedia@dsisdconnect.com.

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dshsstudentmedia Dripping Springs High School, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

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Sports

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT Senior Gracie Johnson, Varsity Girls Tennis Captain CADY RUSSELL SPORTS EDITOR What are some of the rules in place around COVID-19 and your sport?

“Some of the new rules this year would be that we always have to wear masks under the shaded areas, we have to provide our own water/Gatorade, we have to fill out a pre-workout screening form, and we aren’t allowed to shake hands after matches.”

What has been the most challenging thing so far?

“The hardest thing for me has been just maintaining social distance and other COVID-19 guidelines in general. When you’re with a team, it’s so easy to forget that we’re in the middle of a pandemic and want to give one of your friends a nudge or high-five.”

What is something you can’t wait to get rid of?

“I think I speak for everyone when I say we can’t wait to get rid of the pre-workout screening form (the form asking us if we’ve had any COVID symptoms or if we’ve been in contact with anyone infected). The form itself is really not long or difficult at all, and it’s totally necessary given the situation, it’s just something that I think we’ve all forgotten to do before practice at least once or twice.”

How has your season been impacted?

“Fall season for the most part has been pretty normal, aside from all of the additional safety guidelines and weather delays, our tournaments have stayed on schedule. Spring season at the end of the 2019-2020 school year was canceled all together though, which we were all really disappointed about.”

Johnson playing during the 2019-2020 tennis season.

How has your sport changed since COVID-19?

“Tennis has never been as much of a close contact or team sport as something like basketball or football, but I feel like since the beginning of COVID-19, there’s been a lot more emphasis on the individual aspect of it.”

Photo by Kloe Miller.

Photo by Ariana Garcia.

Photo by Riley Sprockett.

Photo by Riley Sprockett.

Photo by Will Taylor.

Photo by Kayla Childress.

Photo by Olivia Funk.

Photo by Makayla Marley.

Photo by Will Taylor.

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The Paw Print October 2020

Sports

Coronavirus, Athlete Edition How the Pandemic Changed the Sports Game CADY RUSSELL SPORTS EDITOR With sports seasons getting back into the swing of difficult than before. things, student-athletes have to deal with new rules in “Wearing a mask as you know, kind of difficult to place surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. hear people already, and yelling across the entire field “In basketball, we never have all three teams in the is pretty difficult in itself and it just kind of muffles your gym unless it’s like the big competition gym because voice a little bit more, so it’s quite difficult,” Hasty said. we want to make sure that everyone has enough space But student-athletes haven’t found all the rules to be to stay distant,” varsity player Ainsley Ballard, junior, said. detrimental to the game, finding some much easier to “Whenever we do drills we make sure that the lines are deal with than previously thought. spaced and on the “Well I thought sidelines, we make it was going to sure that everyone is be a lot harder not close together, in the mornings same as when we to actually get break out. When into practice and we do anything we make sure that pretty much have our everyone masks on the whole was ready for time.” practice,” Ballard And different said, “But they sports have different have good rules, depending on hand sanitizer, how much contact like this spray there is and what the stuff, and it’s sport is like. super easy and “It’s mostly based then they have around wearing spit thermometers guards around your that are really Boy cross country lines up at the starting line. Photo by Will Taylor. football helmet, easy to use.” which basically prevents you from spreading any type And while students are required to wear a mask of virus, as COVID is,” freshman A-team football player during practice, with a few exceptions like water breaks William Hasty said. “It’s a little difficult, you have to wear in basketball and long runs in cross country, some are a mask anytime. We’ve always got to have something finding it easier to adapt. covering our face, we got to stay spaced out, we’ll “I thought it would be a whole lot harder, it was at usually have groups of three in a weight group. It’s not first, the first day I threw up, but I got pretty used to it too fun, but we’re getting used to it.” and it’s not too bad wearing them now, it just takes And the new rules and practices go farther than just time,” Hasty said. wearing a mask and staying spaced out. Students have Sports are getting back into the swing of things, to sanitize before practice and fill out a Google form. with fall sports like football and volleyball delayed for “So we have to fill out a form, like a Google form, two months. However, there are still restrictions. Only a every day before we come to practice and basically certain number of people will be allowed into games, just it just says if you’ve been in contact with anyone and meets and games have been moved more locally. that’s had COVID or if you have any symptoms, and We’re doing a lot more local meets, which I guess then if you’re practicing virtually or in person.” junior we sort of usually do but they’re a little bit different Karsten Bobb, who runs cross country, said. than usual,” Bobb said, “Because usually we have one However, it’s not the rules around sanitizing or sort of more fun meet where we go down to Corpus preventing the spread of coronavirus that’s been Christi and we do the Islander Splash, which is sort of proving the most difficult for student-athletes. It’s like a regional meet preview and we’ll do like a beach socializing.

Olympics and that’s a really big team bonding event “Normally we’re so close as a team and we all go and that’s not going to get to happen this year.” out to eat places and obviously that can’t happen But hope has not been lost. After putting in hours anymore because of COVID,” Ballard said. of individual work over the summer, doing workouts Bobb said, “When you’re trying to get to know some provided by Coach Zimmerman, and doing as much as of the newer teammates it can be a little awkward they can, athletes are hoping for the best. trying to keep your distance and also introduce yourself, Hasty said he wishes for, “A winning team, and hopeso that’s a little tricky.” fully, we’ll get somewhere.”

For sports like football with more space, hearing your teammates from across the field has proven much more

Varsity runner Karsten Bobb, junior, compeates at the first cross country meet on September 12. Photo by Will Taylor.

Football huddles after a intersquad scrimmage. Photo by Ariana Garcia.

To Return or Not to Return Setting the Season Remote vs. In-Person Practices

CADY RUSSELL SPORTS EDITOR

BROOKLYN HAGBLOM STAFF WRITER The 2020-2021 school year has been like no other. With the start of the year remote learning, kids are just starting to come back on campus. With the return of students on campus, it also means the return of sports. But it hasn’t been all fun and games, there are many precautions that the coaches are taking.

“During practice everyone has to wear masks, which was very uncomfortable but I’ve gotten used to it, and we have had to sanitize everything we touch in the gym,” sophomore Karley Sledge said.

Sledge has returned to school along with many other students, but some have still made the decision to remain remote, and safe in their own homes, not risking exposure to the virus. This means that all of their exercising and practicing for the seasons to come has to be done at home, and sometimes it is hard to keep up on it.

Volleyball Deals With Socially Distant Season

“Like a lot of people around the world, I have had a lot of free time during corona. It is really easy to get distracted by electronics, and I haven’t been the best at keeping up on practicing or setting a schedule for myself. It has been hard to bring enough will to get myself to practice but I have done some exercises and workouts at home,” freshman Truman Householder said.

Householder is staying remote, so it is hard to practice, but he is also looking forward to returning to school after the first nine weeks.

“I’m very excited to go back to school and see my friends that I haven’t seen since last school year, and I’m really looking forward to high school sports,” Householder said. “I think that there will be more competition, and I think that it will be fun to go and compete at many other high schools. I can’t wait to get back and meet new people.”

Girls basketball scrimmages before school in masks. Photo by Jessica Stamp.

A player spikes the ball during a game against Smithson Valley, won 3-0. Photo by David Jensen.

Like many other sports, volleyball is facing a very different season. From masks to hand sanitizer, their practices, games, and team bonding looks much different than in years past.

“I would say the most challenging thing, this sounds kind of funny, but remembering not too high-five,” varsity player Reagan Hellberg, a junior, said. “Like for me I know we all encourage each other so much and we’ll literally get in trouble if we high five or make contact or get too close to each other, like in the huddles. So I’d say that’s probably the biggest adjustment because I’m so used to doing that.”

Masks are required during practices, but while games are happening, players can pull down their masks while on the court.

“Some people would think that you’re suffocating wearing this mask but in reality, you can breathe whenever you’re actually playing, which I think is the nice part. I don’t know what I would do if I had to keep it up while I was playing and breathing so heavily.”

Hellberg said.

But it’s more than just mask rules and no hifives. Players must follow strict social distancing guidelines as well.

“We have to stay completely distant, like six feet apart at all times, which is kind of hard when you know you’re playing, it brings new things to the drills and games,” Hellberg said.

“And when you’re in line you literally have to stay six feet apart, so it’s so spaced out.”

But what has changed the most for the volleyball program is how they bond

together as a team.

“We used to do so many team bonding things. We used to go hang out, we used to have pool parties and we can’t do any of that anymore, you know?” Hellberg said. “The only team bonding activity we’ve done is go out to dinner, but still, we’re wearing our masks, we’re going to the restaurant, and it’s just so different. There’s only so much you can do as a team to like, get to together.”

However, Hellberg mentioned that the team still has great chemistry after spending so many hours on the court together. And all that practice is for their hopes of making it to playoffs in an unpredictable year.

“Honestly, it’s so crazy because everything is just so unexpected. I feel like everybody feels that way. And like tomorrow is like a mystery.

Every single day you don’t know what it’s going to look like. You don’t know when this is going to be over and honestly, I’d say coming out of this season I hope that we get to go to the playoffs,” Hellberg said. “That’s the hope.

Hopefully, we make it super far, because at any moment anything can get canceled, you just never know, it’s so unexpected.”

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October 2020

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Student Life

“The project (Comfort for Kids) has happened for the past few years, but this is the first year that I have been in charge of it.”

- Senior Emily Bergeron

“I am collecting stuffed animals at Thyme and Dough and doing pick ups (and at the schools) until Nov. 6. After this, I will give them all over to the Hays County Fire Department, who will in turn distribute the stuffed animals to first responders across Hays County.”

- Senior Emily Bergeron

COMFORT FOR KIDS “It is important for these kids to get these stuffed animals because they’re facing one of the scariest and confusing moments that they have faced so far. In situations like fires or car accidents, I am hoping that the stuffed animal will give them some comfort and something to hold onto in such a tough situation.”

- Senior Emily Bergeron

“Aside from donating, people can help spread the word to friends and family. The more people who know about this project ups the number of donations we can collect.”

- Senior Emily Bergeron