Staley High School Talon, Volume 14, Issue 3, February 2022, Kansas City, Mo.

TALON

STALEY

Staley High School Kansas City, Mo. Issue 3 Volume 14 February 2022

Dancing Duo 4-5 Screenland Armour Theater 8-9

Book TikTok Hype 18-19

100 WINS P. 10-11

Cassie Ford

Editor-In-Chief

Humberto Bermudez Photographer

Hannah Moore

Charlie Warner

Alex Carroll

Fallyn Kowalski

Editor-In-Chief, Ads Manager

Reporter, Photographer

TALON STAFF

Editor-in-Chief, Copy Editor

Reporter, Columnist

Mariah Wilson

Brianne Tremper

Managing Editor

Grace Winkler

Photographer, Graphic Artist

Elyse Bredfeldt

Reporter, Designer, Graphic Artist

Copy Editor

Beck Marier Staff

Aeyika Hatch Staff

Cherie Burgett, Adviser Jackie Uptegrove, Student Teacher

On the cover, multiple students and faculty have earned 100 athletic career wins this school year. Senior Cassie Ford's photo illustration emphazises the accomplishments that have been achieved by coaches and athletes.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

4-5 FEATURE Sisters Reflect On Competing Together

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6 SPORTS Girls Basketball Succeeds In Season

13 12 COMICS NEWS Falcon MSHSAA Funnies Sport For Gaming 18-19 17 OPINION OPINION Teacher Cell BookTok Phone Policies Hype

7 SPORTS Boys Basketball Dominates Season 14 OPINION Joelle's Baked With Love

8-9 LIFESTYLE Local Theater Provides Unique Experiences

20 SPORTS Girls Wrestling District Champs

Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Table Of Contents

15 OPINON Mashed Potato Bowl Brawl

10-11 SPORTS Coaches, Athletes Achieve 100 Wins 16 OPINION Movie Soundtrack Potential

STAFF EDITORIAL: ENRICHING STUDENTS

New Falcon Time System Restricts Students

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dministration has implemented two restrictive systems for students this school year: e-hall pass and Enriching Students. When the e-hall pass system was introduced, some students were vocal in their irritation about it. Despite generally negative opinions from the student body, Enriching Students was implemented for Falcon Time starting second semester.

Instead of creating an e-hall pass to a teacher’s classroom for Falcon Time each day like first semester, a teacher now schedules Falcon Time locations for the entire next week on Fridays.

Administration may believe Enriching Students is a positive change. While it takes the

scheduling responsibility away from students, it further limits their freedom. Any student can choose to enroll in AP or dual credit courses, but that same student is not trusted to decide where they will spend 37 minutes of their day. They can be trusted to lead clubs, play on varsity teams and travel out of the state and country for school trips, yet they can’t be trusted to manage less than an hour of time daily.

One of the core values of the school is Ownership, per the SOAR acronym. If students are supposed to develop Ownership over their choices, limiting their flexibility is entirely counterproductive.

An argument that could be made for the system is that it holds students accountable for

their grades and Falcon Time attendance more than before.

However, the decreased flexibility of this system will be more harmful academically overall, as it is harder to go to different teachers for help.

If administration wants to help students grow academically, they need to reconsider the use of Enriching Students. Students deserve flexibility to make decisions based on what happens each day. Administration needs to trust that students are capable of taking Ownership of their personal success.

Cartoon by Grace Winkler

CONTACT US: Talon publishes quarterly issues during the school year. Talon will accept letters to the editor in CR202 or at cherie.burgett@ nkcschools.org. Before the letter is published, we will need to verify the writer’s identity with a photo identification. Letters may not exceed a length of 350 words. We will not publish letters that are libelous, obscene or that may cause a veritable disruption of the education process at Staley High School.

Letters must be signed. Anonymous letters will be discarded.

Advertisers may contact the adviser at cherie.burgett@ nkcschools.org, (816) 321-5330 or at 2800 NE Shoal Creek Parkway, Kansas City, MO, 64156-1313. Opinions expressed in Talon do not express the staff’s endorsement of the products or services. Talon is a member of NSPA, MIPA-MJEA and Quill and Scroll, JEA and JEMKC.

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For more stories, videos and photos, visit StaleyNews.com

Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Editorial

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DANCING DUO

Cascone Sisters Reflect On Years Competing Together

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hile some siblings compete in sports alongside each other, many are not as successful as junior Isabella Cascone and senior Sofia Cascone have been.

Head Emeralds coach Andrea Holmes said the strengths they have as a duo work well together.

Holmes said Sofia possessed technical skill in dance and Isabella was gifted at choreography.

“It’s unusual to have sisters that do this, but it is a great advantage to the Emeralds because they have been dancing together for their entire lives,” Holmes said.

The Cascone sisters have danced as a duo for 14 years, and this has been a meaningful experience for both.

“We’ve been dancing with each other since we were 2 and 3,” Sofia said. “It’s really special. It’s something that you’ll never forget.”

Isabella echoed the sentiments her sister shared about their experience competing together over the years.

“It’s something that I always hold close to my heart, and I always think about it,” Isabella said. "Being able to dance together and being able to share our passion together for our whole life has been awesome.”

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Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Feature

The Cascone sisters competed together and won again and again. The duo earned first place overall for their performance at Lee’s Summit North Regionals Jan. 22. They claimed the title of six-time champions.

Despite winning for the past six years, both sisters said it was equally as exciting each time they won.

“It’s exciting every time,” Isabella said. “We never go into a competition thinking that we are going to win. You have to fight hard for it.”

Sofia agreed recognition is rewarding but said that they compete mainly because they love the sport.

“It’s rewarding getting recognized,” Sofia said. “We never go into a competition expecting anything. We just do it because we love it.”

The duo attributed their success to the support of their parents, dance teachers and coaches, as well as the hard work they regularly put in at practices.

“We do practice 40+ hours a week,” Isabella said.

“We are always practicing. We watch videos a lot, and we critique ourselves.”

Every year, the sisters perform at least two to three duos together.

However, with Sofia graduating this year, this partnership will be coming to an end. Sofia said it would be a hard adjustment.

Photo courtesy of Isabella Cascone

“I’m going to be very emotional about it,” Sofia said.

“We’ve done it for 14 years straight. We’ll compete our last duo this year, and it’ll be pretty emotional.”

Holmes said watching the growth of both dancers has been something she valued as their coach.

“Watching them progress as people, as young women and as dancers has been exciting for me,” Holmes said.

Sofia said she and her sister hope to dance for the same college team, and while it wouldn’t be the same, they do want to continue to dance together beyond high school.

Photo courtesy of Isabella Cascone

Written by Elyse Bredtfelt Performing with the Emeralds at the Homecoming game against North Kansas City High School Sept. 24, senior Sofia Cascone and junior Isabella Cascone shake their pom-poms. The Cascones have danced as a duo for 15 years, but their time will be coming to a close as Sofia graduates. “I’m going to be really sad,” Isabella said.

“It’s something we’ve been able to do together and share a passion together.” // Photo by McKenna Dubes

Photo by McKenna Dubes

Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Feature

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Dribbling down the court, junior Lizzie Boehm drives toward the goal in the Feb. 3 game against Lee’s Summit High School. Boehm said she was thinking about creating ball movement toward the basket while driving, which is what varsity has been working on in practice. “We work on getting it into the post more and actually getting downhill,” Boehm said. // Photo by Humberto Bermudez Gearing up to shoot a free throw, senior MaryPaige Miller attempts to score after being fouled in the game against Lee’s Summit on Feb. 3. Miller made the shot, but said free throws aren’t her strongest suit in the game. “I think of coach Abbott,” Miller said. “He works with me a lot on it, so I think of him and his pointers when I shoot.” // Photo by Humberto Bermudez

SHOOTING SHOOTING HIGH HIGH

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anked in MaxPreps’ top 25 teams in Missouri, the girls basketball team has won 13 of their 17 games.

Varsity beat Oak Park High School Jan. 31 and won with a score of 67-30. Senior Olivia Reynolds said she felt great about the win.

“It’s always good to beat an in-district school,” Reynolds said.

“We knew we had it, and it’s a really good feeling when you’re up 30.”

The team had also beat North Kansas City High School Feb. 7 and won with a score of 58-18.

“We truly look for the best

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Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Sports

Girls Basketball Team Has Success In Regular Season opportunity versus something that has to be my shot,” senior MaryPaige Miller said. “Our girls do a really good job at trying to find the right shot at the right time.”

Time and preparation goes into each game. Head girls basketball coach Michael Bennett said he felt proud of the team and said the main goal is for the athletes to be ready and successful in each game.

“It's putting a lot of time watching film, prepping on the court and making sure everything is clean and really ready to go for that game in front of us,” Bennett said.

The team said chemistry and close bonds factored into their continued success.

“I feel like we have a lot more chemistry on the court,” senior Elanna Aaron said. “It’s really nice to have a team full of sisters.”

Written by Alex Carroll

OWN THE THE OWN COURT COURT

Boys Basketball Remains Dominant Throughout Season

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anked No. 1 in the Suburban Red division according to 810 Varsity, the boys basketball team is 20-3 as of Feb. 11.

Varsity beat Liberty High School 51-35 to win the 51st Annual C.W. Stessman Invitational Jan. 21.

“That’s a win that I feel like all my teammates and coaches and the program can feel really good about,” senior Emmanuel Byrd said.

And for the third year in a row, varsity won the William Jewell’s High School Holiday Classic – this time against Raytown High School 62-42 Dec. 30. Senior Asa Bridges has played in all three games.

“Three times in a row is pretty hard for that tournament,” Bridges said.

“There's a lot of good teams in it, so it felt really good to win that.”

Senior Brogan Donaldson said the team was motivated to win a state title this year.

“Every single time we step on the court, we all come together, and we all do what we got to do to win the game,” senior Donaldson said.

Written by Alex Carroll Graphics by Grace Winkler Driving in the paint, junior Kayden Fish maneuvers around the defender in the courtwarming game Feb. 4 against Lee’s Summit High School. The courtwarming game drew large crowds, nearly doubling the size of the student section. “It was easily the biggest crowd I’ve seen in my three years here," Fish said. "It just felt good people wanted to come watch the game." // Photo by

In the game against Lee's Summit High School Feb. 4, junior Kyan Evans scored his 1,000th career point. He’s had more than 60 wins and more than 350 assists in his high school basketball career. “I’ve been working toward it for three years now, and it’s a big accomplishment,” Evans said. “It just shows the hard work is paying off.”// Photo by Jermaine Hicks

Humberto Bermudez

Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Sports

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SCREENLAND ARMOUR theater Local Cinema Provides Unique Movie Experience

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Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Lifestyle

408 Armour Road, North Kansas City, Mo., 64116

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ne of the hardest hit industries during the COVID-19 pandemic was the Hollywood film industry and ultimately movie theaters. While most movie theaters remained closed, the Screenland Armour Theater in North Kansas City, Mo., reopened earlier than other theaters in the pandemic, midJune 2020, due to the owners’ willingness to adapt to new regulations.

“I was working with NATO (National Association of Theater Owners) on developing procedures to safely reopen,” coowner Adam Roberts said. “We were on the front lines of that.”

Since Hollywood shut down, movies stopped coming out as rapidly until around June 2021.

Consequently, the theater’s business became very slow but has steadily increased due to more movie releases in mid-2021.

“I think generally everyone started feeling good in the summer, and that kept going until the first of this year,” Roberts said. “It’s just kind of weird because release dates are strange, and everything is also on demand. And of course right now we’re at the third peak of the pandemic.”

However, with more bigbudget Hollywood movies coming out like “Scream,” “Jackass Forever” and “Death on the Nile,” Roberts expected the theater business to find solid

footing despite the challenges.

“We’re still in that weird transition,” Roberts said.

“Hollywood is still trying to figure out how things are going with movies and how to release movies in a pandemic.”

The Screenland Armour opened in May 2008 and was taken over by Roberts and his brother-in-law in August 2012.

Originally, the theater only had one screen until the previous owner added a second one.

Now it has four screens, two larger theaters and two smaller theaters. The theater itself was built in 1928 and was one of the original movie theaters in all of Kansas City. The theater was established, but missing something.

“The problem in 2008 to 2012 was that I came here and liked it, but it just didn’t have the vibe,” Roberts said. “It didn’t have the atmosphere; it didn’t have the passion.”

Once the theater was under Roberts’ and his brother-in-law's management, they did some renovations. They added more stylistic artwork, rebranded and figured out what movies they would show and what events they would host. The theater turned from an additional income stream for the previous owner to a passion project for Roberts.

“I love movies,” Roberts said.

“I watched 305 movies last year.

I watch a ton of movies, and I

have since I was 10. My love for movies has always been there.

It made sense, so we rolled the dice and borrowed a tiny bit of money.”

Ten years later, the theater has seemingly found that missing “vibe,” and Roberts feels they are just now comfortable as a business. The theater has a lot of quirks that make it unique compared to chains like AMC and B&B. Screenland Armour has a hand-selected showing of movies, from current big titles and foreign films to independent films or classics.

Additionally, they host a variety of events, like movie roasts, where they show infamous movies or cult classic movies and have comedians there making fun of these movies. Inside the theater there is a bar and a kitchen that offers pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches as well as popcorn and other classic movie snacks.

“I think the style of our program, of how we run a theater, is more probable to how young people like theaters,” Roberts said. “We’re more of an experience. When you go to an AMC, it just feels like a Walmart.”

Written by Charlie Warner Photos by Charlie Warner Graphics by Cassie Ford, Mariah Wilson

Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Lifestyle

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100 WINS

Coach, Athletes Achieve Triple Digit Career Wins

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n a home meet against Park Hill South High School Jan. 18, senior Lexi Hatfield earned her 100th career match win. Hatfield said she felt a lot of pressure going into her possible hundredth win.

“It was a home duel, and I knew I was about to get it,” Hatfield said.

Lexi Hatfeild, 12

Girls Wrestling

“And then after I figured out I won, I felt really happy and proud of everything I did.”

She began wrestling when she was in sixth grade and has been wrestling since her freshman year. Hatfield said her main role models were her coaches and Helen Maroulis, an American wrestler. Hatfield said when it gets hard, she leaned on her support system.

“Just remember you have family and coaches and friends and teammates that help you through everything,” Hatfield said.

Written by Brianne Tremper Photo by Humberto Bermudez

Andy Lipp, 12 Boys Wrestling

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uring a wrestling match Jan. 28, senior Andy Lipp earned his 100th win. Lipp started wrestling in late elementary school, but took a break in middle school before returning to wrestling all through highschool.

“It was the perfect way to fill in this varsity spot for coach Bears.

He asked me if I wanted to, and I said ‘Yeah I’ll do it,’” Lipp said.

Lipp said he was nervous during the match because he knew if he won it would be his 100th win.

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Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Sports

“It was a good and close match,” Lipp said. “I ended up winning, and I was pretty happy.”

Thinking back over the years, his advice is to have perseverance.

"It’s not always going to be easy,” Lipp said. “Some days are going to be bad, but that makes the good days better.”

Written by Fallyn Kowalski Photo by Allie Misenhelter

Austin Marrah, 12 Boys Wrestling

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uring a wrestling tournament at Winnetonka High School Jan. 25, senior Austin Marrah earned his 100th win. Marrah said he has been involved in the sport for more than half his life.

“Ten years. All four years of high school,” Marrah said.

Though Marrah had won 99 matches before, he said that his 100th win was somewhat unexpected.

“The win itself was actually a bit of a surprise,” Marrah said. “It was a pretty tough match that I caught in a very tricky spot, so I was really surprised inside. I didn’t know that was going to happen.”

Marrah said his father wrestled when he was in college, so he has always looked up to him as a role model in the sport.

“He wrestled at the University of Iowa himself back in college,” Marrah said. “He’s been a great inspiration as I’ve gone through the sport.”

Reflecting on the success he’s had, Marrah shared some insight he’s gained in his time playing the sport.

“There are so many times in wrestling where you are the guy who’s going to be beaten up and hurt and used by another human being, and that’s OK,” Marrah said. “You can keep wrestling anyways, and eventually you’ll see the success.”

Written by Elyse Bredfeldt Photo by Allie Misenhelter

Chris Neff, Coach Boys Basketball

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layers gave head basketball coach Christopher Neff a signed basketball commemorating his 100th win as a coach at the school Jan. 25. Neff said winning was a positive memory.

“The night that we won the 100th game, in reflection, it felt really good,” Neff said.

While he appreciated the recognition as a coach, he also said the credit should be shared.

“I don’t win any of those games; our players do, our fans, their parents, our staff, our administration and the people that work with me, hire me, mentor me,” Neff said.

Ultimately, the win made him appreciate the supportive community he has gained as a coach.

“There are so many people that are involved in each of those wins, so it feels good to reflect on the community of support that it takes to get just one win, let alone 100,” Neff said.

Neff shared techniques he used when coaching the team.

“Trying to find strengths and be aware of what works and what does not work,” Neff said. “Get back in the practice gym and get it going. Trying to continue to do what we preach every day is to get better.”

Written by Elyse Bredfeldt Photo by McKenna Dubes

Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Sports

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LEVELING UP

New MSHSAA Sport For Gaming

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tudent gamers now have a varsity sport. E-Sports is a MSHSAA sport coached by teachers Sherri Butts and Janet Sobbe.

“Coach Butts and I had been talking about it,” Sobbe said. “She games, and I gamed in college a little bit, like a long time ago.”

Junior Isabella Keiwel has been a gamer most of her life. She said she was excited the school was offering something new that she was interested in.

“I grew up around video games,” Keiwel said.

“My parents are gamers and so are my siblings, so

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it’s always been a part of my life.”

Sobbe said with the sport just beginning, they were starting small.

“We’re going to start with 10 computers, so that’s really only 10 people that can compete at a tournament,” Sobbe said.

Though there were a limited number of PCs, Keiwel said she was excited to use the new computers.

“I have one at home, but I’m excited to see what kind of SPECs they have and how well they run,” Keiwel said.

Sobbe said she hoped

to meet a few times a week after school, and she wanted to create a community for gamers and to be competitive.

“There's a place for kids to meet after school and meet up and game but also have people competing,” said Sobbe.

They planned to set up tournaments with other schools, and Sobbe encouraged anyone interested in e-sports to stop by to see what it’s all about.

Written by Fallyn Kowalski

At the first informational meeting for e-sports, coach Janet Sobbe goes over a presentation Jan. 26 in the Innovation Center. Sobbe and teacher Sherri Butts coach the new sport together. "I thought it would be a cool experience for kids, and I was excited to be a part of making that happen," Sobbe said. // Photo by Lillian Burwell

FALCON FUNNIES Illustrations Explain Current Situations Illustrations by Grace Winkler

Sounds Of The Screen

Poor Connection

Food Fight

Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Lifestyle Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Comics

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Joelle's Baked With Love New Bakery Opens In Northland

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or those looking for a new place to satisfy sweet and salty cravings, Joëlle’s Baked With Love is bringing lessons learned from Mauritius to a recently-opened bakery on North Oak. Joëlle’s offers a wide variety of options including cupcakes, scones, puff pastries, quiche, burritos, biscuits and gravy, cannolis and more.

With a menu offering 50 gourmet flavors of scones, it’s the perfect place to go for something sweet or savory.

This adorable bakery was opened Sept.

1 by Joëlle Six, who moved to Kansas City in 2018 from a small island called Mauritius near Madagascar. She said her grandmother taught her how to bake, and that was when she discovered her passion. It was her childhood dream to open her own bakery, and with the help of friends and family, she was able to do so.

Written by Alex Carroll Photos by Alex Carroll Graphics by Cassie Ford 11119 North Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, Mo., 64155

Creamy Chicken and Cheese Puff Pastry: $5.95 The Creamy Chicken and Cheese Puff Pastry was my favorite of all the items I tried. The buttery, flaky crust on the outside paired well with the creamy chicken and cheese on the inside. It’s full of chicken and is easily a meal by itself; I recommend giving it a try.

Pineapple Extreme Cupcake: $3.75 The Pineapple Extreme Cupcake is a pineapple mini cake with pineapple filling, topped with cream cheese frosting. The cake was moist and had the perfect amount of pineapple filling and frosting in every bite.

It was the right amount of sweet but not overpowering.

If you love pineapple, this is a must-try.

White Chocolate Raspberry Scone: $4.50 The White Chocolate Raspberry Scone is filled with fresh raspberries and features a delicious white chocolate drizzle on top. This isn’t a typical scone; it has a crispy layer on the outside with a soft, moist inside. The mixture of the creamy white chocolate and tartness of the raspberries gives it a unique flavor.

While it’s one of their most popular flavors, I’m not a raspberry fan.

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Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Opinion

MASHED POTATO BOWL BRAWL

Written by Brianne Tremper

Written by Cassie Ford

Mashed Potato Bowl: It's A No For Me

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ver the years I have been eating school lunches, my least favorite has been the mashed potato bowl.

While I know that it's a popular school lunch item, I absolutely do not like it. When it comes to mashed potatoes, I am very picky. They must be smooth and creamy, not lumpy like the ones in the school's mashed potato bowls. The mashed potatoes aren’t originally lumpy, but the corn in it adds that texture. While it is an option to not have corn in the bowl, that only leaves cheese, potatoes and the chicken.

The cheese hardens quickly while I wait in line and sit down at a table. And the particular cheese that tops the bowls doesn’t compliment the taste of the mashed potatoes.

After opting out of corn and cheese, that just leaves a bowl of chicken and mashed potatoes. I have never been a big fan of the school's chicken, besides the buffalo bites on occasion. I strongly dislike the combination of mashed potatoes and chicken nuggets together.

Eating a chicken nugget with mashed potatoes is a weird texture that I can only describe as unpleasant. The chicken feels soggy covered in bland, chalky potatoes, and the dining experience can be summed up as unpalatable.

While this is one of my least favorite menu items, that doesn't mean I don't like any of the cafeteria food option. I would rather go with a slice of pizza over a mashed potato bowl.

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Oh-So-Good Mashed Potato Bowl Tuesday

ashed potato bowls have been a staple in the school's lunch menu for years. While many favorites have left the menu, the bowls haven't been taken away, and for good reason. They’re exceptional.

The mashed potato bowls here are better than KFC’s. The option for corn is what really ties the whole bowl together –– as well as the cheese.

In theory, the mashed potato bowl doesn't sound very appealing, but the way the mashed potatoes get when everything gets mixed together is something remarkable.

It is such a simple thing, but it combines into one of the best meals from

anywhere.

The mashed potato bowl is best served hot.

Although it is good when it has cooled off, the cheese isn't as melted and doesn't stir as well.

I like to enjoy my mashed potato bowl is with just corn and gravy.

There are more options to apply, but simple is best. This is the best option on the menu, and I look forward to it every Tuesday.

Photos by Mariah Wilson Graphics by Mariah Wilson

Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Opinion

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MOVIE

SOUNDTRACK POTENTIAL

Original Songs Not Put To Good Use In Hollywood Movies

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ovies are pieces of art that require multitudes of hardworking people to create. One important aspect of movie releases is the soundtrack that goes with it.

Some movies compile soundtracks of fantastic songs that become synonymous with the movie, like “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Swede.

Some movies have iconic orchestral scores like the “Star Wars" and “Jaws” (pretty much anything by John Williams).

Occasionally, music supervisors have artists create entire albums for movies, like "Black Panther" (2018).

Some movies do soundtracks right, but movies do it wrong sometimes

too. In some cases, music supervisors have famous artists write original songs for a soundtrack and then don’t utilize those songs to enrich the cinematic experience. An example of this is the song “It’s On Again (feat. Kendrick Lamar)” by Alicia Keys. This song is relatively unheard of, but is by two famous artists. The song was written for “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” (2014). During the credits, I opened up Shazam and was shocked Columbia Pictures and Marvel Entertainment would bring on these two huge artists and stick their song in the credits.

More recently, Bon Iver recorded “Second Nature” for “Don’t Look Up” (2021), and it’s also only used in the credits. Kid Cudi and Ariana Grande also recorded a track together, and it is in the movie, but they portray characters.

There may be more to having a famous artist record a new song and using it solely

Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Opinion

for the credits than meets the eye. The only value I can imagine is getting a musician’s fan base to watch the movie because Bon Iver announcing a new song for “Don’t Look Up” is what convinced me to watch the movie.

However, a movie soundtrack can be a more powerful tool than a marketing schtick.

Looking back on “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018), “Sunflower”

by Post Malone and Swae Lee is such an important part of that movie and is played throughout.

When people think of that movie, they think of that song and vice-versa.

It adds more to the experience of watching a movie than what “The Amazing SpiderMan 2" and “Don’t Look Up” do.

It’s On Again

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Hooked On A Feeling

Guardians Of The Galaxy

Written By Charlie Warner Graphics by Grace Winkler

OPPS

Black Panther

NEW YEAR, NEW POLICIES Teachers Ban Cell Phones In Class

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ith second semester under way, some teachers have made changes within their classrooms. While most teachers made simple adjustments such as seating, some made new regulations regarding cell phones.

A common theme among some teachers is eliminating them altogether, but these teachers go about it differently.

Usually, teachers have students put them in their backpacks until the end of class, but some have gone the extra mile with a cell phone box. Students put it in the box on their way into class and get it back as they leave class.

The purpose of removing cell phones from classrooms is to limit distractions and allow students to focus on their education. While teachers claim this is in students’

best interest, is it really? It's restricting students not only of their personal belongings but also of their freedom.

Teachers taking away phones makes students feel not mature enough to handle electronic devices. High school is meant to prepare kids for the future, so taking cell phones away creates a bigger problem of students not knowing how to use them responsibly. Students should be learning when and when not to use their phone, and students should not be treated like little kids by restricting them.

Most teachers might assume that when a student is on their phone, they are doing something unproductive such as social media or something unrelated to school. In reality, students could be checking Powerschool, taking a photo of a PowerPoint slide or notes a teacher is showing, submitting a picture of their work on Canvas or even checking in with family on a personal issue.

Without cell phones, students are unable to do any of these things.

A cell phone box might help keep students focused, but it

Should Cell Phones Be Banned From Classrooms?

99.9% of students voted no *Survey of 189 students

also leaves teachers liable for students' cell phones. Phones could get stolen or damaged while teachers are teaching.

Most students like to listen to music while doing schoolwork.

A study by Stanford Medicine showed that music helps the brain to focus because it engages the areas of the brain involved in concentration.

With cell phone restrictions, students who use music to focus could find it harder to do their work or space out.

Instead of forcing students to stay focused and on task by restricting cell phones, teachers should look into alternative ways to keep students engaged in learning such as offering brain breaks or letting cell phones be used for music. Cell phone use in classrooms can be beneficial for both students and teachers, but restricting them isn’t helpful for anyone.

Written by Fallyn Kowalski Graphics by Mariah Wilson, Grace Winkler

53.2% of students

don't think teachers should be allowed to take students' phones

46.8% of students 0.1% of students voted yes

think teachers are allowed to take students phones Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Opinion

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WORTH WORTHTHE THEREAD? READ? Readers Review Hyped TikTok Books

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ikTok has made reading more trendy, but it can be difficult to know which books are worth the time.

The hype surrounding a book can raise a reader’s expectations and lead them to be let down by the book.

That was my experience with “You’ve Reached Sam.” I initially believed “You’ve Reached Sam” would be a book that would resonate with me.

I’d seen videos on TikTok saying it

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Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Opinion

was emotionally impactful, so I started the story expecting that. Reviewers sobbed after finishing it, so I expected to feel some emotion while reading.

The plot focused on grief, as the main character was struggling with the sudden loss of her boyfriend Sam. Julie (main character) had believed she would have more time with Sam and was trying to cope with her new reality without him.

When Julie called Sam hoping to hear his voice on his voicemail, he actually picked up the phone.

Somehow she had this chance to say goodbye, but there were challenges that came

with it.

“You’ve Reached Sam” was Dustin Thao’s debut novel. I commend him for writing about such a complex, multifaceted human issue. However, there was a lot more Thao could have done to make readers feel invested in the characters and their relationship.

The majority of Julie and Sam’s relationship was shared in flashbacks, and honestly most of the scenes seemed cliche.

For as much as Julie said she loved Sam, her actions didn’t reflect that. Even though Sam seemed unrealistically sweet at times, his love for Julie seemed more believable.

However, Julie’s attachment to the future she believed she would have with Sam was realistic. She struggled to figure out what her future looked like without him, and that conflict seemed believable. This was the aspect of the story Thao developed most effectively.

It was an interesting concept that wasn’t well executed. As there was such a creative premise, I expected more. For a book that received so much hype, this one was mediocre at best. “You’ve Reached Sam” fell flat for me, and it did not deserve the TikTok recognition it received.

Written by Elyse Bredfeldt Graphic of book by Mariah Wilson Graphic of TikTok logo by Grace Winkler

“

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a literary masterpiece. Told from the perspective of a journalist about the life of Evelyn Hugo, it is about a woman in early Hollywood who was trying to figure out who she was while also trying to be successful.

Although it mentions her husbands, that is not the complete focus. This story

is beautiful and heart wrenching.

None of the characters are perfect. So many authors make love interests perfect or with few flaws. This author made everyone human, and all characters had plenty of

A

heartbreaking romance novel, “It Ends With Us''

by Colleen Hoover was a fictional twist on Hoover’s childhood trauma, which made it an emotional read.

While the book cover suggested a sweet romance, the reality was anything but, as this book discussed topics like domestic violence and unhealthy relationships.

The book depicted a relationship between Lily and her boyfriend Ryle who met on an apartment rooftop after they both had a terrible day. Their relationship faced many challenges throughout the story – some that left bruises. Hoover did an remarkable job of discussing abuse, and how it can be hard for victims to leave these situations.

flaws. This book encapsulates that people are capable of change and owning up to their mistakes.

It does an amazing job of addressing the sexism in Hollywood as well as the double standards that famous women are held to that their male counterparts are not. Along with that, it teaches an important lesson on self discovery and asks how much a person would sacrifice to be themself, with or without ridicule.

This book brought me to tears. I have since reread it and had the same reaction. This book is a 5/5. It deserves the hype that it is receiving on TikTok. Written by Brianne Tremper

Later on in the book, Lily ran into her childhood crush Atlas.

This encounter left her feeling torn over who to be with. Ryle wasn’t a bad person, but he definitely had his days where he could be manipulative and possessive. On the other hand, Atlas was considerate of Lily’s feelings and had a past with her. Hoover’s attention to detail made it feel like I was experiencing what Lily was going through alongside her, and I got attached to each character. When a character did something completely unexpected, I felt betrayed.

As I read this book, I went through many emotions, and for that, I would give the book 5/5 stars. “It Ends With Us” is definitely worth the hype seen on TikTok. By the end of the story, readers will understand why it is titled “It Ends With Us.” Written by Fallyn Kowalski

Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Opinion

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Pictured: Freshman Emma Hill, Brianna Simpson, senior El Bedolla, Lea Grace, sophomore Payton Hellmuth, Ellie Marrah, Emma Mott, Savannah Wise, juniors Chase Kiel, Nayeli Valles, senior Emily Colling, Lexi Hatfield, Chloe Sheckells, Hailey Steinbach, head coach Nic Brent, coach Mike Fallein and coach Victoria Norris Feb. 5. // Photo Courtesy of Staley Wrestling

DISTRICT CHAMPS Grabbing her opponent, junior Chase Kiel wrestles in the district meet Feb. 5. Kiel earned first place in her weight class and was surprised she won. “My only focus was to win the match in front of me,” Kiel said. “I know these girls are better than me, but I was just thinking that anyone can be beat.” //

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Photo by Humberto Bermudez

Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Sports

Girls Wrestling Wins District Title Announced as the first place winner in her weight class of 110 pounds, senior Chloe Sheckells' arm is held up Feb. 4. This was her third consecutive district title, and her third consecutive district title with her team. "It was bittersweet.

I was really excited to win, but sad that it was my last time playing in districts," Sheckells said. // Photo by Humberto Bermudez