Opinion: We Should Not Open Up Jesuit
A few months ago, I would have agreed that school should be back in session. This opinion was not backed by any research but simply a selfish musing. School has been closed since March 2020 and we have now endured almost nine months of quarantine and isolation. While I would love to return to school to see my peers and be able to participate in typical senior year activities, I know it is not safe.
With COVID-19 spreading so rapidly, the idea of returning to school is in the far future. While masks, home room lunch periods, and health screenings are necessary precautions, they would only limit the spread.
The requirement for students to wear a mask at all times may be helpful, however, there is no guarantee that masks will in fact stay intact through the school day. Students will need to remove their masks to eat and drink and often masks are removed in restroom settings. Teachers cannot be watching students at all times and we do not have the resources to ensure that masks stay on during school hours.
However, even if students keep their masks on at all times, studies show that masks are not 100% effective. In an article published by Stephanie Pappias titled “Do face masks really reduce coronavirus spread?” the effectiveness of different kinds of mask is explained.
“CDC also does not recommend surgical masks for the general public. These masks don’t seal against the face but do include non-woven polypropylene layers that are moisture resistant. In a surgical mask, about 70% of the outside air moves through the mask and about 30% travels around the sides,” Pappias wrote. “That leaves fabric masks, which currently are recommended for general use by the CDC. Fabric masks also allow air in around the sides, but lack non-woven, moisture-repelling layers. They impede only about 2% of airflow in.”
No matter what mask is worn, there is always some airflow that is let in. As Stephanine Pappias explains, you may be at a lower risk depending on which mask you choose to wear, but the underlying fact is that masks do not work all of the time. The only method that is proven to be 100% effective is to stay at home.
Masks are to be used as an add on for safety. It is a common misconception that masks are the only precaution that people must take. Stephanie Pappias elaborates on this.
“‘Putting a face mask on does not mean that you stop the other practices’” Pappias wrote quoting Assistant Director of Public Health in the Office for Science and Technology Policy May C. Chu. “‘It does not mean you get closer to people, it does not mean you don’t have to wash your hands as often and you can touch your face. All of that still is in place, this is just an add-on.’”
At school it will be difficult to maintain a reliable distance from every student or faculty member that you will pass through the day. As May C. Chu stated, it is not enough to just wear a mask, you must still maintain social distances.
In an ideal world, masks always work. Even so, students are still at risk once they leave school and are exposed to those who are not following CDC protocol. While you may think that you are interacting only with your “bubble,” your bubble is often larger than you think. If even one person interacts with someone without their mask who is not in your bubble, they could risk contracting and spreading the virus.
There is also a large opinion that even though we are not able to go back to school that we should be able to participate in sports. In my opinion, we should focus on getting back to school first. With constant motion (and in some cases physical contact) it is easy for masks to slip while in close proximity, not to mention athletes need to lower their mask to drink water. In the event that an athletes mask does slip while they are infected with the virus, they could spread it to their whole team, who will then likely spread it even further. This fact is evidenced by the numerous college football games that have been cancelled due to COVID-19. While I am disappointed to potentially be missing my track season, as I am sure many other students are, it is too risky to even practice.
Of course, I realize that the greater majority of high school students are young, healthy, and will not be deeply impacted by the virus. This is not the reason to take precautions. Many students live with or frequently come in contact with those who are at high risk. I visit my grandparents often and know because they are compromised, I need to be extra careful. Even if you don’t, someone you come in contact with might so it is important to always be cautious.
The only way it is safe to return to school, sports, and all other activities is when there is an effective vaccine that is easily accessible. Without one, an airborne virus is too difficult to contain with a group of people as large as a high school. I know that everyone wants to return to school, but right now, it is not safe.
Sources:
Opinion: Let’s Open Up Jesuit
With Christmas break fast approaching, Jesuit is rounding the corner on it’s ninth month of digital learning. I think it’s time to return to in-person learning.
With COVID-19 raging throughout the United States, it seems impossible for schools to remain open. In addition, Oregon has been having record high case counts recently, the most being on December 4 when over 2000 people tested positive. So why would I think that Jesuit, along with other Portland schools, should open?
I think that kids should be in school not because the danger of the virus is low. The coronavirus is a very dangerous virus, and as a community we need to take it seriously by social distancing and wearing a mask. But, that does not mean we cannot go to school safely if the correct measures are put in place.
In other places, students have already returned to the classroom for in-person learning. For example, schools in New York City closed just last month after being open for almost eight weeks. Despite cases rising back up to their April highs in the state, elementary schools will return to hybrid learning on December 7. And outside of the states, as the city of Toronto, Ontario entered its second lockdown in November, schools were one of the only places to remain open, while bars and restaurants closed (New York Times).
So what does this mean? Why are all these different places reopening their school doors while Oregon has kept theirs shut? Simple, other places realized that schools are not the cause of spread; the state of Oregon has failed to see that.
I went to Washington Square Mall the other day, and it was a packed house. Although masks were being worn throughout the building (by most), I had to dodge my way through the crowd to keep my distance as much as possible from others. But, as I was doing it, I had a moment where I stopped and looked around at the mayhem and thought, “Why is this allowed to happen? Why is this mall allowed to be open at seemingly maximum capacity while our schools, who would take the necessary steps to reopen safely, are not allowed to open?”
Not only am I calling for a reopen to schools, but so are prominent health experts. The CDC Director, Dr. Robert Redfield, said during a press conference that schools need to be open because they are not what’s causing the spread.
“There is extensive data that we have…[that confirms]…K-12 schools can operate with face-to-face learning and they can do it safely and they can do it responsibly,” Redfield said (C-SPAN). “The infections that we’ve identified in schools when they’ve been evaluated were not acquired in schools. They were actually acquired in the community and in the household.”
Not only is the CDC director on my side, but even Dr. Anthony Fauci said that to slow case rates, bars and restaurants should be closed and schools should be open.
“Close the bars and keep the schools open,” Fauci said. “If you look at the data, the spread among children and from children is not really very big at all, not like one would have suspected” (Business Insider).
But what about those who are immunocompromised or who are seeing immunocompromised people? Or what about those who just don’t feel comfortable returning to school? For those who don’t feel comfortable returning to in-person learning, an option of online learning should still be available for them. This would allow each student to decide when they would like to return to in-person learning, appeasing those who are both for and against it.
Again, I would like to reiterate that I am not downplaying the severity of the virus. My family and I have been following CDC guidelines to the T, and I also have grandparents that I visit with a mask on, so I would not advocate for a return to school if I didn’t believe that we could do it safely.
While I understand concerns expressed by individuals who may not feel comfortable returning to in-person learning, national health experts have recommended that we do so, and I think we should listen to what they say.
Sources:
New York Times: How Toronto Plans to Keep Schools Open Amid Its Second Lockdown
New York Times: New York City to Close Public Schools Again as Virus Cases Rise
F.D.A. Approves Pfizer Vaccine. Will People Take It?
After nine months of quarantining in the United States due to the coronavirus, the F.D.A. has finally approved Pfizer’s vaccine. But will the efforts of the drug makers pay off with a willingness from people to take it?
With the vaccine being approved Friday December 11, anti-vaxxers have taken to social media to express their grievances. On Governor Kate Brown’s Instagram page, @oregongovbrown, users criticized the vaccine on one of her recent post.
“Our family will not utilize a product where the manufacturer is completely free from all liability, especially one that has not gone through proper safety testing and sent via Warp Speed to the marketplace,” one user commented.
“In 10 years there will be commercials saying, “If you received the COVID Vaccine, you may be eligible for compensation, call Jones Law,” another said.
While some on social media have strongly expressed their stance of being against the vaccine, many Jesuit students said they would be willing to take it.
“I’d be pretty willing at this point. The rates of it being effective are pretty high. I would like to look into it a little more, but I’m pretty willing.” –Astrid Foster: Junior
“I’d definitely take it as long as they prove that it’s effective and safe. I take the flu vaccine every year so I don’t see how this would be any different.” -Stella Anastasakis: Junior
“I would take the vaccine because I have no opposition to not taking it. I think that especially people who are allergic to vaccines it’s important for us to take that responsibility.” -Julie Pham: Junior
“Yeah I’d be willing to take it because although it may not be a hundred percent [accurate]…it works.” -Patrick Rau: Junior
The first shots were given on Monday December 14, just a few days after approval (CNBC). The first to receive it will be frontline healthcare workers and those at long term care facilities. While it may seem like only weeks separate Jesuit students from receiving their vaccines, Dr. Anthony Fauci says that April will be the month when those not in high priority groups will receive their dose.
Sources:
Anton Baricevic is a proud editor for the Jesuit Chronicle. As a member of the class of 2022, Anton decided to take Journalism because his sister Mia,...
Pro-Con Opinions: Should we go back to school?
Photo by MChe Lee on Unsplash
Gwynne Olson and Anton Baricevic offer opposing opinions about whether or not Jesuit should return to school?
Dear Charlie: An Advice Column with Charlie Crusader
Steele
Writing a letter brings joy to those who receive it, and it highlights the joy of giving during the holiday season.
Dear Charlie,
I am a junior, and though I was excited to become an upperclassman this year, I feel lost. My homework keeps stacking up, there is pressure to think about colleges, and I feel like I’m not taking on a big enough leadership role in the community.
Junior year is supposed to be the year I come out of my shell and become more independent. But now, I’m stuck at home stressing about all the work I haven’t done. Help!
Signed,
So Much To Do, So Little Time
Dear So Much To Do,
In the words of Billy Joel, “Slow down, you crazy child!” As a junior, it may feel like the year to make your mark at Jesuit. If you are feeling motivated, go for it, but during the holidays, Admissions Director Erin DeKlotz recommends a simple six step plan to help you relax and take the pressure of success off your shoulders.
“Breathe, move, rest, laugh, give, pray, and connect,” DeKlotz said. “I know when I’m stressed, I find myself holding my breath. Focus on breathing deeply. If you’re on your couch all day, stay physically active, even if it’s taking a walk. Get enough sleep. Try not to watch the news too much. Give back to your community.”
Deklotz said that practicing gratitude is also another big part of her life. She advocates for journaling, and making a habit of writing down one item that she is grateful for every day, like a warm blanket or a cup of coffee.
AP Psychology and Macroeconomics teacher Malia Bernards is a big believer in staying active, not only physically, but mentally.
“Challenge yourself to learn something new, something you’re interested in that has nothing to do with school, whether that’s sketching or baking or learning to cook,” Bernards said.
As the year comes to an end, focus on making connections, rest before the new year, and focus on your health. That will help you reach your goals of making your mark when the school year starts back up.
Signed,
Charlie
Dear Charlie,
I am a freshman, and high school is a bit overwhelming. I wanted to do really well in my classes at the beginning of the year, but I’m kind of burnt out after a crazy year of COVID, wildfires, and quarantine. I thought high school was about meeting new people, going to dances, and taking every opportunity, but I am the only person from my school to come to Jesuit, and I feel very isolated because I don’t know anyone.
How can I make connections with new friends?
Signed,
Down and Out
Dear Down and Out
Making connections can be tricky, but it is a natural, and necessary, part of life, one which is especially important during not only a pandemic, but also the holidays.
“Swallow your pride,” DeKlotz said. “Be brave. Try randomly reaching out to people and see what you get. Don’t worry too much if you get silence. Maybe someone said something in a Zoom class that you appreciated, and you could text them and let them know that you appreciated their comment. I’ve heard people say it meant the world to them when someone reached out and texted them. Don’t underestimate the power of small acts of hope that you bring to other people.”
Theology teacher Sara Salzwedel mentioned some ways to reach out to family members of close friends during the pandemic-themed holiday season.
“Write letters to friends,” Salzwedel said. “Think about people to whom you could tangibly send something in the mail. I think anytime we start to go beyond ourselves, having those brief moments of respite where we put our focus on someone else I think really does help.”
Salzwedel and Bernards agree that the holidays are a time to check in with ourselves.
“Just remember to take care of yourself first,” Bernards said. “We teachers are more concerned about [students’] health and well-being. Get outside and get some fresh air. Reach out for help. It’s okay to be vulnerable. Everyone is vulnerable right now.”
It may be difficult to begin your high school career like this, but take care of yourself, reach out to people, and surround yourself with people and things you love this holiday season.
Don’t forget to reach out to old acquaintances. Touching base with friends, catching up on Zoom, or even getting together while socially distancing can make your season that much brighter.
Signed,
Charlie
Charlie encourages you to talk to a counselor or trusted adult if you have any concerns.
(Steele )
Sarcastic. Artistic. Enthusiastic. These are three words Steele Clevenger would use to describe herself. A senior at Jesuit High School and a veteran journalism...
Vacationing plans change due to Covid-19
As Covid-19 cases increase, students are altering their traditional vacation plans during the holiday season.
As the holidays swiftly approach, the season for students to visit their family and spend time with those they love is very near. However, travel proves especially difficult and risky due to the increasing number Covid-19 cases. Cases are skyrocketing, with an average of 952 cases per day in Oregon alone, an increase of 83% from the past two weeks (The New York Times).
Students have been forced to reschedule their vacations, but some are willing to take the risk to spend time with family. While some students may be pushing their vacations back, others are taking advantage of the extra week off of school.
“The plans changed because I was supposed to go to Palm Desert last spring, but it changed to this Thanksgiving,” senior Annie Landgraf said. “My mom really values family time, and this may be the only opportunity we can all get together.”
In addition to the change in travel schedules, activities and destinations within vacations may be limited due to Covid-19 restrictions in other countries and territories. Senior Emma Cordova plans to travel to Quito, Ecuador and spend a month with her family.
“ Whenever we talked about going on a trip to Ecuador we talked about touring around,” Cordova said. “So I’m going to Quito, which is the capital, but in normal circumstances I would’ve gone to Riobamba to see where [my dad] grew up…rather than just knowing that one area. But because of Covid I’m not going to do that…But I’m pretty much staying in that suburb and staying in that general vicinity rather than taking a train around on the weekends.”
Furthermore, students are taking extra precautionary measures if they do decide to travel to decrease chances of contracting the virus. This includes quarantining before or after they travel, taking tests to ensure safety, and more.
“We’re getting tested before we leave and upon arrival which follows the guidelines of the state of Hawaii,” senior Damon Grim said. “We are also quarantining for 72 hours before departure, and we will be getting tested upon return to Oregon.”
Although quarantining is the responsible option, students may simply be limiting their time with others and increasing social distancing practices before departing for vacation. Cordova chose to take this route, as well as multiple tests before and after her vacation.
“I’ve been still hanging out with my friends, but in reality that’s been like two or three people throughout the past few weeks…So I’m not quarantining like I was during lockdown, but I’m also trying not to hang out with people I haven’t really hung out with a ton.”
While vacation will serve as a time of rest for students, those traveling during school days will need to find a balance between school, fun , rest, family time, and other obligations. This can prove especially difficult, as those traveling farther will be faced with a time-zone barrier, depending on the destination.
“Hawaii’s only two hours behind so I’ll probably do [school] unless I don’t feel like it – I haven’t totally decided yet,” Grim said. “I might go most days but probably not all. Honestly I need to enjoy vacation too, so I probably will take some time off, but that long Thanksgiving break is definitely helpful. It’s pretty easy to do school though because it’s online, and you can do it from anywhere.”
Scout Jacobs is a managing editor for the Jesuit Chronicles at Jesuit High School. As a senior in high school, this is her third year doing...
Opinion: Too much screen time hinders mental health and students’ ability to learn
pxfuel.com
A girl stares at her screen in the dark, straining her eyes as she types.
From 8 a.m. to roughly 3 p.m.—almost 7 hours—students stare mindlessly at a screen while teachers attempt desperately to connect with them through bluelight pixels, instructing and making jokes in hopes of distracting kids from the mundanity of learning from home.
For the first few weeks of school, I listened to students give feedback to teachers on how they were faring during digital learning. The responses were not varied; most students confided that their eyes and heads hurt after looking at their iPad all day.
Even teachers were struggling to adjust. One of my own teachers shared that she began having migraines during class, and was requested by her doctor not to look at screens in a dark room, which causes her to strain her eyes.
A recent poll on jesuitnews.com.com showed that in a group of 132 people, 39 percent of voters spend between eight and 10 hours a day looking at a screen, including their phone. Even more shocking, 33 percent of voters spend more than 10 hours a day on a screen. Twenty percent of voters spend between five and seven hours onscreen, and only eight percent spend two to four hours onscreen.
According to May Recreation, too much screen time can have adverse effects on students’ academic performance.
“Too much screen time can impair brain structure and function,” the May Recreation team said. “Because children’s brains undergo so much change during their formative years, this excess screen time can be even more damaging. Academic success, social skills, even career success can all be negatively affected by excessive screen time.”
Additionally, Harvard University said “the growing human brain is constantly building neural connections while pruning away less-used ones, and digital media use plays an active role in that process. Much of what happens on screen provides “impoverished” stimulation of the developing brain compared to reality. Children need a diverse menu of online and offline experiences, including the chance to let their minds wander.”
Last school year, I wrote an article about living a week without using my phone. In the article, there was a brief overview of each day. The days shared a similar theme: I had more time to do other things because of decreased phone use.
Cutting down the time one spends on their phone will benefit academic performance, as well as better sleep and less mood swings, to which teenagers are already prone. However, even if one were to give up their phone entirely, there is still the obvious question of how to cut down on screen use when it is required for school.
School screen time, whether it be for actual classes or just for homework, is approaching eight hours. Half of my teachers are now going asynchronous on Mondays, and Tuesday through Friday, many of my teachers are not filling up the entire 80-minute class period, as they recognize most students are unable to focus for that long. For teachers that like to fill the almost-hour-and-a-half of class, it is still quite a bit of screen time for teens.
Advocating for more asynchronous classes is one option, though kids lose time to connect with classmates, and they will still need to complete the required classwork online.
Taking into account Harvard University’s research that students need a “diverse menu of online and offline experiences,” one idea would be to listen to a recording of the teacher’s voice with a few activities for them to complete.
In certain classes, such as environmental science, english, and art electives, a screen is not typically needed for activities.
For classes that would need a screen for research and further learning, such as history, core science, and math classes, short, 15-minute activities could be intermixed with 10-minute breaks, so students can rest their eyes, reducing their chance of contracting migraines.
There are ways in which teachers can adjust their curriculum to fit the needs of their students. There are also ways students can advocate for less screen time, as most teachers are open to suggestions and care about their students’ health.
Sarcastic. Artistic. Enthusiastic. These are three words Steele Clevenger would use to describe herself. A senior at Jesuit High School and a veteran journalism...
Crusader Comics: Giving Thanks
Steele
Charlie Crusader gives thanks for the year, recounting all the new skills he has picked up during quarantine.
Sarcastic. Artistic. Enthusiastic. These are three words Steele Clevenger would use to describe herself. A senior at Jesuit High School and a veteran journalism...
Alex Trebek: More Than a Game Show Host
Pictured above is Jeopardy! star Alex Trebek.
Alex Trebek, known by many as the host of “Jeopardy!”, passed away on November 8 at age 80 after a battle with stage four pancreatic cancer (Fox News/cnn).
In a video on the “Jeopardy!” YouTube channel, the executive producer of the show, Mike Richards, gave a short eulogy about Trebek.
“He loved this show, and everything it stood for,” Richards said. “He will forever be an inspiration for his constant desire to learn, his kindness, and for his love of his family” (Jeopardy!).
However, Trebek’s wholesome demeanor not only showed towards those close to him. Zorka Baricevic, a grandmother of multiple Jesuit students and long-time viewer of the show, shared her view of Trebek being a kind man.
“I just thought he was a nice man,” Baricevic said. “He always kept himself proper and very professional, and I liked his style. That was one of my favorite shows early in the evening.”
In addition, junior Hannah Nguyen also commented on his cordial nature.
“He had a very calm composure, and I feel like he gave off a warm environment,” Nguyen said. “He made the contestants feel calm, and he seemed like one of those people who never got too excited and never got too angry. He always made it a positive environment.”
Both also said they would have loved to have met him before he passed away.
Trekek’s dedication to “Jeopardy!” not only shows through his hosting of it for over 37 seasons, or over 8200 episodes, but his effort to improve the show (cnn). Trebek was known to look over each and every clue to make sure it sounded right, and if it didn’t he would rewrite it himself (cnn).
Not only was Trebek committed to educating people while entertaining them, but he was humble about it. When asked by The Hollywood Reporter about his accomplishment of passing Bob Barker in hosting the most game show episodes, he replied modestly (cnn).
“I’m just enjoying what I’m doing, I’m happy to have a job,” Trebek replied. “I like the show, I like the contestants and it pays well” (cnn).
Trebek’s impact went beyond the show through charitable efforts, which included visiting troops overseas and speaking on behalf of various charities (cnn). But at the end of the day, his kindness and humility, coupled with his commitment to the show, are what define the man we know as Alex Trebek.
Rest in peace Alex Trebek.
Anton Baricevic is a proud editor for the Jesuit Chronicle. As a member of the class of 2022, Anton decided to take Journalism because his sister Mia,...
Trump vs. Biden: The Most Important Election in American History?
AnnaliseArt
Make sure to cast your ballot this year! (Source: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/election-2020-vote-bunting-usa-5102700/)
With the crazy year of 2020 coming to a close, it’s only fitting that the presidential election between Vice President Biden and President Trump is shaping up to be one for the ages.
As election day nears, Americans can only wonder: Is this the most important election in history?
Jesuit history teacher Paul Klausenburger thinks although this is an important election, there have been ones far more pivotal.
“I think that to say that this is the most important election in American history is hyperbolic,” Klausenburger said. “I think that you can point to others that had greater significance than this. You can certainly point to 1860 if you want to find an election that…had more on the line.”
In addition to the 1860 election, Klausenburger pointed to various other elections as well that carried more importance.
“You can look at the election of 1932 when you had twenty five percent plus of the work force unemployed,” Klausenburger said. “You can look at the election of 1940, when we were on the verge of entering the second world war. You can go back to 1800 and talk about the big question people had then [which] was would there be a peaceful transfer of power between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.”
Although Klausenburger believes it’s not the most important election, it could be a healthy democratic election due to more people voting this year than ever.
“I don’t know exactly what will happen on election day but certainly the projections are that it’s going to be a high voter turnout which I think is very good for our democracy,” Klausenburger stated.
On November 3rd, the candidates each have one more opportunity to overcome their biggest hurdles. But with two very different candidates, they both have different obstacles. So what exactly is the biggest hurdle each candidate has to cover in order to reach the White House?
Junior Alexandra Reynaud believes that the biggest obstacle for the former Vice President is to energize people to go out and vote for him.
“I think for Biden it’s energizing people and making people who are maybe disenfranchised by a political state…and mobilizing those people,” Reynaud said. “Or I guess drawing support from people who are less moderate.”
Junior Ethan McBride believes that the President needs to do more and talk less.
“He says what he does but sometimes what he says he’s doing he isn’t doing,” McBride said. “He’s gotta do more right now in terms of getting relief and just projecting a more calm but more confident manner about the COVID recovery.”
As for their views on what the opposing candidate needs to do, Reynaud says Trump “is very polarizing, and that’s his biggest issue he needs to overcome,” while McBride says Biden “[is not] campaigning nearly as much as he should.”
Klausenburger stated that the absence of a major 3rd party ticket this year could affect the outcome of the election.
“One thing that’s radically different from sixteen is we don’t really have any viable 3rd party candidates,” Klausenburger said. “Jill Stein, for example, likely took votes from Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Trump.”
Although election day is on Tuesday, Klausenburger believes that America won’t find out who their next president is on that day.
“It’s very likely we will not know the results of the election on election day,” Klausenburger stated. “I would be surprised actually if we knew the results. It does really come down to Pennsylvania…and unfortunately they can’t start processing mail in votes in Pennsylvania until election night.”
Anton Baricevic is a proud editor for the Jesuit Chronicle. As a member of the class of 2022, Anton decided to take Journalism because his sister Mia,...
