Consistent enforcement aims to improve student focus
By: Arita Qerimi
Phone policy enforced campuswide Nov. 15.
Teachers and admin will be tracking the data to determine whether or not the cell phone policy being consistently enforced is actually improving student grades and turn in rates.
“We have data that shows a schoolwide trend of too many students using cell phones during instructional time and a shocking amount of missing work,” AP English 3 and Oral Interp teacher Alicia Bohannon said. “Teachers are being asked to reinforce the existing policy.”
Electronics being put away can help students focus more and actually get
them to turn in missing and late work.
“[Not having my phone] has already helped me and I’m sure it is going to help many others not procrastinate during class,” senior Maddie Mandl said.
Returning to school from Covid can be difficult for students as well as for teachers. The reinforcement of the cell phone policy will help students get back to a routine of focusing on school work during school hours.
“During the pandemic, students decided when to do school work, sleep, or use their phones for entertainment,” Bohannon said. “Coming back to a traditional 8-hour day requires a reset of habits and hopefully this will help students reset.”
During the day, cell phones must be off and out of sight. Students can use their cellphones before 8:10 a.m., during passing periods, and designated lunch times.
STORY CONT’D ON PAGE 2
Abigail Shugrue--Beauty & Brains
By Carolina Luna
Senior athlete Abigail Shugrue is a student of many talents and aspirations, and a pandemic does not hold her back from being the best she can be.
Shugrue is a hard-working student, but what many of us do not know is that there’s a lot more to her than just the kind hearted volleyball player.
“I am President of Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), a member of Student Council, a member of National Honor Society, a PAL, a JPS Hospital Volunteer, and the varsity libero for Brewer Volleyball,” Shugrue said.
into everything she’s involved in and the people around her always see it.
“I know her schedule is packed full,” volleyball teammate and friend Abbie Hatch said. “She balances work, challenging classes, and volleyball all at once. I would be surprised if she ever had a day off.”
Apart from just school work, Shugrue also plays for the school’s volleyball team and is currently in her fourth and final year.
“I love volleyball - both recreational and competitive,” Shugrue said. “I am also practicing about 18 hours a week at minimum.”
“You are far more than a number or your grades. Focus on being your best, not the best.”
Shugrue is said to be a very dedicated and persistent student in all her classes and strives for excellence.
“Abigail always aced her tests and checkoffs with no problem whatsoever,” Health Science Teacher Melissa Galloway said. Shugrue puts a lot of time
Her leadership and kindness are prominent and noticeable to all around her.
“She is passionate about her education and being a leader,” Hatch said. She is like familly to the volleyball team and is always a shoulder to lean on. I can tell she takes pride in her role.”
Shugrue shares what her experience was throughout high school and her journey in attaining valedictorian has been like.
“Honestly, I never went into high school with the intention of becoming top of my class. I have just challenged myself to do my best in all of my classes,” Shugrue said.
Although it may sound like being known and popular is fun, it can lead to stress and pressure and Shugrue has become familiar with both.
STORY CONT’D ON PAGE 4
Photo submitted by Shugrue
Photo by Arita Qerimi
PHONE POLICY
CONT’D FROM PAGE 1
“Even though the times are not completely unreasonable, I would love to be able to use my phone after completing all my work in class etc,” freshman Nicole Bosquez said.
Teachers must enforce this policy in and out of the classroom.
“I give one reminder to put phones out of sight at the beginning of class,” Bohannon said. “My students have been complying and for the most part without complaint.”
There are multiple levels of consequences each time a student’s phone is taken up by an AP-
First offense: phone is confiscated and returned to student at end of the day.
Second offense: phone is confiscated and returned to parent/guardian of student at end of the day.
Third offense: phone is confiscated, held for three days and returned to parent/guardian with $15 dollar fine.
Fourth offense: phone is confiscated, held for three days and returned to parent/ guardian with $15 dollar fine and student can no longer carry phone in school.
Fifth offense: phone is confiscated for the remainder of the school year.
“Although a lot of people disagree with [the policy], there’s no denying that it will help students get more work done,” Mandl said.
Leo Fenceroy: The Man Behind the Fanny Pack
By Arita Qerimi
A new school year always brings about change, and this change can be especially impactful when it includes new administrators. This year started with five new assistant principals, more commonly referred to as APs: Michele Hamilton, Joshua Ferguson, Leo Fenceroy, Rowdy Myers, and Elizabeth Tinius. Students and their assistant principals develop very important relationships, so it’s always a good idea to get to know them!
“I always see Mr. Fenceroy interacting with students at lunch,” sophomore Vesa Qerimi said.
Coming in at such a high position in a new school district can be challenging, both for the incoming administrator and the students. Establishing trust with the students is one of the most important parts of being an AP.
“The AP is a multifaceted job that consists of different responsibilities,” Fenceroy said.
“I want students to follow their dreams and goals in life,” Fenceroy said. “I want them to leave knowing that if they work at their dreams, build relationships, then they can accomplish what they set out to do in life.”
One of our new assistant principals, Leo Fenceroy, has sparked the curiosity of many students--who is the man behind the fanny pack? Fenceroy graduated from the University of Sioux Falls with a degree in business administration. Before coming to Brewer high school he was an assistant principal in Crowley ISD.
by Arita Qerimi have helped me along the way.”
Being a one high school district is one of the many factors that drew Fenceroy to White Settlement ISD.
Fenceroy provides teachers instructional support in classrooms, implements the student code of conduct, is over the Special Education department, and works and collaborates with the staff on various levels.
“It has been great getting to know the staff,” Fenceroy said. “Thus far, anything that I have needed others
WSISD strives for excellence and success while focusing on building relationships within the community.
“My favorite part of being a Brewer Bear is the small hometown feel and the emphasis on the importance of relationships,” Fenceroy said.
Knowing the faculty and staff will support each other throughout the year, the
APs can confidently on building credibility with the students.”
“I want students to follow their dreams and goals in life,” Fenceroy said. “I want them to leave knowing that if they work at their dreams, build relationships, then they can accomplish what they set out to do in life.”
Assistant principals can make a big impact on students’ lives; contrary to popular belief, APs are not just here to enforce the rules.
STORY CONT’D ON PAGE 4
Photo
Book
The Lost Apothecary
By Arita Qerimi
Photo from audible.com
The novel, The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner is about a female apothecary who secretly dispenses poisons to liberate women from the men who have wronged them, setting three lives across centuries on a dangerous collision course.
The book follows three female point-of-views: Nella the apothecary owner, Eliza a 12-year-old-girl (both set in 1791) and Caroline, a 30-year-old history buff. The overall concept of the book is so interesting, but the execution was just so-so. The book starts off with Nella, the apothecary owner, waiting for another woman to arrive. Then, it switches over to our present day character, Caroline, who has taken her anniversary trip alone after a problem in her marriage. The story starts slow but eventually gets somewhat interesting.
One thing I did not enjoy about this book; however, was that each chapter was a different character point of view. When one character’s story would get interesting, they would leave off on a cliffhanger and then switch to another character’s story which would be boring; it did this throughout the whole book. And because of this, it was a hard read to get through.
Another thing that I did not like was that the ending was not satisfying. Throughout the whole book, it felt like something was missing. There were definitely some twists and turns, but nothing groundbreaking. Overall, an underwhelming read.
Coffee Shop Review: Ampersand.
Could this be your new favorite study spot?
By Alexia Palacios
For many teens, including myself, it’s quite difficult to stay focused in class. One can easily be distracted, or simply lack time given in class to complete schoolwork, resulting in homework. It’s very easy to procrastinate and let homework pile up because of the environment around you.
When I get home from school the last thing on my mind is homework, so I try to get myself into an environment where I know I’ll be productive.
Finding a good coffee shop or learning space has always been on my bucket list. Recently, my friends and I have been going to Ampersand coffee shop and it has now become my study spot.
One of the great things about Ampersand is, of course, the coffee. But there are plenty of options if you are one that doesn’t like coffee. The drink menu ranges from iced to hot coffee, lattes, and a variety of teas.
Ampersand has a great working environment as well. All the tables are at a good distance from each other, making it convenient for personal space. If you enjoy good music like I do, you’ll definitely be making this your study spot .
Ampersand is definitely a great place. The only downside is that it can get pretty busy. But like any good spot, that’s bound to happen.
Overall, I highly recommend Ampersand - 5/5 stars. Especially as someone who really struggles to concentrate and get work done.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” - Dr. Seuss
“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”
- Harper Lee
SHUGRUE FEATURE
CONT’D FROM PAGE 1
“As time went on, it became clear that it was a big deal to other people,” Shugrue said. “I was quite literally referred to as “number one” or “valedictorian” nearly as often as I was referred to by my actual name.”
Throughout her four years of high school, Shugrue has experienced different waves of emotions due to the pressure of becoming valedictorian.
“When it became clear that my academic success was such a prominent part of my identity, I became afraid of failure,” Shugrue said. “I felt pressure every day since people started calling me “number one.”
The constant stress and pressure to be the best is noticeable to some, but not all. “I have noticed her stressed out before,” Hatch said. “There is always constant stress about school and work, but that’s a given I feel like.”
Shugrue’s personality and kindness are very prominent attributes that make her very well-known with students and teachers.
“To any underclassmen wanting to be valedictorian, first ask yourself why,” Shugrue said. “Class rank is hardly a scale of intelligence, and it is by no means an identity. You are far more than a number or your grades, and I want to encourage you to focus on being your best, not the best.”
& Column
Feature & Column 2022
FENCEROY FEATURE
CONT’D FROM PAGE 2 administration to have a greater impact on students. He hopes to be the administrator he wished he’d had when he was in school.
“I am truly concerned about [our students’] wellbeing,” Fenceroy said. “If [students] want to get to know me more, they can ask me questions.”
The APs are here to help shape students for the future: they get to know the students, build relationships with them, and guide them through all that high school has to offer.
“BHS has a lot of things to do while being enrolled here,” Qerimi said. “If you don’t have guidance from your APs and counselors, it can be overwhelming.”
“And The Fanny Pack; Everyone is always talking about the fanny pack Fenceroy carries,” Qerimi said. “No one knows what’s inside.”
Fenceroy has four fanny packs; he chooses which one to wear based on what type of activities he has planned for that day. His fanny packs have become a thing of curiosity and speculation amongst the students. However the contents are quite ordinary.
“His fanny packs have become a thing of curiosity and speculation amongst the students. However, the contents are quite ordinary.”
Brewer offers so many opportunities for students, as well as staff, to grow while being here. Fenceroy was excited about all the clubs and programs the high school has to offer, especially the Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway.
“I have always felt comfortable going to the APs for questions about classes or clubs,” Qerimi said. “And Mr. Fenceroy seems very approachable, so I’m excited to get to know him more.”
Fenceroy chose to leave the classroom and go into
Navigating F.A.F.S.A.
By Aimee Monnett
Photo from kxan.com need to discuss college options to send the awarded amount to. You can select a total of 10 colleges on the application.
When breaching the topic of college, an area of apprehension for many is the area of financial security and stability. However, students have many options!
However, the contents are quite ordinary.
“I usually have my keys, wallet, a pen, phone, hand sanitizer, and anything else I need to carry that day,” Fenceroy said.
Coming into a new district is challenging, but Fenceroy, and his fanny packs, have found a home at Brewer.
“Every year has its challenges,” Fenceroy said. “But a great team on your side makes it easier to overcome [those] obstacles.”
The first method of aid is the F.A.F.S.A. and T.A.S.F.A.which are usually discussed in senior year. F.A.F.S.A. is the Free Application For Student Aid. It is completed by both prospective and current college students to determine eligibility for student financial aid. Those eligible for the F.A.F.S.A. include U.S.citizens, permanent residents, and eligible noncitizens. Those not eligible for the F.A.F.S.A. are eligible for the T.A.S.F.A.- The Texas Application for State Financial aid.
The F.A.F.S.A. is a relatively simplistic application method- though the majority of senior students will need parental assistance. If a student is applying this year, they will need their parent’s 2020 tax return and W-2. If the student worked in 2020, they will need to provide the same documentation. Furthermore, students may
Through the F.A.F.S.A., you can be awarded grants, subsidized and/or unsubsidized loans. Subsidized loans are loans that do not accrue interest until after the student graduates. Unsubsidized loans accrue interest while the student is attending the accepting institution. Grants are essentially “gifted” funds. There are other types of loans you can pursue independently, such as perkin loans, direct plus loans, or private student loans. Perkin loans are available for graduates/undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Direct loans are available through participating schools. And private loans are available through private organizations such as banks- and often come with terms and conditions for repayment.
The F.A.F.S.A. opened Oct. 1, 2021 and will close for the ‘22-’23 year June 30.
Wait...we have a debate team?
Resolve: Debate Programs Necessary for School Success
By Kialani Siavii
“My goal is to be a team that regularly competes at the state and national level.”
There are many UIL (University Interschlastic League) events that are unknown to the student body because they aren’t heavily promoted or, as in this case, are relatively new to the school. As the UIL academic season is officially upon us, there is one organization that is fairly new to the high
school, but quickly growing in popularity and that is debate.
Brewer high school is one of the last schools in North Texas to develop a debate program that is accessible to the students. The program is only two-years old, starting during the 2020 Fall semester.
build students into critical thinkers, excellent communicators, and passionate lifelong learners.
“Joining the debate team has been one of the best opportunities for me,” junior debate member Arien Stehling said. “Not only has it benefited me academically but it has also opened my eyes to so many different topics of discussion.”
The debate class is a comforting place that allows the students to be open with each other and speak their minds without any negative repercussions.
“She [Romaine] has truly proven herself to be not only a committed teacher and coach but she is so extremely supportive and understanding,” Stehling said.
The UIL academic teams are preparing for the UIL competition in March. There are usually UIL invitionals that are hosted at other schools that allow the students to compete against their peers who are in the same events. The rise of COVID has made it difficult to host in-person invitationals, this resulted in most competitions being held online.
The debate class was started and taught by English 1 Honors teacher Maci Romaine.
“It was shocking to me that Brewer did not have a debate team and felt that it was something that would be incredibly beneficial for our students,” Romaine said.
The debate class consists of 18 students and the debate UIL team consists of eight students.
“I have always wanted to be on a debate team,” junior debate member Natalie Flores said. “I never actually thought they [Brewer] would have a debate class.”
The debate class helps
The students spend the majority of their time researching information about their debate topic, which is a rigorous process that takes a few days to gather the most accurate information. After they gather the information, Romaine walks them through how to use their research to start their case. Cases are the document where the students create and organise their argument and evidence.
“I have seen incredible growth in our team particularly in the areas of argumentation and questioning,” Romaine said.
The most challenging part for Romaine has been the logistics of building a program from scratch. Another part that has been a struggle is the recruitment process, there is also the need to create curriculum and content for the class itself.
“To prepare for UIL we have been debating against each other with past UIL debate topics,” Flores said. Many students in the debate class plan to further their education and passion for debate by attending law school. The debate class has been the perfect stepping stone for these students to develop the basics of debating.
“My goal is to be a team that regularly competes at the state and national level,” Romaine said.
The debate class has allowed many students to discover their future careers and provided them with a platform to express themselves.
“I am very thankful for the opportunity debate has given me and I can not wait to see where the rest of my time on the team will take me!” Stehling said.
Back row (left to right): Noah Price, Chase Harwell, Dylan Barber, Devon Lackey, Robert Summers, Andrew Moralez Middle row (left to right): Devlin Andreas, Arien Stehling, Madison Pearson, Terrance Tolbert
Front row (left to right): Mrs. Maci Romaine, Angel Grider, Juanisse Gascot, Natalie Flores
Not pictured: Jonathan Correa, Tanley Maitlen, Grayson Peterman, Conner Speiser
Always A Reason
By Aliyah Becerra
I wrote this introduction for my performance piece in my oral interpretation class. The category for the piece was “this speaks to me,” forcing me to be vulnerable about an issue that hits close to home.
There will always be a reason “why” in their eyes. The reason is sometimes so minor that you’d wonder how it even escalated to begin with. And you’ll rack your brain trying to piece together the fragments of the story the news will tell you, but no matter which way you look at it, like maybe if you squint a bit, or look at it from a different angle, you’ll still never fully get the whole picture. You won’t understand why, at 10 years old, your parents sit you down and explain that the police don’t always like people like you, and they could do more harm than good and that it’s not your fault, but it’s just how it is. There will be a reason in their eyes. An excuse. A subway sandwich, a car-ride home, a pack of skittles, a toy gun, an alleged counterfeit bill, and in Khalil’s instance, a hairbrush.
How Long
By Terrance TJ Tolbert
How long before I become a statistic of a system that was meant to break a revolutionary
How long before I carry the burden of hatred and grief in the tattoos that brand my skin that serve as reminders to the public that I am human too
How long before I am grieved with candles on sidewalks and air-brushed t-shirts with my name plastered as a badge of honor
How long before these recurring words reignite a revolu- tion like religion did in the Renaissance age
How long before I am a part of the many plots that hold wilted flowers
How long before parents fill pews while pastors sing hymns of remembrance as they say their final goodbyes
How long before old men are praised because they no longer stood in a place where men died young
How long will the words of the wise revolutionaries become misinterpreted into the words of the weak and unenlightened
How long will we carry the words of the fallen as keep- sakes to give to our grandchildren
How long until I will be mentioned as a hero instead of a heathen
May the tales of the dead revive a young mind whose hope has been betrayed
The true difference is not in race or social class, but the ideology and dreams we cling to so dearly
We pray in your name
Amen
Inspiration
By Anonymous; 11th Grade
Art born from pain is like volcanoes molding into elegant islands.
The scorching lava creates an abundance of life that flows through your being.
So what is art without the agony?
What is music without the meaning?
What are poems without the problems?
How can I call myself a poet, When my face never seems to dull these days?
How can suffering create such a sweet sensation?
Yet when my own existence develops toothaches from all of the sudden sugar of life, My words seem to lack actual language.
Ryan’s Regret
Short Story
By Angel Grider
It is a shame how only when you feel your heart or Mind giving up and dying That.
Is when art truly comes to life. That.
Is when simple words form sentences. And when sentences compose stanzas.
When volcanoes mold islands.
Axel was roughly pushed down into the guillotine, the chipped wood against his throat, the smell of a strong iron, like a rusty nail filling his nose. Yet he couldn’t focus on anything; all he could do was think through the cloud of his memories mixed with the feeling of overwhelming anxiety of what was going to happen. Thoughts rushed through his mind, too rapidly to grasp. Was this the consequences finally catching up to his wrong doings? A shameful death for all to see? As the wind whistled, brushing against Axel’s face, he looked up at Ryan. The man who had him in the palm of his hand this whole time, smiling so wide it was as if his jaw would break in pride. Tears began welling in Axel’s eyes, as he let out a gut wrenching scream, so loud the whole village could hear his sorrowful pain.
Axel began yelling as if he was talking to Ryan directly, “IT ISN’T FAIR, WHY ME? WHY MUST I GET PUNISHED FOR HELPING.. Help me.. Somebody, anybody please..” Axel then looked at the ground in defeat, gritting his teeth with tears streaming down his face.
Ryan began pushing through the cheering crowd, in a frantic hurry. “STOP, DON-,” before he could make his plea the rope was cut, and the blade was dropped.
A small thud made the crowd go silent for a millisecond, then a loud, proud cheer from the audience chanting, “WE’RE FREE.” Echoing in Ryan’s head like a bitter reminder of the huge mistake he had just made. Now slowly walking to the basket holding the head of his enemy, it was almost as if his legs were moving on their own.
Once he reached the basket, there lay the lifeless head of the once shattered man who just needed a helping hand. Everything that man had done was a plea for help, every action a cry, just hoping for someone to hear with a ready hand to lend to his aid which would never come. He was a pitiful man; the same pitiful man Ryan broke down to the brink of insanity. Ryan let out a scream that was drowned out by the chanting crowd. He fell to his hands and knees, in tears. He, himself, practically killed him. He felt the blood on his hands, the blood to forever stain his hands. A stench of guilt clinging to him every waking night. The hole in his heart would be forever hollow.
Marching Band IS a sport.
Editorial By Miguel Sesmas
When it comes to lifting spirits at school events, no one does it better than Brewer’s performing arts’ teams. Although band has artistic elements, it also has athletic elements that many people disregard. Band members are required to put in strenuous hours of practice on a daily basis to perfect routines and perform their best at events such as football games and competitions.
The time and commitment, much like any other sport, can be difficult to balance - especially on top of school or other extracurricular activities. Members spend long, hard hours perfecting every note, step, and movement. Sometimes they practice at least 8 or more hours a day - drum majors have to stay even longer since they lead the band during practices and performance.
Band requires you to have physical strength. Members undergo aerobic and cardio workouts during performances and rehearsals, as well as muscular development from carrying the instrument and using the correct marching style. Those instruments may not seem heavy, but having to hold it up and keep it steady in a certain position while walking around can be exhausting. On top of that, posture can affect the sound of the instrument, so it is essential to have the physical strength in order to do so.
Competitions, just like in any other sport, are an important part of band. Band competitions take place rain or shine, and no matter what the weather may be, you have to maintain focus and hit every step.
Band is one of the hardest organizations within our school. With blood, sweat, and tears going into each performance, it is difficult to consider them anything other than a sport.
New Year, New Photographers Cady Studios to Capture Brewer Bears
By Robbie Hill
For the 2021-22 school year, Cady Studios took charge of taking portrait photos of students for the yearbook. Their work ethic proved to be exceptional among the previous photography companies that were used in the past.
“We were very pleased with the quality of the pictures and with the customer service.” yearbook advisor Cathy Koke said.
Cady Studios was fast with their photo processes, taking photos of 1,400 students in 90 minutes.
“I think that’s a success.” Koke said.
While the underclassmen photos are complete, seniors were given the option to take their portraits at Cady
Studios, or at the school, all of which needed to be booked by appointment.
“If we’re talking about how I personally liked my photos, I like mine this year more than any other of my yearbook pictures.” Senior Maddie Mandl said.
If a senior were to come to the school for their photos to be taken, they would have to go through different photo-taking processes based on the type of ‘package’ they purchased.
“Everything went well.” Senior Cheyanne Herrington said, “I loved all of the staff that was there to help us with every step of the way.”
With the changes that needed to be implemented to accommodate a new
company, the process needed to be altered. While it was challenging at first, it did not take long for the photographers to immerse themselves into the new photo-taking process.
“We know change is hard,” Koke said. “We did not make the decision to change photography companies lightly, but it was something we felt was necessary to get the quality and customer service that our students and parents deserve.”
While senior portraits are still ongoing, the rest of the yearbook portraits were deemed successful.
“I enjoyed it and look forward to working with them (Cady Studios) in the future.” Koke said.
Photo by Miguel Sesmas
By Ana Rivera
By Abigayle Harrell
Want to be featured in the next print issue? Submit your art, poetry, short stories, memoirs, shout-outs, etc. to smanross@wsisd.net with “print submission” in the subject line. Let’s celebrate your creativity!
February Horoscopes
By Alexia Palacios
Aquarius
This month is your month, Aquarius. Keep the focus on your goals. Maintaining routine will be of great help. This month will be challenging but rewarding.
Pisces
February will be filled with abundance. Hard work will be rewarded and recognized.
Aries
Hard work and dedication will solve any problem. Focus on relationships and work.
Taurus
February will be a good month to focus on you. Practice self care as this month will be busy.
Gemini
This month will be great for family time. Focus on strengthening family relationships.
Cancer
This will be a challenging month, but it’ll all be for the greater good. New beginnings and projects will be the result of all your hard work and dedication.
Leo
This month you will have much financial stability and more opportunities to make fast money.
Virgo
February will be the month your growth and hard work are recognized. Stay focused and grounded.
Libra
This month will be challenging but by the end of the month, you will have your desired outcome.
Scorpio
This month will be beneficial for school and work.
Sagittarius
You will finalize pending jobs and get things completed.
Capricorn
Remain guarded and calm. Restore yourself and focus on mental health.
