April 1, 2022
Tappan Zee High School Orangeburg, NY Volume LXII, Issue 3
Tapmess
Mask Mandate's End Reveals Surprises By Amy Kugelman
Something that became known as the new normal was formed shortly after the worldwide pandemic that shifted everyone's life. To slow the spread of COVID- 19, the government enforced mask wearing and social distance. Two years after the pandemic began, we started to see restrictions on the mask mandates and other regulations like social distancing diminish. Students and teachers alike were starting to discuss the possibility of lifting the mask mandate at Tappan Zee High School, which soon became a reality. While some people were excited not to not have to wear their masks at school, many had mixed opinions or were even worried. Not only did no masks potentially mean a higher risk for COVID19, but some people also had a social fear of removing the mask as we have been wearing them for the last two years. Over the last two years, students and staff needed to adjust to the new norms of wearing masks, and some even say they became too comfortable with the mandate. Maybe students became unaware of their faces during social interactions or did not worry about their pimples because no one could see them under their masks. The mask covers the majority of one's face, meaning it can aid in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and
Photos by Amy Kugelman Seniors Rayna Scholssberg, Riley Roimisher, Katrina Peel and math teacher Ms. Braunagel reveal hidden secrets following the end of the mask mandate.
aid some students' health in that they do not have to stress about their physical appearance as much. Although the mask mandate is lifted, it remains a personal choice to
wear a mask, and many students continue to wear them. While some students and staff continue to wear their masks for COVID- 19 reasons, others wear
them to hide their insecurities. When we meet someone with a mask on, we may try to imagine what the rest of their face covered by the mask would look like, but what if our assumption is way off? Seniors at Tappan Zee High School, Katrina Peel, Riley Roimisher, and Rayna Schlosberg, shared a new insight into the situation. These students walk among us, but do not be fooled as they are not truthfully human underneath that mask. All of the students interviewed were secretly half- human and halfanimal. These students were able to blend in with the average student population because no one could tell underneath their masks what they looked like. Some classmates raised concerns about the half- human students. Ms. Braunagel, a math teacher at TZ, said she was not shocked by the news as many others in the school community were. She simply took off her mask to show me she was only half- human, too, as if it were normal. So there I was, surrounded by freaks of nature, and I only found out because they took off their masks. If you feel anything animal- like happening to you in the coming weeks, do not hesitate to let these students and staff know as they have experienced it first-hand.
Restructured Budget Results in New Zee Statue By Ryan MacDonnell
Now as spring is here and the school year is almost 75% complete, the school district has some major plans. Every class excluding the four core (Science, History, English and Math) will no longer be available to students due to the massive project. Various students have wondered what the project is and are fearful about no longer having their favorite classes. Even though it is extremely controversial, the budget cuts areabsolutely necessary to build a giant statue of Zee (TZHS's epic mascot) down by the track. Recent reports suggest that the project should be done by the beginning of next April and should cost the district millions of dollars. Of course, this is a conservative estimate. The final costs will probably be much higher and take additional years to complete. Obviously the impacts of this project cannot be understated. Grievances have been hurled against Principal Arietta and Superintendent Prichard, and yet they have not budged on the idea.
Not only will the statue of Zee be a landmark for our school district, but it will also have an interesting interior. Now all after school activities will be housed inside the statue; since the budget cuts will render many classrooms obsolete. An anonymous staff member has even ordered a professional grade pool table and smoothie bar for the newly located teacher?s lounge located in Zee?s head. Given this situation, many have voiced their anger. Innovative classes, such as art and music, will no longer be available and those teachers will be forced to teach one of the four core subjects. There lack of qualifications or certifications to teach those classes is something the district has chosen to ignore. Various students have already begun planning protests which will begin on April 1st, 2022. ?Everyone should be against this monstrosity,? senior Brandon Moore proclaimed at the meeting. Yet, this isn?t the worst part about the project. Obviously due to the lack of money, student- athletes will be
forced to join Pearl River's sports teams since our school can no longer support their own. Under these circumstances, the wrestling team has volunteered to teach self defense classes in order to deal with the wild Pearl River Pirates. Understandably, these crazy times have just gotten crazier with these new developments. Perhaps one day Tappan Zee can be proud of the enormous statue, but for now, it only brings heartbreak and a weakened education for South Orangetown's students in the coming years.
A fter an extensive photo shoot, the above pose was selected. A s A thletic D irector Bill Pilla said, "I t captures the essence that is Zee."