The Vista - Issue 2 of 2020-21

The Vista NOTRE DAME ACADEMY*3535 W. SYLVANIA AVE.*TOLEDO, OH 43623*VOL 70 ISSUE 2*Dec. 16, 2020

In This Issue: Clock Measures Time of Climate (p. 2) Service Hour Changes (p. 3) Pumpkin Spice Seasons Life (p. 5) Celebrating Christmas This Year (p.6) Young Citizens (p. 7) Roving Reporter Questions (p.8)

The Vista

Page 2 News

Artists Create Climate Clock to Raise Awareness Kaitlin Shiple

On Monday, September 21, 2020 around 1:30 pm, a Climate Clock was put up in Manhattan’s Union Square. It warns that there are seven years, 45 days, 21 hours, 19 minutes, and ten seconds left until the damage done to the Earth’s carbon budget is irreversible.

Gan Golan and Andrew Boyd are artists who started putting up Climate Clocks all around the world. There are two numbers on the clock, one in red, and one in green.

The red numbers display a timer that counts down the rate it will take to burn through the carbon budget. The carbon budget refers to the amount of CO2 that can be released into the atmosphere, while still keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial levels.

The green numbers track the growing percentage of the world’s energy which is currently supplied from renewable sources. The artists labeled the green numbers a “lifeline.”

The official Climate Clock website states that “we need to get our lifeline to 100% before our deadline reaches 0.”

“Our planet has a deadline. But we can turn it into a lifeline” said Andrew Boyd in an interview with the Washington Post.

The clock in Union Square was only up until September 27, but Boyd and Golan are hopeful that a new, permanent clock will be put up. The artists are encouraging people to commission a climate clock in their own cities.

Photo from publicdomainpictures.net

“Different countries and different communities may have different roles, but we all have to be on the same timeline,” Gan Golan said. Golan also stated that having multiple clocks would cause a “global unity.”

In September of 2019, Golan and Boyd specially made a handheld Climate Clock for Greta Thunberg to bring with her to address the United Nations General Assembly.

Greta Thunberg is a Swedish climate activist who started an international climate change movement in 2018.

She began the movement by skipping school on Fridays to protest outside of the Swedish Parliament with a poster that read “School strike for climate.”

Greta has become a very popular figure through social media, influencing many people around the world to be more aware of their impact on the

Earth.

“It is difficult to be ecofriendly, but I try my best” said junior Ava Bowers. “I’m probably most motivated by a healthy mix of wanting to be a part of the solution and fear for the future.”

Ava is one of the many NDA girls who would like to see environmental change on a global and local scale.

“Study after study shows that small actions by everyday people can contribute to greatly reducing the effects of climate change before they become irreversible. So it’s worth it to remember bringing my own tumbler to Starbucks rather than dealing with the consequences of global warming years down the road.” Ava said.

Many schools and establishments have adjusted in recent years to become more ecofriendly to lessen their impact on the carbon emissions of the Earth.

Starbucks and other coffee companies have started using lids for cold drinks that can be used without a straw. A lot of places have started selling reusable cups and containers as well.

“I lessen my carbon footprint by making sure that I am conscientious of my everyday actions.

It isn’t realistic to tell everyone to go completely zero waste and become vegan immediately,” said Ava. “There is so much information about this topic, and I think being able to consolidate it and teach it in an academic setting would be so impactful.”

The Vista

Page 3 News

Change Makes Service Hours More Thoughtful Kaitlin Shiple Notre Dame has a long history of making sure that students stay involved in service. Whether it has been Appalachia gifts or service trips to the Dominican Republic, NDA girls have been immersed in a culture that teaches the importance of service for others.

This year, NDA has made some changes to the service hour policies. The first one, is the amount of hours. Girls no longer need a hundred hours to graduate.

Last year, NDA changed it so girls only needed eighty, but it’s been lowered to seventy hours now. Freshman, sophomores, and juniors have to complete 20 hours, while seniors have to complete 10.

The change from having girls needing 100 hours to graduate to only needing 70 hours has helped out a lot of seniors.

Most seniors have over 70 hours from the previous rules set by the Campus Ministry office, so now students already have the requirement fulfilled.

Service hours have always had guidelines to follow, but they are becoming more specific. Service for animals, train-

ing, and individual instances are not going to be counted for service hours.

The idea behind it is to get girls specifically involved in service for others.

The NDA service hours are now going to be based around the Seven Catholic Social Teachings. This way, service hours are more about helping other people and growing a student’s faith, rather than just making sure a requirement is met.

In the Service Learning Document, which can be found on the Campus Ministry Google Classroom, it states that service is “ to identify the connection between the power of their words and actions and the impact of those words and actions on the dignity of the human person. To engender within students an appreciation for their own gifts, talents, blessings, and position in life and to use those, in part, to assist the most vulnerable and work towards the creation of a better society. For students to recognize the interdependence of all persons, that all are members of

the same human family, and that each person is in need of the other to live a full life.”

The idea is to make the service hours more meaningful for the girls.

“I think that these changes will benefit the students of Notre Dame Academy by helping them consider what it means to be a Social Responsible Servant Leader.

It is my hope that asking students to reflect on how their actions impact the dignity of the human person might help them make those connections in the future,” Mr. Josh Mocek, Co-director of Campus Ministry, said.

The one thing that has not changed in recent years with service hours is the reflection requirement aspect of it. Girls are required to make a reflection on their service experience, not detailing what they did, but rather on how their act of service impacted another person in a positive way.

If the reflection from the student does not meet the expectations, she may not get credit for her service hours.

Without Appalachia, Girls Find Other Ways to Give Kaitlin Shiple Throughout the years, Notre Dame has been involved in a variety of acts of service for others. One of the more recent occurring and main service events is Appalachia and Appalachia at home.

Appalachia is an annual service trip that involves girls taking a bus to Harlan, Kentucky. Girls pass out presents to families and help with different activities such as dancing and crafts for the children.

“It was so heartfelt, and I was so grateful to go on the trip,” said senior Graciana Webb. Graciana went on the Appalachia trip last year, which normally takes place the weekend before semester one exams.

“The best part of my experience was seeing all of the little kids and having the best time ever,” said senior Ainsley Pike.

“Their faces would light up, and their smiles were so contagious.”

Appalachia at Home is a school-wide donation drive. Girls receive slips of paper that include gender and age groups, with lists of possible ideas for gifts. Students go out and buy things that families

could potentially need or toys for children for Christmas.

“I think it would be nice if we still collect presents and food like we did for Appalachia before and still send it, despite COVID,” said Graciana.

With the coronavirus still impacting every day lives and the increase of cases, a lot of girls have been wondering what will happen this year for NDA’s Christmas themed service event.

“We are not going to Appalachia this year because of Covid-19,” Mr. Josh Mocek, Co-Director of Campus Ministry, said.

Mr. Mocek is currently looking into

alternative activities to plan for a safe and eventful service opportunity for everyone who wants to help those in need.

Recently, Campus Ministry has released a document on Google Classroom for the students to see a list of charities they can donate to despite the ongoing pandemic inhibiting Appalachia. The document encourages girls to donate to local organizations and even to start a food or clothing drive at their local parish or other faith communities.

The document states that “material donations to the following organizations will speak to the humanity of those being served. Through your donation you will be encountering the soul of another by allowing them to care for themselves and their children.”

The document not only lists charities and organizations, but also includes all of their information, such as mission statements, websites, phone numbers, and addresses. By helping an organization girls can also earn service hours from donating.

The Vista

Page 4 OP-ED

Students Benefit from Advanced Class Programs AP

IB

Crosstalk

Chelsea Fall

AP and IB classes both give girls a new wide range of knowledge that can lead to college credit. These classes are commonly taken for college credit and can help students to get farther when it’s time for college.

However, AP classes offer more flexibility, more class choices, less time commitment, and a broader look on multiple perspectives of a subject.

While IB classes emphasize writing, critical thinking skills and interdisciplinary learning, AP classes are fastpaced and focus on specific content assessed through exams. Students study their chosen subject in-depth.

AP classes are designed for students to take more advanced classes and have a chance to get college credit.

This is also what IB does but through a broader curriculum. IB is known for having a lot of work both in and out of school, while AP leaves students more room to be able to do more things outside of class.

Nearly all colleges and universities give the opportunity to take the AP test and earn college credit. According to collegeboard.org, 85 percent of selective colleges view a student’s AP experience favorably.

IB and AP classes are both good choices, and students at Notre Dame Academy are fortunate to be able to choose which program is more suited to their interests and learning styles.

AP offers challenging classes to students who want to focus specifically on their subject of interest. AP also works well for those who are involved in a lot of activities outside of school and still gives them the opportunity to have college credit.

Students who want to pursue more challenging classes in specific areas to prepare for college should consider AP classes.

The IB program allows students to achieve a further understanding of their studies and develop critical skills in comparison to AP courses.

A well-known benefit of the IB program is that one test does not determine the credits received. Poor test takers and students who have testing anxiety value this aspect of the IB program. Instead of one stressful exam, IB uses projects and essays to evaluate students.

An IB course typically takes two years to complete, as opposed to the typical one year AP course. While some see this as a downside, it should be viewed as beneficial. The longer duration can lead to a fuller understanding of topics and gives the class more time for in-depth study.

The versatility of IB courses is yet another plus. IB is offered in a wider range of subjects, from conventional studies to the arts. The IB program requires hard work, but it is easy to find courses for your particular path.

Most colleges accept IB credit, which is important to students considering the IB route. As with AP, students can begin their studies at an advanced level.

IB courses also require more outside effort than AP courses.

IB classes often require internal assessments and research of topics that are not discussed in class. This prepares IB students to manage time wisely and develop the critical thinking skills.

The emphasis on skill development in IB makes it a great choice. These courses involve more writing than AP courses.

Becoming a better writer early on in high school will be helpful during college and a crucial skill in many workplaces.

The variety of courses offered at NDA provides many opportunities for all types of learners. Both AP and IB are great choices and can provide college credit. However, IB students can receive a more well-rounded experience and gain a wider variety of skills.

The Vista Staff Volume 70 Issue 2 The Vista is a publication of Notre Dame Academy by the students of Journalism II and III. The office is located in room 113 of the school.

Unsigned editorials represent a majority vote of the newspaper staff.

Editor in Chief: Kaitlin Shiple First Year Reporters: Regan Carnes Chelsea Fall Mary Grzybowski Adviser: Mrs. Julie Sells

Regan Carnes

Editor’s Corner Hey NDA! This is the second issue of The Vista, and it took a lot of work! I’m really proud of the whole staff for being able to work on things during this crazy time, and I’m especially grateful for our Chief of Staff, Mrs. Sells.

I know things are really different right now, and we are not sure when they will be back to normal, but keeping a positive attitude and making time for yourself and your family is really important. I hope you love these articles as much as I do! Happy Holidays! ~ Kaitlin

The Vista

Page 5 Op-Ed

The Power of Peace The lack of assurance of peaceful transfer of power and lack of concession from President Trump have worried many voters and ushered in many questions about how our democracy deals with the peaceful presidential transfer of power.

The suspicion over the validity mailin voting created by President Trump and the closeness of the election itself have created an environment of stress between parties and government. In the event of an election such as this, the major decisions fall on the legislative and judicial branches of government.

In the legislative branch, the Senate GOP members also passed a resolution ensuring a peaceful transfer because of rising concerns.

AP Government teacher Mrs. Kasprzak says that, in the judicial branch, “federal judges in all of the states in question have tossed out claims of voter fraud due to lack of evidence,” although every candidate does have the power to request a recount and present evidence of fraud.

Even after all votes are counted, the official winner is only declared when the Electoral College voters, representing their respective states, vote in the Capital on January 6, a process that trumps the decision of the popular vote.

If Joe Biden wins the Electoral College votes, as is projected, all power would be transferred to him officially on January 20, giving him power to

remove the President from the White House, as President Trump would no longer have presidential powers.

Perhaps the most worrying problem is the lack of a concession from President Trump. Even though it is not a law, only a precedent, there has never been a president who has not conceded in modern history.

Government teacher Mrs. Amy Kasprzak cites several particularly contentious elections as examples, such as the election of 1960 in which Richard Nixon conceded to John F. Kenneday because the country “cannot afford the agony of a constitutional crisis.” Even when the stakes are high, presidential candidates keep the tradition so as to not further stoke the feelings of confusion or anger that come with close elections.

At these times, the importance of peaceful elections and transfers of power becomes clear.

Political affiliations have become such as a present force in even individual relationships. Mrs. Kasprzak cites the use of “civil political discourse” over dangerous rhetoric as the key to solving the political divisions. Her perspective of democracy as something changing and at times “messy” helps emphasize that the country can grow past this.

All political parties and citizens should commit to a peaceful transfer of power.

Correction Box:

She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."

In the last issue of The Vista, several quotes and a photo credit in the protest article were incorrectly attributed to Miracle Monet. The attribution should have been senior Miracle Burt, President of the African American Club. We sincerely apologize for the mistake.

Matthew 1:21

It’s the Great Pumpkin Debate Chelsea Fall When we look around any store around the time of fall, we can see pumpkin spice in as many isles as possible. It is one of the most popular flavors during this time and is well liked by many people. Some people really enjoy getting pumpkin spice and getting to see it around during this time. There are also some people that hate it and wonder why it is so popular.

Pumpkin spice is popular for different reasons for different people. The most popular reason is the fact that it gives many people that feeling of comfort, holiday spirit, and family. It gives many people a sense of home when they have it as the smell of pumpkins and cinnamon are very warm and cozy smells. The smell of anything pumpkin spice seems to be what draws many people in. It gives many people too much of an emotional feeling to let go of so the taste really doesn’t matter.

The feelings of comfort and joy don’t just stop at smells. Some people also like pumpkin spice for the reason of making it look pretty or for making the fall ascetic.

The look of fall creates a homey look on people’s social media. It brings that sense of comfort and warm into many different photos that people might post. Some might like to look back on these pictures and get that sense of happiness and home that they had before.

Many people who aren’t hooked on the idea of pumpkin spice seem to think that it has been taken too far. People who don’t enjoy pumpkin spice always seem to be excited for when spring finally comes around and they don’t have to see all the different pumpkin spice product variations. Many people just don’t see the appeal as maybe they just don’t like the smell or taste. Some people don’t have the memories that others do and they don’t feel that connection of home or comfort.

No matter if you like pumpkin spice or not, everyone can agree that it is a very popular flavor that takes up a lot of room during the fall season. Pumpkin spice is here to stay and because of its popularity, it seems to have more products that are being made. The pumpkin spice craze will probably continue for a while and it will keep making some people happier every year.

The Vista

Page 6 Feature

Girls Still Feel the Christmas Spirit Regan Carnes

Amidst the global pandemic, NDA students are embracing the holiday spirit and celebrating Christmas in safe, responsible ways.

The festivities can still continue on this year, even though they will look a bit different. Close contact with distant relatives and friends is not required to participate in typical Christmas festivities.

Decorating the tree, making gingerbread houses, and watching classic holiday films are all some traditional activities that can be done in the safety of one’s own home with their immediate family.

“To stay socially distanced from my relatives who live out of town, my parents and I are going to decorate lots of Christmas cookies and watch Home Alone, my favorite Christmas movie!” junior Lauren Chytil said.

Zoom and FaceTime can also be helpful this winter for more than just educational purposes. Relatives can chat and celebrate together through their screens.

Spending time with family virtually this Christmas is an efficient and effective way to protect loved ones who are susceptible to the virus, such as grandparents.

Those who still plan to visit with relatives and friends in person can stay socially distant by participating in outdoor Christmas activities. Bundling up and spending time in the snow with cousins or

Junior Lauren Chytil and her family decorate their Christmas tree. Photo submitted by Lauren Chytil

friends can be lots of fun. While it may be a little cold, this is a socially distant alternative that students can enjoy.

However, those students that do plan on gathering in person this holiday season are making sure to take precautionary measures.

For instance, wearing a mask, using lots of hand sanitizer, and trying to stay six feet apart are all ways to decrease the risk of transmission.

However, it is recommended by the CDC to refrain from any

in-person contact if one is at an increased risk of getting the virus.

Quarantining for 14 days before these gatherings is also suggested, as this helps to ensure no one has been recently exposed to the virus.

“Each Christmas my family and I go to my grandparents’ house to open up presents. We are going to wear our masks and stay six feet apart so that we can stay safe,” freshman Olivia Price said.

For anyone traveling far distances this Christmas, such as by airplane, the CDC recommends taking steps to prevent COVID transmission.

For example, make sure to frequently wash your hands and avoid touching your face. Airports contain lots of germs and bacteria, so being aware and responsible can increase safety.

Spending the holidays in a different way this year can feel frustrating at times. But looking at these adjustments through a positive lens can make all the difference.

“My mom and I ordered some Christmas-themed masks for my family and friends. I’m excited to start wearing them because they are so cute!” sophomore Carlie Kukiela said.

This year’s holiday celebrations will certainly be different. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing, and NDA students are making the best out of a difficult situation.

The Vista

Page 7 Feature

Learning New Ways to Learn at NDA Mary Grzybowski The novel dynamic created by having a hybrid classroom can be at times frustrating. Administrators, students (virtual and in-person) and teachers each have their own challenges and experiences.

One of the most difficult aspects of hybrid learning is trying to include both in-person and virtual learners, who each experience their own challenges.

“While some teachers were very determined to include virtual students, we were often left out,” junior Bennett Armstrong, who is virtual learning.

Additionally, many class activities like discussion are more difficult, according to English teacher Mrs. Kelly Wood.

Much of the stress is technologically based.

“If something goes wrong [with technology], a lot of things seem to fall apart as a result because we’re heavily reliant on it,” Mrs. Wood said.

“Something as simple a virtual learner losing her internet connection at

home could have an effect the flow of a discussion,” English teacher Mrs. Julie Sells said.

However, because NDA students were already accustomed to using technology to enhance their learning, the introduction of new technology was not as difficult for students, said Bennett.

Administrators had the difficult job to organize the schedule so that 700 or so students and teachers could be 6 feet apart at all times. Countless hours of planning over the summer made school possible in the fall.

Overall satisfaction of students and teachers shows that the new schedule was successful, especially the new Wednesday schedule.

Mrs. Wood says Wednesdays give her time to “take a breath and regain my focus,” as well as giving students oneon-one attention.

All of these difficulties come from the need for enhanced safety precautions.

The time that schools were ordered to go to remote learning emphasized the need to follow safety guidelines when

students are at school.

Ms. Shiloh Jackson, who teaches math, found that “students really care about their health and the health of their peers, so they need few reminders.”

While students’ choices during school are monitored, safety rules may have little influence on their choices outside of school, even though these can equally influence the safety of other students.

For administrators, this is possibly the most difficult domain to control. Bennett says that because of this, “It is their responsibility to create an appropriate response/consequence to these actions.”

“We all need to sacrifice things for the greater good,” said Bennett.

Ms. Jackson added that this year is a “team effort,” showing the importance of collaboration and understanding between administration, teachers, and students.

Students Find Their Voices As Citizens Chelsea Fall This year's election was the first time many girls got involved in anything political. Many girls have started to think about voting and having many developing a political ideology from research and the media around them.

However, other than sharing opinions and possibly changing others vote, there doesn’t seem to be many ways that minors can help in elections. Voting is not the only way that young people can contribute to political involvement. Many young people have found many ways that we can get politically involved even as a minor.

Although many may still be considered minors, Ohio does allow seventeen year olds to vote in the primaries. If girls live in Michigan they are not able to vote in the primaries but are allowed to register to vote at age seventeen.

This can help girls to be ready when they are able to vote and can help minors do their research on the party and

issues that others may want to focus on.

If girls are under the age of seventeen, there are still ways that they can contribute to political engagement. Minors can support those in their family that can vote and encourage participation.

Girls can also use social media and uplift issues that they feel should be represented in the upcoming election. The research girls do is important and spreading awareness to important things will always help get attention to those who can vote.

If minors feel that support isn’t enough there are many ways to get involved in campaigning or the voting process. Girls can volunteer for their local political campaign or attend events with a family member to support their candidate. They can also work at many polls as a sixteen or seventeen year old.

In Ohio if minors are seventeen or older, and have been a resident for more than thirty days then they can volunteer

to work at the polls. In Michigan if minors are sixteen or older and are a thirty day resident then they can help in the polls.

If girls are younger than sixteen there are still ways to be politically involved.

If girls see an issue that they would like to be addressed in their community, minors can call or email their representative and ask about their concerns. Girls can also write letters to these officials and ask them what they are doing to help. These show officials involvement and can help change issues that minors want resolved.

No matter how old girls are, their voice as a citizen matters. Minors have a right to encourage political involvement and to help in any way they can to uplift the candidate that they support. Although it seems to be more difficult this can help politically, overall and girls can then start to see the changes they want to see before even voting.

The Vista

Page 8 Backtalk The Rant

Don’t Measure Success by Money Kaitlin Shiple Oftentimes, we forget what success means. We get wrapped up in numbers, materials, and dollar signs. Capitalism and our free enterprise way of life makes it really hard to ignore those things, but we shouldn’t be putting a price tag on success.

Having a lot of money does not mean you are successful; it just means you have a lot of money.

Success should be measured by how happy you are and your good deeds.

If you are a bad person, but you are rich, you are not successful; you just have money. If you are a good person, who does good things for others, but you do not have the most money, you’re successful.

Monetary “success” is not everything. Being a good person, on the other hand, should be everything.

The idea of money is, quite literally, made up. It should not matter what’s in your bank account, but rather how you have impacted the world and others around you.

If you are helping other people, but you have a job that pays enough to take care of only yourself, would you consider yourself unsuccessful? Or less successful than the CEO of the large corporation who is doing nothing to help anyone else?

The value of helping other people cannot be matched, not by money, not by material things.

Being an advocate for people who need help, like the homeless, does not come with a price tag. Money does not equal success, and until we forget that idea, we will never be satisfied.

Quantity versus quality is very important in how we live our everyday lives. Everyone always says quality matters more, but no one actually proves they believe in that very simple idea. People would rather believe that quantity is equal to, if not better than, quality.

If you are an inherently good person, then having money, having social status through material things, does not matter.

Roving Report

Roving Report

Teacher Edition

Student Edition

What’s the Best Christmas Song?

What’s Your Favorite Christmas Tradition?

Mary Grzybowski

Regan Carnes

“I have two that always put me in the Christmas spirit. The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole and It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas by Michael Buble.”

- Mrs. Amy Kasprzak, AP Government Teacher

“My favorite Christmas tradition is going to my great grandma's house on Christmas Eve with my dad's side of the family.” - junior Tori Barkhimer

“Silent Night.” Mrs. Amy Johns, choir teacher

“For the holidays I usually spend time with my family. For some holidays I get to visit my family that lives in New York!” - freshman Grace Jeffer

“Joseph’s Lullaby by Mercy Me is one of my favorites! Makes me cry every time.” - Mrs. Aimee Parks, Director of Sports Ministry/Special Projects Coordinator “Bruce Springsteen’s version of Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.

Hands down the best.” - Mrs. Jean (Christ) Walker ‘82, English teacher “Mary, Did You Know? The line ‘When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God’ just makes me feel God’s love so much.” - Mrs. Julie Sells, English teacher “Sleigh Ride.” - Mrs. Marcia (Blaine) Holtz ‘77 “Carole of the Bells.” - Mrs. Kathy Drzewiecki, Main Office

“My favorite Christmas tradition is probably making cookies with my grandma on Christmas Eve!” - junior Sam Heywood

“Each year we always like to bake cookies and make gingerbread houses and spend time with all of my family.” freshman Olivia DeViney “Every year I spend time with my family, and we bake cookies and decorate the house.” - freshman Emily Reimer “My favorite Christmas tradition is going to the Lights Before Christmas at the zoo with my family!” - junior Emily Dansack “Every year my family opens one present on Christmas Eve. It’s always something like a blanket or pajamas or a pillow.” sophomore Sam Drzewiecki “My favorite Christmas tradition is probably baking and eating cookies on Christmas Eve!” - senior Paige Chaffee “My favorite Christmas tradition is going to my grandma’s house on Christmas night and finding the pickle in the tree with my cousins.” - sophomore Grace Kudlac “Each year, my two sisters and I go to a gingerbread house making event with our grandparents and mom. We also do it in pairs so that everyone can participate.” freshman Kate Williams