Wapiti Weekly April 3, 2020 - Appreciation for our Faculty - The Winchendon School
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Wapiti Weekly
April 3, 2020
Appreciation for our Faculty
By: Kylee McCumber
For this edition of Wapiti Weekly, we could not choose only one faculty member to highlight. On behalf of the student body, we would like
to sincerely thank all of our faculty members for the work they have put into developing our online curriculum. Several weeks ago no one
would have been able to predict the toll that the coronavirus would take across the world and how it would impact us and our education. Any
individual who has taken classes at Winchendon knows how hands on and engaged each class is. While the coronavirus prevented students and
faculty from being on campus for the majority of the spring semester, our faculty developed online classes that follow the approach of a
Winchendon education that we all cherish.
On March 17, many private schools in the region began closing their doors, the first school being Loomis Chaffee. As we are aware,
Winchendon was soon to follow that protocol. In addition, Loomis Chaffee helped pioneer the online learning situation that we are adapting to.
Original meetings were held with a team of faculty members to create what our online classes would entail and how we would be continuing
our school year. This devoted team consisted of Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Donovan, Ms. Jordan, Ms. Claude, Mr. Harvey, Mr. Delorme, Dr. Friedman,
Ms. Draugsvold, Mrs. Galat, Ms. Jennings, Mr. Draugsvold, Ms. Reid, Mrs. Friedman, Ms. Stacy, Mr. Harris, Ms. Velasco, and Mrs. Lambert.
Mrs. Harris commented on the approach this team took in their meetings saying, “We met to talk about best practices, applications, and
scheduling options. Then we worked to figure out a plan for individual teams and came together to share resources and information. We also
took into account what other schools were doing.” With campus being closed, not only to students but to faculty as well, all of the meetings
between the faculty members took place through Google Hangouts.
While we would like to thank this group for all of the work they did to make sure we can continue our classes, we would like to recognize
each faculty member for their sincere efforts to, as always, ensure us students receive the most optimal education. Each faculty member had to
adapt their classes in ways that no one would have imagined several months ago. Coronavirus was rapidly changing as were our classes. Mrs.
Harris stated, “Our focus was how to keep students engaged and also to get students credit. We also wanted people to still feel connected to the
community.” We may not all be together physically, yet, we can contribute the same way we would as if we were on campus.
As with any new platform, there are going to be challenges as each of us adapts to online learning, new assignments, and simply not being
on campus all together. We are going to have to learn how to be patient with this process until we have all adapted to our new reality. The
concept of online learning differs heavily from the approach we are all used to on a daily basis in the classroom. The ZOOM platform offers
breakout sessions which is a core value we see in our classrooms with small group work or projects. Also, an individual can share their screen,
which allows for presentations from students and teachers. Through the platform ZOOM and adjusting lesson plans to fit the new system,
students will be able to continue to learn in a way that resembles the style we are used to.
Finally, Mrs. Harris described it as an “amazing experience,” with a diverse group of faculty. With this all being stated, please thank your
faculty members. This is an unfortunate course of events taking place, but it will not hinder our ability to have a wonderful ending to the school
year, thanks to the hard work of our teachers. Thank you so much to all of the faculty that adjusted their classes and helped format the new
online learning style so all of the us students can have a successful second semester!
Is Social Distancing Really That Important?
By: Mr. Church
First of all, I want to preface this by saying I know it’s unusual for me, a teacher, to be writing an article in our student newspaper. However,
in light of the recent events, I felt compelled to speak my mind. And the answer to this question is an unequivocal yes. I wanted to write this
article to plead, to implore you, to listen to the advice of the CDC and medical experts everywhere, and stay inside.
I want to make clear as well that this plea is in no way political. This disease does not discriminate, and that, in part, is what makes it so
insidious. The disease does not differentiate between Democrats and Republicans. The disease does not single anyone out based upon their
gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
As of the time of this writing, there are 650,902 cases of the novel coronavirus worldwide, and over 113,000 in the United States alone. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does identify several factors that put one at greater risk of contracting COVID-19, including
people with underlying conditions including chronic lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions, the immunocompromised,
and individuals 65 years and over. While these people may be at more serious risk, it does not mean that the disease cannot affect younger people
and people without underlying conditions as well. Many young people perhaps feel invincible, like this is a disease that only affects older people,
and have a “if I get it, I get it” mentality. You may have seen video on the news of college students on spring break in Florida, going about as if
everything is business as usual. This is certainly not the case, as over the past several days, young, otherwise healthy people have been getting
very sick, and many now find themselves fighting for their lives.
The CDC identifies community spread as the biggest factor for the increasing number of cases in the United States. Community spread means
that some people have become infected in an area, and then spread the disease to other members in that geographic area. It is estimated that every
person who has the virus spreads it to 2.5 people, creating exponential community growth. The number of cases of COVID-19 being reported in
the United States is rising due to increased laboratory testing and reporting across the country. The growing number of cases in part reflects the
rapid spread of COVID-19 as many U.S. states and territories experience community spread. More detailed and accurate data will allow us to
better understand and track the size and scope of the outbreak and strengthen prevention and response efforts. Experts estimate that the
coronavirus can live for up to three days on some surfaces, including steel and plastic. A new study published in the New England Journal of
Medicine suggests that the virus disintegrates on cardboard over the course of one day. Researchers also say that the virus, when suspended in
droplets smaller than five micrometers - called aerosols - can linger in the air for about half an hour, before descending onto surfaces where it can
live for hours. What’s more, one does not even have to be feeling sick to be carrying the virus and spreading it to others. Some people who
contract the disease may never feel any symptoms at all, but will be transmitting it to others as they go about their normal lives.
The great concern here is that the United States healthcare system could become overwhelmed with an influx of critical care patients all at
once. And this, right here, is why it is so important that we stay inside, and continue to social distance. Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, says that it is absolutely imperative that we “flatten the curve.” What does this mean? It
means that we will likely see the same number of COVID-19 cases in American hospitals, but over an extended period of time rather than all at
once. Let’s go over why this is so necessary. America, at 2.8 hospital beds per 1,000 people, has fewer beds than many other nations in the world.
Italy has 3.2/1,000 people, China has 4.3/1,000 people, France has 6.5/1,000 people, and South Korea has 12/1,000 people. By this metric, it
would seem that the United States is exceptionally unprepared for a pandemic of this magnitude. By flattening the curve of the disease, we can
ensure that the American healthcare system is not overwhelmed, and that everyone who needs life-saving treatment will be able to get it. People
will need ventilators, and seeing as there are a finite supply in the United States, if there were a massive explosion of cases, some people may not
have access.
So once again, is social distancing really THAT important? There is really no other conclusion to reach here other than a resounding,
emphatic, yes. It is absolutely critical that social distancing continue. Most of us have been isolating for at least a week already. I know that it’s
boring at times, that you may want to get back to business as usual, but the harsh reality is that right now, that is simply not an option. I would
venture to guess that every single one of us has an older person in our lives that we care about that we don’t want to see get sick. I would also
encourage you, if you think that you don’t know anyone in your life that is immunocompromised, to think again.
With all of this said, I want to end on a message that I keep telling myself when I get so sick of being inside I just want to scream. The next
few weeks and months are going to be hard. There’s no denying it. Things will be difficult. We will have to make sacrifices. We will grieve. We
will be confused and angry. But when this all ends, and it will end, we will be able to look back and be proud that we stepped up and did the right
thing, when not doing the right thing might have been easier.
So, friends, colleagues, students, I know that this may seem overwhelming. Check in on the people you care about. Tell those that you love
that you love them. And continue to do the right things. Be kind and compassionate. Remember, when things seem hard, you’re not just staying
inside, you’re saving lives. We will all get through this, together. Be well.How to be Active? What to Read?
By: Sarah Irenshtain By: Julia Brennan
Social distancing doesn't have to mean sitting on the couch For most of us, we have been staying at home due to the pandemic
watching TV; there are so many fun and exciting ways to be active currently sweeping the globe. And while you might have spent the
while staying safe during this crazy time. One of the hardest parts of first few days catching up on some well-earned rest and binging
getting yourself up and moving is often motivation, which is why a Netflix, let's face the facts; you're probably pretty bored. So I may
significant first step is to make a schedule for yourself of what you sound a bit like your English teacher when I say this, but why not try a
would like to accomplish. Pre-deciding, when you would like to book? Here are a few recommendations that may pique your interest!
wake up and knowing what you have to do first, is the best way to Never Always Sometimes by Adi Alsaid: Sometimes it's okay to
begin accomplishing your essential tasks. Including one of the most bend the rules you have for yourself, to push the boundaries you've
important tasks, staying active! There are so many dynamic activities made. Is it okay to break the rules when it means it could destroy a
that'll get your blood rushing like dancing, yoga, running, or biking. friendship? Embark on Dave and Julia's journey as they finish off
There are a multitude of apps designed to act as your trainer and can their high school careers, fulfilling every cliche they've never let
walk you through an intense workout just in your living room. You themselves succumb to. A mix of sharp wit, outlandish adventures,
can also lookup fun Zumba dances to your favorite song or open up and the discovery of what it means to love someone, Never Always
TikTok and learn the next viral dance. With family, you can break Sometimes will leave you with a smile.
into a brutal pillow fight or shout that the floor is now lava and Michigan Vs. The Boys by Carrie S. Allen: Just how far would you
therefore, cannot be touched. While watching tv, you can multitask go to play the sport you loved? Michigan Manning has her junior
and stretch for your splits or see how long you can last in a wall sit. season of hockey stolen from her after funds are cut from her high
Teach yourself a new gymnastic skill like a handstand or a backbend, school team. So, she does what no girl has dared to do, try out for the
but make sure there's some protection in case you fall. Allow your boys' team. When Michigan makes the team, she expects the insults
creativity to run wild and get yourself up and moving. Remember, and the body checks to finally stop, for her to be accepted as a team
every day is what you make of it and what you put into this member. They don't. Michigan's situation continues to drastically
quarantine will equal what you get out. worsen as her play begins to improve, leaving her to make the
decision, when is enough, enough? This incredible novel depicts the
story of a girl damaged but unbroken, leaving readers on the edge of
their seats until the very end.
What to Listen to? What to Play?
By: Emma Landry By: Max Caouette
While we all find ourselves at home with a wealth of free time As the world is now quarantined, and we have a lot more time on
now, listening to podcasts is a satisfying way to pass the time and our hands, the world of video gaming instantly presents itself. With
learn something new! There are countless podcasts covering a the capability of being able to play with or against your friends, it
myriad of topics, but one that I have found especially fascinating provides an option to stay connected with those you are close to
given the current unnatural state of our daily lives is The Happiness without having to risk getting sick. A game that I have found to be
Lab by Dr.Laurie Santos. both intense, but also hilariously fun at the same time has been Call
Dr. Laurie Santos, a professor of psychology at Yale University, of Duty: Warzone. Warzone is a battle royale style game where
is most acclaimed for her course “Psychology and the Good Life,” players are pitted up against 150 players to be the last one standing.
which recently became the university’s most popular class in its 300- Whether you are messing around with your friends or playing solo, I
year existence. In her podcast, Santos discusses scientific research highly recommend trying out Warzone if you enjoy first-person
that will guide you in understanding what it is in life that will truly shooters. Another model from the Call of Duty franchise is Zombies,
make us happier and how each one of us can change our mindsets to a game that I have played for hours. I, personally, enjoy playing
live a more fulfilling life. Many of us believe that people who have Black Ops 3 Zombies, but whichever game you choose, I am
higher-paying jobs travel to more exotic destinations, and maintain a confident you will have fun. The strategy for this game is stellar,
massive social following are objectively happier and given the same especially once you team up with three of your friends to last as long
circumstances, that we would be too. But we’re wrong. as you can against the never-ending hoard. If you are sick of the
Although it is research-based, The Happiness Lab reveals the shooter games, why not try out the extensive list of sports games?
cognitive psychological concepts that influence our thinking in a Whether it's NHL '20, MLB The Show '20, or NBA 2K20, sporting
way that can be understood effortlessly. Listeners are told inspiring games are packed with endless amounts of excitement. If you want
and thought-provoking stories that illustrate how our minds operate, to get into a big game of hockey with your friends, give EASHL a
changing the way you perceive happiness. Aside from the sixteen try! The constant back and forth of the game, the banter that you
episodes from season 1, Santos includes bonus episodes that discuss have with your friends, and the unpredictability allow all to have a
the challenges many of us are facing during the coronavirus, such as great time. Make sure you and your friends give these games a try!
isolation, loneliness, rising to a challenge, and coaching yourself
through a crisis.Offseason Moves of the NFL
By: Max Caouette
With the emergence of COVID-19, people may think that nothing is occurring in the sporting world, but the NFL Free Agency period is in full swing,
with big names signing with new teams. The most shocking free agency move thus far has been with Tom Brady, a former New England Patriot turned
Tampa Bay Buccaneer. Brady has long been the poster child for New England sports, giving the NFL team the ‘dynasty’ status. Other quarterback signings
include the Carolina Panthers landing Teddy Bridgewater, as well as star XFL quarterback, P.J. Walker. Philip Rivers signed with the Indianapolis Colts and
Drew Brees resigned with the New Orleans Saints on a two-year deal. Some big-name receivers were also signed in the process, with Emmanuel Sanders
going to the Saints. The tight-end, Eric Ebron, signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, leaving many to believe the team will be a threat in the league now that
they have the Ebron and Juju Smith-Schuster combination. The last of the notable receivers was a re-signing of Amari Cooper by the Dallas Cowboys. As
far as making changes in the middle of the field for teams, the Falcons signed Todd Gurley and the Broncos secured Melvin Gordon. Cornerback Byron
Jones signed with the Miami Dolphins, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the league.
With the 2020 NFL Draft on the horizon as well, teams have made big trades to score draft picks that will hopefully bring in young and promising talent
to these organizations. The Philadelphia Eagles gave the Lions a 3rd and 5th round pick in return for Darius Slay. Another major trade that occurred was the
swap of DeAndre Hopkins and David Johnson, along with some picks on both sides. Despite the absence of action on the field, NFL teams have certainly
been busy the past few weeks, giving fans much to be excited about come next fall!
The Tokyo Olympics
By: Sarah Irenshtain
In most recent news, the Tokyo Olympics has officially been postponed until 2021. The outbreak of COVID-19 has postponed, canceled,
and suspended the seasons of many sports. The list is extensive, but it includes the suspension of the NBA season and NHL play, the
cancellation of MLB's remainder of their spring training, and at least a two-week delay on opening day, as well as the Boston Marathon being
moved to September 14th while all these adjustments are being made to many leagues' regular schedules, the NFL plan to proceed with the
draft as scheduled.
Countries all over the world are making these sorts of adjustments to cater to everyone's health and safety. In England, elite football has been
suspended until April, and the Asian World Cup qualifying matches have been postponed from March and June.
Some people may be thinking about what they can watch while their favorite sports are on hiatus. A solution to this is to stream and rewatch
older games on platforms like youtube and ESPN. There are also a plethora of documentaries, TV shows, and movies about sports to keep you
entertained. Or you could get up and play the sport yourself!
Halt on Sports
By: Julia Brennan
With the ongoing world crisis concerning the coronavirus, sports have come to a temporary halt. Unfortunately, this means that the majority
of the population has reluctantly flipped the channel to reruns of old games, draft predictions, or even home improvement shows. While many
have put their dreams of watching their team make a playoff run on hold, the sports world has continued to work tirelessly to make sure that
once again, everyone’s favorite athletes will get a chance to play.
One of the greatest impacts the coronavirus has had upon the sports world has been the Summer Olympics, which were set to occur in a few
short months in Tokyo, Japan. As of Monday, the Olympics have been postponed and rescheduled to take place from July 23rd until August 8th
during the summer of 2021. All of the athletes who have already qualified for their respective events are locked in as contenders of the 2021
Olympic Games. The president of the International Olympic Committee has stated, “It will require everybody’s efforts to make these games a
symbol of hope.”
Another area of sports that has been greatly impacted are sports at the college level. College athletes have waited with bated breath to see if
their seasons will continue or be made up. The NCAA announced on Monday that all spring sport athletes would be granted an extra season of
eligibility, as the 2019-2020 season has been canceled. Those who competed in winter sports, however, will not be awarded this opportunity as
their seasons were drawing to a close as it was.
As for the rest of the sports world, everything remains in limbo, and only time will tell if and when the 2020 seasons will start again."Boston Stays Home" Challenge
By: Anthony Agnelli
In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, Boston city councilor, Michelle Wu, wanted to create a way for Boston to “come together” while
practicing social distancing. So, she launched the “Boston Stays Home” challenge which calls on Boston citizens to do one thing everyday
“like take an online yoga class or order takeout from a local restaurant” (Gavin, Boston News). Wu wants to bring people together during
these troublesome and nerve-racking times. People are asked to post what they are doing that day on social media with the hashtag,
#bostonstayshome. Some common trends are designated activities for the day of the week. Some of these include Meditation Monday, which
can include taking an online yoga class, Take Out Tuesday when you can order food from your favorite local restaurant, Small Business
Thursday, which asks citizens to support local businesses, and Fitness Friday, where you can get outside and go for a walk, jog, or bike ride.
In addition, Wu will be hosting two live-streamed conversations on her Facebook page on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to talk about “virtual
health care and local food access with guests” (Gavin, Boston News). The challenge comes after further requests from Boston officials asking
the public to stay home and practice social distancing. Mayor Marty Walsh has released new guidelines for city parks to help reduce large
groups. Team sports such as basketball and tennis are not allowed currently, but activities such as jogging and walking are still being
allowed. Wu says, “We’ve launched this challenge to create space for Boston residents to connect with one another across shared activities
with a week of action to build community while staying home.” Staying united is more crucial than ever, and Wu’s challenge is an excellent
way for the city of Boston to come together.
Little Free Libraries
By: Lauren Donovan
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic across the globe, communities need to work together to support one another and stay safe. While
some are focussing solely on self-isolation, others are working to help their neighbors in other ways. More specifically, neighborhoods are using
free little libraries. For those who may not know what free little libraries are, they are small wooden boxes filled with books in which one would
take one and then leave a book for someone else. In total, there are roughly 75,000 registered little free libraries around the world. Although
books are not very helpful in the time of an outbreak, the way that citizens of Arlington, Massachusetts, have used these libraries has genuinely
impacted many people. Inside these boxes, Arlington residents have anonymously placed canned goods, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. Now,
these free little libraries have been converted into free small pantries. All over Twitter, many neighbors are grateful for these acts of kindness,
and they have taken part to share these acts of kindness and encourage others to do the same in their communities! These acts of donating goods
through little libraries have also spread to Vancouver, Canada! Although small pantry boxes have already existed for roughly half a decade, the
transformation of libraries to pantry boxes in Arlington, Massachusetts, has been a great source of uplifting news for others in a time of high
stress. It mainly points out that despite it, it indeed shows the kindness of community members and the impact that a donation can have.
Massachusetts's Response to COVID-19
By: Steven Soos
With the COVID-19 surging throughout the entire US and states like New York, New Jersey, and California taking the most substantial toll
in confirmed cases, Massachusetts is not far behind as numbers begin to rise. A week ago, Governor Baker ordered that all schools, public and
private, are to remain closed until May 4th, but that can change as the Massachusetts government continues to reevaluate the situation
concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. This past Tuesday, Governor Baker extended the stay at home order that was previously to be followed
until April 7th. This new order now in effect until May 4th, strongly advising against unnecessary travel in and out of the state and keeping to
the limit of gatherings of no more than ten people. The state government is also banning the booking of hotel rooms and Airbnb’s for vacations
as they will only be for healthcare workers and people displaced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to these new laws enacted
by Governor Baker and the Massachusetts government, the state is opening a temporary field hospital in nearby Worcester to prepare for a more
significant influx of patients with COVID-19 symptoms. The peak of COVID-19 cases will not happen on one day all at once in the United
States, but rather each state has an expected peak date. Epidemiologists say that the peak of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts will occur
sometime during mid-April if the virus continues to spread at this current. One figure, from Axios, projects that the peak date for Massachusetts
will be April 26th. Unfortunately, the worst is yet to come, and it is essential to remember to follow all of the CDC’s guidelines to minimize the
risk of getting exposed to COVID-19.COVID-19 Disrupts College Admission Process
By: Ephraim Boamah
As COVID-19 disrupts the typical way of life for all Americans, it’s important to note the effect the pandemic is having on the country’s
educational system as well. With more than 95% of children out of school and no signs of slowing down, the novel disease poses a threat to the
education of many children. However, schools have been hard at work to adapt their curricula and have turned to new platforms to educate their
students, such as online tools like Zoom.
One area of education that has been notably impacted and has had many different responses from schools and universities is standardized
testing. Due to the uncertainty of how the virus will play out in the coming months, the College Board has announced the cancellation of many of
their SAT and SAT subject test dates. In light of this news, many colleges have announced that they will be going test-optional for the 2020-21
admission cycle and possibly even in years coming. These institutions include: Oregon State University, Tufts University (which is beginning a
three-year experiment of going test-optional), Case Western Reserve University, Boston University and Oregon University. Some schools, like
MIT, are changing their policies to no longer require SAT subject tests. There is undoubtedly a lot of concern and confusion among students,
parents, and admission committees alike as to how these policy changes will affect the upcoming college admissions cycle. Regardless,
universities are realizing the importance of accommodating prospective students and families who are being impacted by the coronavirus, as the
unprecedented nature of the pandemic raises many questions about how it will continue to impact students’ education in the coming year.
Signing of the $2 Trillion Dollar Relief Package
By: Emma Landry
Amid the COVID-19 outbreak and the unprecedented social disruption it has caused, President Trump signed into law a $2 trillion emergency
relief package to thwart the disastrous effects the pandemic could have on the American economy and its citizens. The seven groups that the
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) would affect are education, individual citizens, public health, big
corporations, small businesses, state and local governments, and a social safety net.
For individual citizens, the relief package is providing one-time cash payments, in which the total amount will be based on an individual’s or
married couple’s gross adjusted income that will scale due to the number of children within the household. To further support the American
people, unemployment benefits will be expanded, and the criteria for who qualifies for such benefits will be enlarged. There also are provisions
made on policies surrounding tax returns, student loans, and insurance coverage (which includes COVID-19 treatments and free tests).
Small businesses will benefit from the CARES Act through emergency grants, forgivable loans, and relief for existing loans, in an effort to keep
these businesses afloat during the pandemic and ensure American workers are still on the payroll. Larger companies will receive loans that will
eventually be paid back to the government, and a special inspector general is being created to oversee the process.
The bill is also providing immediate funds to the American health system to make medical treatment as accessible and far-reaching as possible.
Significant funds are being implemented into the country’s major food security programs that will help SNAP, food banks, and schools providing
free meals to students.
Quarantine Update
By: Yamuna Turco
As of Tuesday, March 31st, 32 of our 50 states, or two-thirds, have put at least some measures in place to quarantine citizens and limit
interactions. Along with the slow closing of non-essential business and the isolation of some cities in the United States, many other countries
have or are on their way to doing the same to curb the spread of COVID-19. Approximately 245 million people are being told to practice social
distancing in the United States. Therefore, 75% of the country is aware of the virus and are actively attempting to lessen the impact on our
healthcare system. This is causing issues, as millions of people have been fired, laid off, or can no longer work due to these laws. With the
Coronavirus Task Force making efforts at the federal level, many state governors are taking precautions with their states, especially when larger
cities are involved. As there is a current shortage of medical supplies needed in hospitals and healthcare centers, the travel restrictions and
recommendations put in place will help keep the ill and at-risk safe. Following federal and state law is of the utmost importance during these
times to ensure that we keep thousands of people out of the risk of illness.Nacro-Terrorism in Venezula
By: Bradley Bigelow
According to the BBC, Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro is accused of “Narco-Terrorism” by the United States. Subsequently, there has
been a $15 million award put out for his arrest. Maduro, along with 14 people known to be his close informants, have been charged by the US
for a number of crimes. US Attorney Geoffrey Berman stated Maduro intended to “undermine the health and wellbeing of our nation”. Maduro
allegedly used the FARC rebel group to smuggle cocaine across US borders. To replace Maduro, the US is formally backing Juan Guaido as
president of Venezuela. (BBC, March 26th 2020)
The Washington Post notes that this makes Maduro an internationally wanted criminal, giving him little freedom outside of Venezuela’s
capital Caracas. A sentence of 50-life looms over Maduro, who is in the middle of a power struggle in the country. For the United States
government, the situation has a few similarities to that of the capture of the Panamanian Dictator, Manuel Noriega, in the late 1980’s. The
circumstances in Venezuela are proving to be more complex than that of Panama, though. For example, The Washington Post cited that a
stronger military presence would be needed, as well as backing from the Russian Federation. Maduro and other members of the Venezuelan
government have deep-seated influence and power in the world of drug-trafficking. Prosecutors claim that Venezuelan officials corrupted the
government and ran the Cartel do lo Soles or “Cartel of the Suns” since the turn of the century, moving cocaine into the US along with the
FARC. Attorney General Barr said that “the Maduro Government is ‘awash in corruption and criminality.”” This conflict is going to require a
well calculated response from the Trump administration if they hope to cease Maduro’s activity. (Washington Post, March 26th 2020).
Locusts in Africa
By: Teagan Harbour
Kenyans are currently battling with billions of locusts that are flooding the country and some of the major cities in Eastern Africa. The locusts
have been inflicting the country since February, and the problem only seems to be worsening. Historically, this is not the first time Kenya has
faced a ‘locust plague’, but this has been the most catastrophic one in 25 years. Typically, the country would respond by spreading pesticides
over the heavily affected areas using aircrafts. However, the Ethiopoian and Kenyan governments have been struggling to find the necessary
aircraft to spread the amount of pesticides needed to wipe out the locusts. This is particularly concerning for people in Kenyan because the
locusts follow an exponential growth rate, meaning they reproduce rapidly in just a short amount of time. Experts predict that the current number
of locusts is going to double by June. The increase in locusts can partly be contributed to the dry, hot climate in the East Africa region. Extreme
heat is the ideal temperature for the locusts to thrive. Due to the locusts, vast amounts of crops have been damaged in Kenya. Farmers are now
struggling to not only make a living but also provide food to the rest of the country’s population. As a result, some of the population is facing
starvation. The damage being done to the Kenyan food industry is alarming; people have reported that in just a single day, the locusts have the
ability to destroy enough crops to feed 30 million people. To respond to the growing crisis, Kenya and Ethiopia have begun setting fire to certain
areas in order to burn out the locusts. Additionally, the United Nations pledged approximately ten million dollars in an effort to end the crisis.
Teddy's From Around the World
By: Yamuna Turco
As the future seems bleak and a bit uncertain, people from all over the globe are joining together to do something sweet for the children of the
world. People are placing teddy bears and other plush and stuffed toys in their front windows as a scavenger hunt for children who are facing
quarantine at home and can only go for walks around their neighborhoods with their parents. This game, which began in the United Kingdom,
was inspired by the book "We're Going on a Bear Hunt." Teddy Bears are now being put in people's windows all around the world, with some in
Indonesia, the United States, Finland, Australia, and several other countries. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, recently
placed two in the windows right by her front door. Some people have shared photos of the stuffed toys in their windows, some shown self-
isolating by being wrapped in miniature scarves and blankets. The recent increase in the number of cuddly toys has been thanks to social media,
with people starting it in their towns and cities. Their actions not only provide a distraction for the town's children but also acts as a way to
brighten the day of anyone who may happen to pass by a home with a teddy bear in the window. At such times of worry, anxiety, uncertainty,
and fear, it is of the utmost importance to pay attention to the little victories and joys that people share, and we can offer one another. Though it
may seem silly and is mainly for the enjoyment and entertainment of younger children, we as a people must not overlook anything that could
bring a smile to our faces.This Day in History
By: Jonathan Roman
On April 3rd, 2010, the first generation iPad was released by Apple in America. The iPad concept was first introduced and previewed to
consumers in January of 2010, creating a lot of anticipation and excitement in the technology market. The iPad was the first ever tablet to be able
to integrate the abilities of a current computer using the IOS operating system. Some of the most notable functions of the first iPad was its ability
to connect to Wifi, surf the web, play music, and act as a GPS, but its capabilities did not end there. Ten years ago, this was one of the most
advanced tablets of its time. Although the sale of iPads in America was enormous. Within the first three days of release, a remarkable 80 million
iPads were sold.
Unknown to many, Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, first created the concept of the iPad in 1983. Jobs once described his idea for this novel
technology as “ we [Apple] want to put an incredibly great computer in a book that you can carry around with you and learn how to use in 20
minutes ... And we really want to do it with a radio link in it so you don't have to hook up to anything and you're in communication with all of
these larger databases and other computers.” For years, Apple worked on prototypes of a hybrid computer but they were ultimately scrapped.
Making a comeback, though, rumors circulated in 2009 that Apple had created a tablet that encompassed all the same powers as a computer. The
name iPad was intentional as to pay homage to the PADD tablet in the series Star Trek. As we all now know, the rumors turned out to be true.
Steve Jobs admitted that iPad development was put on hold in order to release the first iPhone in 2007. The concept of the iPad was momentous
from the moment Jobs so much as devised its name, and it continues to be one of the most popular inventions in the technological world, even in
2020.
Riddle
By: Sarah Irenshtain
What is more useful when it is broken?
Last Riddle
By: Sarah Irenshtain
Riddle: I have six faces, but does not wear makeup, has twenty-one eyes, but cannot see? What am I?
Answer: A dice
Fun Fact
By: Teagan Harbour
In the Disney Pixar movie “Up”, the house was lifted by 10,297 individual balloons.
Student Editors: Kylee McCumber, Emma
Landry, and Max Caouette
Faculty Directors: Mr. Church and Ms. Reid
We hope that to see everyone back on campus
in May! Stay healthy!You can also read
