Category Archives: School Life

Local, School Life

Questioning SROs’ role in SPPS

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In a recent Pioneer Press article, it was stated that chair of Saint Paul Public School Board, Mary Doran had proposed the idea to remove student resource officers from all Saint Paul Public Schools. This proposal created controversy, especially in light of the recent events around SPPS. Just within the past 4 months of the 2015-16 school year, SPPS has faced many dangerous incidents. This includes;

  • A loaded handgun found at Harding High School
  • An officer punched in the face breaking up a fight at Harding High School
  • An outbreak of fights with 10+ students involved at Como Park High School
  • A student at Central High School tasered for refusing to leave class
  • And the most recent event, a staff member hospitalized after trying to break up a fight at Central High School

With the occurrence of these events, many people believe that removing all student resource officers (SROs) would only make schools a more dangerous place to learn. The SRO budget is currently $854,000 to pay for nine resource officers within the district. This money is from the school district budget provided by education funding from the government. Although removing these officers would save money and help with budget cuts, many people believe that their presence within the schools is essential. The removal could elevate the situation and make our schools more dangerous without strong reinforcement present at all times.

One reason Ms. Doran supposedly questioned the presence of SROs in our schools is because earlier this year, an officer at Spring Valley High in South Carolina assaulted a student. Since then there has been much talk about the benefits and disadvantages SROs bring to schools around America.

After contacting Ms. Doran, she claims that the reporter simply misinterpreted her proposal, and that she just meant to start a conversation between students about their opinions of their school officers. She also claims that she does not wish to remove all SROs, and in fact she firmly believes their presence in schools is much needed in light of these recent events.

In the Pioneer Press article, the reporter said, “Evidently, you have some doubts as to whether SROs are a strictly positive presence in St. Paul schools“, but Mrs. Doran claims that nothing she said lead to that conclusion. She also claims these were false assumptions with no evidence. In summary, she believes that officers are important for the safety of students and teachers within the school, and they will not be removed.

Editorials/Student Voice, School Life

Tardy Policy

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Highland Park Senior High has started to enforce a tardy policy as of November 16, the start of the second quarter. The policy says that if a student is late to school or to class three times in a week, the school will call the student’s house and report to parents of their child’s late arrival. Seems pretty reasonable. Except for the fact that it’s construction season here in St. Paul, which will soon be followed by Minnesota’s notorious snowy season. Many students get to school via parents, friends, or public transportation, therefore taking logistics out of the students’ hands.

I recently posted a poll on Twitter proposing a “three minute window” policy instead of the current tardy policy. The three minute window policy would eliminate students being penalized for being a few minutes late to first hour, coffee in hand or not, as long as they made it to class within the first three minutes. Class would still begin at 7:30 AM.

102 Highland Park students took part in the Twitter poll, and 84% agreed with the three minute window policy, instead of the current policy.

Highland Park’s principal, Dr. Winston Tucker, has communicated with a student via email regarding concerns felt throughout the school. That student, Senior Misha Prasolov, conducted a separate Twitter poll asking for student feedback about the current tardy policy. “Some days I have to take public bussing, which does not arrive until 7:32, meaning that I would have to be tardy. There is no way for me to avoid this on these days so the policy is pretty unfair to me. Especially since I am only two minutes late,” was a sample comment collected from that poll. 

Dr. Tucker said that being late to work, for example, would not be acceptedTucker.JPG by an employer and you would get fired. Though this is true, I’m quite sure we won’t be expected to complete twenty pages of reading, four pages of notes, a lab, and at least three homework assignments in a week by an employer (seeing how all of the above is the unfortunate reality of high schoolers today). The “real” work world reality is simply not the same “real” reality of a high school student.

Another reality we all face are unexpected barriers that may occur in our regular commute to school. Barriers may include: Metro Transit running late, excessive snow blocking driveways, ice covering the windows of cars and/or streets, or unexpected traffic. One senior at Highland Park said, “Tardiness during first hour shouldn’t exist. Transportation can fluctuate frequently. After first period, any time later than one minute should be considered tardy unless there is a pass.”

A Highland junior said it is very hard for them to get up in the morning, “Especially after working and homework and other out of school activities which makes me miss the bus and therefore be tardy to my first hour. My intention is not to be tardy.” 

To take a look at other comments made go to:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-GVgk9S-u3aAepgNMq1l8vC_UjOVyEZJTRmfUiDGbSw/edit#gid=1497682940&vpid=A2

Movies/TV/Theaters, School Life

Pepsi Vs. Coke

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Coke? Pepsi? Which one taste better?

My fellow writer and I decided that it would be interesting to do a soda taste test, and to see which soda tastes better. We made a poster that had both sodas on one side of the poster.

Once the HPHS students entered lunch, we had them come over and try both drinks and after they tasted it, they tallied which drink they liked best. The amount of soda we gave the students to taste was about a Dixie cup worth.FullSizeRender

With the data we collected it shows that people like Coke better than Pepsi. For some students, they said that they like Pepsi because it had a sweet taste, while others said they liked Coke because it had a really fizzy taste. Some people disliked Coke because it had a bland taste, which stayed in their throat.

Overall, 41 people liked Pepsi and 56 liked Coca Cola. So, with that information, we see that Coca Cola is the favored soda of HPSH.

School Life

Electives at Highland Park

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Electives are an important part of the school day because they help students learn and focus in school. Many surveys have shown that electives give students a break from the standard core classes throughout the day, which actually allows them to concentrate easier in their remaining classes. Not to mention that electives are some students’ favorite part of their day because it allows them to make connections from their education to the outside world.

Here is a list of all the electives offered at Highland Park:

  • Beginning Dance
  • IB Dance
  • Ceramics
  • Drawing
  • Digital Filmmaking
  • Photography
  • Jewelry
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
  • IB Art & Design
  • PLTW Architecture and Civil Eng
  • AVID
  • Intro to Agriculture
  • Natural Resources
  • Fish and Wildlife
  • Small Animal Care
  • Horticulture
  • Floral Design
  • 3D Modeling and Programming
  • Programming, Game Design & Internet Security
  • Engineering Design
  • Principles of Engineering
  • Architecture and Civil Engineering
  • IB Computer Science
  • Percussion~b812786
  • Piano
  • Music Tech
  • Band
  • Orchestra
  • World Music Appreciation
  • Mixed Choir
  • Women’s Choir
  • Gymnastics
  • Strength & Fitness
  • Racquet Sports
  • Volleyball
  • Health
  • IB World Geography
  • World Languages; Chinese, French, and Spanish

Some factors that decide what electives are offered include budget, popularity, and availability of teachers. This year due to budget cuts, some electives in the art and performing arts category are no longer offered. This includes Intro to Theater Arts, Acting, Technical Theater, and IB Theatre. Also, last year Highland lost an agriculture/industrial technology teacher, who was never replaced. This means the electives he taught, like Home & Auto Care, along with Construction & Design are no longer offered.

Although some electives were lost, there are a few new ones this year including yearbook, journalism/newspaper, and study hall. Many students chose to take a study hall instead of an elective, which is why we asked them, “If you could see one new elective here at Highland, what would it be?” This is how junior, Anna Chirhart responded; “I would like an art class that is not focused on one element because I prefer a variety of subjects.” When asked, “What seems to be the most popular elective requested by students?” Mrs. Esso, a school counselor, replied, “Students at Highland are very well rounded so there isn’t one elective that stands out too much compared to others, but I would say engineering is the most popular.”

Advice/How To, School Life

Ways to eliminate distractions

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It’s finally the start of a new quarter, and hence the perfect opportunity to change your work ethic to shape your study skills from the start, rather than waiting until the last minute to beg your teacher to bump up your grade since you’re only 0.01 percent away from a B. This year, teachers have been emphasizing their resentment towards students who don’t take the initiative to do their best in class from the start. Change your lazy habits now and show your teacher that you’re capable of being responsible.

Seniors, it is especially important for you to get on your teachers’ good side early on so that they will be more than happy to write you a letter of recommendation when you need it. Starting out strong at the beginning of the quarter will definitely motivate you to continue succeeding. Learning how to balance school assignments with home life will simplify your life, you will not have to face the giant snowball effect of work build-up at the end of the quarter, and you are less likely to have cold bitter feelings towards your teachers.

  • Have a bowl of snacks placed right next to you. Nibbling on simple repetitive snacks like peanuts and chips will both prevent hunger from distracting your work momentum and also the repetitive gestures and chewing actions will keep you in the zone longer. You are also less likely to notice the tediousness of your work until you finish the snack. Some good foods that supposedly makes you smarter? Blueberries, spinach, dark chocolate, and fish.
  • Remove all electronic distractions, and only consider using them for educational use. Studies have shown that listening to music may also help the brain, and a little of something in the background will make you less likely to think you’re not only doing homework. Try listening to natural sounds like rain or birds chirping.  
  • Sleep is a crucial factor in our ability to succeed, therefore you should get at least eight hours of it every night, instead of waiting until 11pm to complete your internal assessments. FYI: Trying to maintain focus and doing homework while you’re sleepy and tired is the same as focusing while intoxicated.
  • Take 5-10 minute breaks in between assignments. Now is the time to check your phone or stretch, because overworking your brain over a long span of time is not a healthy practice. Even when pulling an all nighter on the assignment due the next morning, still take the five minute break every hour and so.
  • Occasionally changing your methods of studying will help keep your mind focused. Change is good! A good way to educationally make use of your iPad is to download the Quizlet app used to make digital flashcard. Quizlet also offers various activities to help you memorize information using the flashcards you created. It’s easy, simple and fun!
  • Create a comfortable learning environment. Whether it’s your kitchen counter or your couch, make sure you surround yourself with all of the learning materials needed. Bring everything from a bag of pencils and pens, highlighters, textbooks, notebooks, and you may as well bring your backpack too. If having doubts about whether you need that one book, bring it with you anyways.
  • Use a planner. Even though our school does not provide students with one, it is a wise choice to invest in a planner. You don’t even have to spend much on it. You can get a small planner at Walmart for only $5, nothing fancy. Even a mini note pad would work.

And lastly, believing in yourself is a significant tool to boost your confidence. Make goals to become a better person, even if you think you’re already perfect. Instead of just sitting there, staring out into space, make use of every bit of time you have to complete work in school so you don’t have to run into the problem of laziness at home.

School Life

Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving is that time of year that you can come together and spend time with family, eat good food, and relax. I always remember going to my grandma’s house and helping in the kitchen and then sitting down at the table that was set so beautifully. Spending time with mom, dad, aunts, uncles, grandma, and grandpa. It is one of my favorites holidays. I love to spend time with family and relax. Knowing how much Thanksgiving means to me, I decided to ask a few people what they thought about Thanksgiving.

Darron Chapmen

I asked Mr. Chapmen the following questions:

What are you thankful for? Being the age that he is. He didn’t want to comment on his age.

What do you do for Thanksgiving? “Eat a lot of food when visiting with relatives.” 

What does Thanksgiving mean to you? “It’s when family gets together and sits down and eats a good meal and talks about things that pertain to family.”

Andrea Dickinson

Ms. Dickinson, my school counselor, was asked:

What do you do for Thanksgiving? “Get together with family.” 

What are some traditions you do every year? “Eat food tried to go out for a walk.” 

What are you thankful for? “Heath ,family and spend time with family.”

John Edwards

I asked a student in my class the following:

What does Thanksgiving mean to you? “Sit down with the family and eat and talk about about how thankful we are for each other and how we appreciate each other.”

What do you do for Thanksgiving? “Eat with his family.”

What are you thankful for? “I’m thankful for having a good family.”

Tationna McGee

Another student in my class was asked:

What do you do for Thanksgiving? “Gather  with family and play game and hang out.” 

What does Thanksgiving mean to you and what are you thankful for? “Giving thanks to people in your family and being thankful for what I have.”

Entertainment, School Life

Scot-A-Palooza

On Sunday, November 1st, friends and family of Highland Park and Capitol Hill students gathered in The Shanty at O’Gara’s Bar and Grill to listen to some great music. Many groups performed including the Highland Park Senior High jazz band, the Highland Park Junior High jazz band, The Capitol Hill jazz band, a few string trios and even some bands that people from our own school created. There was a silent auction, gift card grab, and even a drawing to win four tickets to a Minnesota Vikings game!

There was a lot of Highland pride shown throughout the night from the musical acts. The Highland Park Senior High jazz band, lead by Joel Matuzak, played many songs including “Birdland” arranged by Michael Sweeney and “A Night In Tunisia” also arranged by Michael Sweeney. They played with a lot of energy and they were a real hit among the crowd. Some of our own Highland Park Senior High students preformed in their own bands like Escaping Evolution and Makeshift. The crowd really seemed to enjoy the different vibe these bands brought to the event.

This event was created to help raise money for the instrumental music program at our school. The money that was raised will go towards fixing instruments, buying new instruments, buying chairs and stands, and many other items.

Schools around the country have been cutting funding to art programs in schools and many have been struggling to keep the programs alive and running. Thankfully, here at Highland we have many active parents who want to support the program, and they make events like these possible. There are a few people that especially helped, such as Vineeta Sawkar, Katie Sterns, and of course our own instrumental music teacher Joel Matuzak.

I think this was a great way to raise money but also to enjoy the musical talent of many Highland students.

Local, School Life

Hmong New Year @ Highland

The jingling sound as they proudly walk around downtown St. Paul in their traditional clothes would bring nostalgia of the winter holiday season. However, the origins of the sound is not from sleigh bells, but from the clashing of the silver coins that mothers sew on the traditional Hmong clothes, with a black sweater over the crisp white collar shirts.

Every year in Minnesota, people of the Hmong community form a gathering at the RiverCentre, in Downtown Saint Paul, during a three day weekend, displaying their cultural heritage, selling food, whose smell would strike ourselves insane, playing simple games, and watching various performances. People standing in parallel rows would happily play a game of ball tossing with the person across, or casually walk around taking pictures after reuniting with old friends and family. Performances include both modern and traditional dances, and features several famous Hmong singers. Other programs would include both a man and women pageant, and dance group competitions. These are one of the few events during the year where we can experience the vibrant cultures of ethnic minorities.

The Highland Park Asian Culture Club (ACC) will also be hosting their own celebration to represent the Hmong population in our school. The performance will take place on November 25, 2015 in the auditorium during sixth period. “This year we are focusing on showing talents, because during the actual Hmong New Year celebrations, there’s always a compilation of multiple Hmong talents,” said Quincy Yangh. 

The program will feature a singing performance, instrumental dance, and two traditional dance routines. Folk music will be blasting from the speakers, as the dancer’s are hands actively gesturing to the beat of the music and hips will be constantly moving side to side rhythmically. All are unified in their traditional vibrant clothes. 

This year, they will also hold a fashion show of all the different traditional clothes of the Hmong culture. Be sure to beg your teachers to reserve a spot for this program because this will definitely be something phenomenal that you will not want to miss!

ACC was previously advised by Highland’s Chinese instructor, but this year the role has been transferred to AVID teacher, Ms.McGraw. Meetings are held once a week on Wednesdays after school from 2:15- 4:00. This year they are proud to announce that Quincy Yangh is the president of ACC. All are welcome to join, even if you are not of Asian descent, just as long you have some interest in learning more and experiencing the Asian culture.

To those who don’t know about the Asian Culture Club, no, Asian Culture Club does not just spend time during meetings eating ramen! Among some of the other activities organized by ACC includes the Chinese New Year celebration, Asian Night (performances held towards the end of the year), and fundraisers during Valentine’s Day and Homecoming. The majority of the time, spent during meetings, is reserved to prep for big events such as the upcoming Hmong New Year performance. Otherwise, time will be spent developing ideas to produce interactive activities to promote the significance of maintaining Asian Cultures. There are also special occasions where they will hold potlucks and game days to celebrate their successes and hard work. 

Interested or considering joining ACC? You are more than welcome to drop by after school on any Wednesday to be a participate in the fun!   

School Life

What is bullying?

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What is bullying? Does bullying even matter? Do people still bully anyone anymore?

According to stopbullying.com, bullying comes in different formats wether it’s verbal abuse, cyberbullying, or physical bullying. Bullying is a aggressive, bothersome behavior among school aged children that inolves a real or discern power imbalance. This behavior has the pontential to be repeated over time and will continue to keep going if not stopped. Bullying can include physical abuse, verbal abuse, calling names, harming others, spreading rumors, threatning someone, and excluding someone from a group on purpose for no reason.

Bullying seems to have been around for as long as anyone can remember. Whether it’s calling someone a name, to making fun of someone, or craking a quick joke, what you say can and will have an impact on someones life.

If you were to look up the word “Bullying” in Google, different informational websites about bullying will pop up such as:

On the website stop bullying.gov, it says students who are bullied are more likely to commit suicide, not show up to school, disconnect with others, have low self esteem, may have depression, and will feel uncomfertable everwhere they go. When people are bullying others, they tend to not have anything better to do, they are jealous, not happy with theirselves, dislike school, and love to see others in pain.

According to us.reachout.com, when bullying happens and a school does not take action, kids will automatically see that bullying is O.K., keep on doing it, and the entire climate and culture can be negatively affected. The impact on student learning and engagement can also be negative, which can lead to:

  • Students not liking school
  • Students feeling unwanted, feeling worthless
  • The school developing an enviroment fear and disrespet
  • Not caring what is being taught to them
  • Not listening or following teachers instructions

As it says on the website eyesbullying.org, being a bystander, a person who witnesses bullying, is also a big problem. Chances are, those students who watch someone get treated badly, called names, and being hurt in any way, and that do not take action to step up and tell a authority figure, will get in just as much trouble as the bully.

Multiple sources say that the best way to avoid getting bullied is to walk away, surround yourself with people who care about you, stay positive, and be confident. If the person keeps bugging you, go to the closest adult you can find and tell them.

IF YOU ARE BEING BULLIED AND NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO, CALL OR GO TO http://www.reachout.com or ask your counselor, teacher, a safe adult, or parent for more sources.

School Life

SPPS school start times

St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS) has been looking into whether or not they should change their current school start times.

According to spps.org, the official website of the school district, the leading recommendation made by SPPS leaders is for SPPS to keep their current starting times for 2016-2017. Although the leading recommendation is for start times to remain the same for 2016-2017, SPPS is hopeful to continue working with Metro Transit to find a solution. SPPS also presented the Board of Education with two alternative options for start times.

The alternative options would be to change the school start times, overlooking the downside such as the $2 million increase due to less efficient bus routes, and the changing of 90% of schools’ start times, including elementary schools, causing difficulties for many families and staff.

The second alternative is for SPPS to stop searching for possible ways to change start times, and remain with the current structure. SPPS contacted Metro Transit in a year-long process of research and analysis, along with conversing about a possible partnership between Metro Transit and SPPS.

The main advantage of the partnership between Metro Transit and SPPS, would be allowing the majority of elementary schools to keep their current start times, creating less of an impact on families, staff, transportation costs, and school programs.

Despite SPPS and Metro Transit’s efforts to find a solution to school start times, in mid-September Metro Transit contacted SPPS notifying them they did not have the capacity/resources to expand to more high schools. Metro Transit notified SPPS that their east metro garage does not have the space to house any more busses, and for Metro Transit to expand to additional high schools, it would require an estimate of 20 more busses.

For more detailed information about possible changes in school start times, please go to: http://www.spps.org/starttimes