From Kanye to McCaskey: The Line Between Humor and Harassment

There’s a fine line between humor and harassment. Because the internet allows for instantaneous dissemination of information, often anonymously and with no fact-checking, there is great potential for abuses of power. And when these abuses are excused as “funny,” it’s even more difficult to enforce accountability for perpetrators.  The recent controversy between Kanye West and Kim Kardashian exemplifies this problem of the digital age. Although … Continue reading From Kanye to McCaskey: The Line Between Humor and Harassment

Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

On February 21st, 2022, Putin initiated his attack on Ukraine. What would seem as Russia’s president having an episode, would have a deadly outcome. His statement was that a “Full-scale invasion” was underway. The main focus is to take Kyiv as their own. Putin’s reasons were to “protect” the citizens from their government, which he characterized as “fascist”, and to help the people fight back … Continue reading Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

Pokémon Arceus: A Legendary New Take

Released back in January “Pokémon Legends Arceus” is the most recent game in the series and is easily the most ambitious Pokemon game to date. It’s completely switched up,  taking familiar elements both gameplay wise and story wise and completely flipping them on the head. It has a level of harshness in story and difficulty that has never been seen before in the series.. Pokémon … Continue reading Pokémon Arceus: A Legendary New Take

Busting the Myths of Homeschooling

Homeschooling—what comes to mind? Most likely, you’ve heard at least one of the myths surrounding homeschooling, but as someone who has been homeschooled from kindergarten to eleventh grade, I can testify that a lot of those myths and stereotypes aren’t true. Being in public school this year has certainly been different, but both options have pros and cons. With more parents looking at other options … Continue reading Busting the Myths of Homeschooling

The Severity of Kanye West’s Irresponsibility

When a person close to you says that they have become a “free thinker”, it probably fills you with dread. Kanye West’s family might feel the same. The horrible truth of mental illness is obscured, because the noise Kanye is making is much more interesting to pay attention to. The constant fashion updates, unhinged rants, and arguments with former friends are certainly a spectacle, but … Continue reading The Severity of Kanye West’s Irresponsibility

And the World Will Know: “Newsies” Brings Musical Theater Back to McCaskey

During the week of March 14, McCaskey’s performing arts department, under the direction of Reynolds Middle School Teacher Kristin Wolanin, will be presenting Disney’s Newsies.  “Preparing this show has been such an amazing experience,” said senior Jadyn Torres, who plays the lead role of Jack Kelly along with Zachary White. “Our cast is filled with the most insanely talented kids and I’m so excited for … Continue reading And the World Will Know: “Newsies” Brings Musical Theater Back to McCaskey

Standardized Teachers

Educators and their students struggle with burnout now more than ever as the systemic problems with our education system have been exposed during the pandemic. The days drag with the sense of forced productivity and kids are in desperate need of compassion and understanding. Teachers face student after student whose faces reflect the pain of learning in unprecedented times of war, COVID, and nationwide school … Continue reading Standardized Teachers

2/22/22: A Groundbreaking Day for Women’s Soccer

2/22/22. For everyone in the world, the day held significance for its uniqueness of the date, including that it was on a Tuesday. Likely, you have a screenshot on your phone, or you might remember the moment it hit 22 seconds, because it was a special day. However, the United States Women’s Soccer Team was enjoying a different celebration on that day. The US Women’s … Continue reading 2/22/22: A Groundbreaking Day for Women’s Soccer

Are We Evolving Past Identity Labels?

Especially in this generation, labels, specifically identity labels, have become a topic of great importance. From the second people are born they are assigned a label. Categorized. Numbered. Girl. Boy. Healthy. Unhealthy. Weight. Height. Wealth.  And from these labels come assumptions, which are often used to turn large groups against each other, unintentionally or not. You may have been taught to avoid people of lower … Continue reading Are We Evolving Past Identity Labels?

Black Americans’ Mental Health Matters

Trauma. A deeply distressing or disturbing experience. A Greek word for “wound,” which in present time refers to emotional wounds.  Slave. A person who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them.  Oppression. A prolonged cruel and unjust treatment or control. Neglect. Failure to care for a being or thing properly, to be uncared for.  Segregation. The action or state of … Continue reading Black Americans’ Mental Health Matters

Why Does the US Care About Ukraine?

In recent weeks, the simmering conflict between Ukraine and Russia has escalated with the deployment of Russian troops to the Ukrainian border. It has raised security concerns both in Europe and globally. World leaders have threatened to tighten sanctions on Russia if they go through with a full invasion of the former satellite nation, afraid that if there is a full scale invasion, it will … Continue reading Why Does the US Care About Ukraine?

Understanding Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is growing more prevalent among children and youth, but many remain uneducated about what it is and how it affects daily life for those who have it. A lot of people also don’t realize how it is different from type 2 diabetes. An understanding of this chronic illness will help to clear up common misconceptions. As a type 1 diabetic myself, responding … Continue reading Understanding Type 1 Diabetes

The Stock Market and Teenagers: What to Know

When thinking about investing in the stock market or wanting to buy stocks, there is a lot to know and a lot of little details that can make or break your experience. Hopefully, after reading this, you will have a better idea and understanding of the ins and outs of investing and investing as a teenager.  So what exactly is stock? Stock is where you … Continue reading The Stock Market and Teenagers: What to Know

We Should Talk About the Pledge

Recently, McCaskey High School began playing the pledge of allegiance every morning on its announcements.  “It mocks our ancestor’s cries and screams: their terror,” shared Essence Winters. “What justice has America shown?” she asked. “Black people still haven’t received reparations.”  “Not saying it is disrespectful to those who have died. We should honor it, value it, and be fair to it,” said Sujan Upreti.  These … Continue reading We Should Talk About the Pledge