Managing the Months
Students keeping classes in control.
Between piles of review packets and planning for the holidays, students are busy with all sorts of things in the weeks leading up to winter break. After a seemingly short two weeks, students are thrust back into their school routine to continue what was left off before the break. With all the changes, it can be hard for them to adapt.
Due to classes, tests and the holidays, students are getting stressed in December and January.
“My primary method to deal with midterms is to relax at home while listening to music and reading a book. I try not to stress too much, as I believe that would be my greatest cause of failure,” Corbin Oncale (11) said.
With so many tests crammed into one week, it is easy for students to overwork themselves. It’s important to take a break and relax rather than staying up late. Breanna Torres (12) knows this all too well.
“When it comes to school work I tend to get overwhelmed a lot since I try to do everything at once. I try to get everything done in a day so I end up struggling to get anything done in the end,” Torres said. “So really being overwhelmed and having to worry about other things [means] I don’t get the chance to really relax at all.”
As soon as midterm week is over, Christmas break starts. This year, it lasted from Dec. 20 to Jan. 3. Then the hustle and bustle of school started again on Jan. 4.
“The hardest part of coming back after Christmas break is either getting back into my proper ‘sleep schedule,’ or getting back into the learning mindset,” Oncale said. “I can usually deal with a slightly messed up sleep schedule, however the proper mindset can be rather difficult to reach.”
When stressed with everything, students turn to friends, family and teachers to help them with their work.
“A lot of my friends understand the work when I don’t. Like in geometry, my friends sit right next to me,” Miley Victoria (09) said. “I ask them a question and they know it.”
Teachers understand what students are going through and help as much as they can.
“I’ve definitely had a lot more support from my teachers this year than I’ve had in a long time,” Torres said. “Having my teachers be so supportive of me has really helped me in the long run of keeping good grades.”
Adriana Strang (11)
Due to classes, tests and the holidays, students are getting stressed in December and January.
“My primary method to deal with midterms is to relax at home while listening to music and reading a book. I try not to stress too much, as I believe that would be my greatest cause of failure,” Corbin Oncale (11) said.
With so many tests crammed into one week, it is easy for students to overwork themselves. It’s important to take a break and relax rather than staying up late. Breanna Torres (12) knows this all too well.
“When it comes to school work I tend to get overwhelmed a lot since I try to do everything at once. I try to get everything done in a day so I end up struggling to get anything done in the end,” Torres said. “So really being overwhelmed and having to worry about other things [means] I don’t get the chance to really relax at all.”
As soon as midterm week is over, Christmas break starts. This year, it lasted from Dec. 20 to Jan. 3. Then the hustle and bustle of school started again on Jan. 4.
“The hardest part of coming back after Christmas break is either getting back into my proper ‘sleep schedule,’ or getting back into the learning mindset,” Oncale said. “I can usually deal with a slightly messed up sleep schedule, however the proper mindset can be rather difficult to reach.”
When stressed with everything, students turn to friends, family and teachers to help them with their work.
“A lot of my friends understand the work when I don’t. Like in geometry, my friends sit right next to me,” Miley Victoria (09) said. “I ask them a question and they know it.”
Teachers understand what students are going through and help as much as they can.
“I’ve definitely had a lot more support from my teachers this year than I’ve had in a long time,” Torres said. “Having my teachers be so supportive of me has really helped me in the long run of keeping good grades.”
Adriana Strang (11)
I'm Dreaming of a Drug-free Christmas
Fentanyl abuse strikes teens across Texas
The individual in this excerpt will be identified as Jane Doe.
This winter was such a fun season for everyone, but underneath all the Christmas presents and New Years fireworks were still some underlying issues in society. Those issues are now taking cities of Texas by storm. One of those issues is a dangerous narcotic 100 times stronger than morphine: fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid developed for cancer patients in the form of a patch on the skin. Users purchase fentanyl disguised as heroin, and cannot tell the difference, thus making the dosage wrong and causing an overdose.
At the age of 16, Jane Doe, a Clemens student, was exposed to fentanyl.
“I became very bitter and lost all of my priorities, almost to the point where I didn’t care about anything. I became mean and degrading to everyone including myself. Over time, I slowly started to not take care of my body.”
This can be a common symptom of hard drug use, and definitely something people should pay attention to. Even though she was admitted to rehab, it didn’t help. She was placed back in the same environment where she was exposed to fentanyl, in an unsuspecting place intoxicated by dangers to society: public school.
Nearly 177,000 12-17 year olds in Texas have been reported using drugs in the last month alone. This epidemic is not only limited to fentanyl, but also factors in marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms, heroin, and cocaine, just to name a few. Even though some students haven’t used fentanyl, it’s still a consequential situation if they use any drugs. Chronic use of drugs on school campuses is so secretive and hidden that even the Clemens’ school nurses weren’t aware of the epidemic.
“We have not encountered fentanyl and we haven’t heard that students were using fentanyl. We would reach out to their counselor and see about the different resources we have for helping with drugs, and involving parents. We usually do the assessment part of it so we would do more like blood pressure and things like that, basically check them out first and then refer them to maybe the counselor and other people here at the school,” said Clemens campus nurses Alyssa Gonzalez and Teresa Watson.
Educating the youth on the ‘dangers of drugs’ and discussing the health consequences can greatly impact lives. Communities and schools should provide resources to teens who are already struggling with drugs and those who aren’t.
Mary Mithanga (12), Tristan Perez (09)
This winter was such a fun season for everyone, but underneath all the Christmas presents and New Years fireworks were still some underlying issues in society. Those issues are now taking cities of Texas by storm. One of those issues is a dangerous narcotic 100 times stronger than morphine: fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid developed for cancer patients in the form of a patch on the skin. Users purchase fentanyl disguised as heroin, and cannot tell the difference, thus making the dosage wrong and causing an overdose.
At the age of 16, Jane Doe, a Clemens student, was exposed to fentanyl.
“I became very bitter and lost all of my priorities, almost to the point where I didn’t care about anything. I became mean and degrading to everyone including myself. Over time, I slowly started to not take care of my body.”
This can be a common symptom of hard drug use, and definitely something people should pay attention to. Even though she was admitted to rehab, it didn’t help. She was placed back in the same environment where she was exposed to fentanyl, in an unsuspecting place intoxicated by dangers to society: public school.
Nearly 177,000 12-17 year olds in Texas have been reported using drugs in the last month alone. This epidemic is not only limited to fentanyl, but also factors in marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms, heroin, and cocaine, just to name a few. Even though some students haven’t used fentanyl, it’s still a consequential situation if they use any drugs. Chronic use of drugs on school campuses is so secretive and hidden that even the Clemens’ school nurses weren’t aware of the epidemic.
“We have not encountered fentanyl and we haven’t heard that students were using fentanyl. We would reach out to their counselor and see about the different resources we have for helping with drugs, and involving parents. We usually do the assessment part of it so we would do more like blood pressure and things like that, basically check them out first and then refer them to maybe the counselor and other people here at the school,” said Clemens campus nurses Alyssa Gonzalez and Teresa Watson.
Educating the youth on the ‘dangers of drugs’ and discussing the health consequences can greatly impact lives. Communities and schools should provide resources to teens who are already struggling with drugs and those who aren’t.
Mary Mithanga (12), Tristan Perez (09)
Where's My Teacher?
School Districts Experience a Teacher and Substitute Shortage
Throughout the past few weeks, teachers have been experiencing more mental health problems which have caused a sub shortage.
SCUCISD is the least competitive paying school district, compared to other schools in the surrounding areas. The district pays subs who are non-certified, meaning people who earned their teaching certificate in other states, $85 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, but on Mondays and Fridays they earn $95. Whereas if they are certified in the state of Texas, subs get $90 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, but on Mondays and Fridays the maximum amount of money the district pays $100.
Mrs. Hadas, a sub for this district, said, “I like subbing for this district because of the close proximity to my home. I don’t like driving in traffic, and I also have a daughter-in-law in the district. If I would go anywhere else in the area I would choose Judson, but they didn’t accept my application and this district did immediately.”
Surrounding districts pay subs more causing a problematic environment for teachers because they can’t take time off. SAISD pays their subs $200 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and $225 on Mondays and Fridays. NEISD pays $15 more than SCUCISD, and schools in Kyle pay $120 more. Multiple sources have offered some solutions.
“SCUC needs to build a quality sub program and a major component is to increase the pay for subs to compete with surrounding districts that pay a higher wage,” Mrs. Hadas said.
The lack of subs causes teachers to not be able to take their sick days which affects their overall mental health. Teachers can use all of their persnal and sick leave days before money starts being deducted from their pay check. Recently, the district has contracted a new substitute company called ESS to help schools nationwide with the teacher shortage.
Mrs. Crawford said, “Not receiving our pay is difficult because teacher salaries are low. A teacher gets paid monthly, so it’s hard to be financially stable/ strategic. Unexpected challenges can erupt at any time and if we don’t have enough money to pay for it then it can be hard.”
Madyson Isenberg (10)
SCUCISD is the least competitive paying school district, compared to other schools in the surrounding areas. The district pays subs who are non-certified, meaning people who earned their teaching certificate in other states, $85 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, but on Mondays and Fridays they earn $95. Whereas if they are certified in the state of Texas, subs get $90 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, but on Mondays and Fridays the maximum amount of money the district pays $100.
Mrs. Hadas, a sub for this district, said, “I like subbing for this district because of the close proximity to my home. I don’t like driving in traffic, and I also have a daughter-in-law in the district. If I would go anywhere else in the area I would choose Judson, but they didn’t accept my application and this district did immediately.”
Surrounding districts pay subs more causing a problematic environment for teachers because they can’t take time off. SAISD pays their subs $200 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and $225 on Mondays and Fridays. NEISD pays $15 more than SCUCISD, and schools in Kyle pay $120 more. Multiple sources have offered some solutions.
“SCUC needs to build a quality sub program and a major component is to increase the pay for subs to compete with surrounding districts that pay a higher wage,” Mrs. Hadas said.
The lack of subs causes teachers to not be able to take their sick days which affects their overall mental health. Teachers can use all of their persnal and sick leave days before money starts being deducted from their pay check. Recently, the district has contracted a new substitute company called ESS to help schools nationwide with the teacher shortage.
Mrs. Crawford said, “Not receiving our pay is difficult because teacher salaries are low. A teacher gets paid monthly, so it’s hard to be financially stable/ strategic. Unexpected challenges can erupt at any time and if we don’t have enough money to pay for it then it can be hard.”
Madyson Isenberg (10)
Play it Again, Charlie Brown
Holiday traditions are back and better than ever
Being the season that people are most excited for, winter definitely knows how to supply one with the annual serotonin of the holiday season. The two weeks off for break really gives that nudge to go out of town, sleep in, and see all loved ones. Traditions are rightfully a big deal when it comes to Christmas time, and fortunately, they are not very fond of change.
Traditions are one of the best ways to truly bring family and friends together by giving the continuous opportunity to connect to the past and help celebrate the traditions of the bloodline. Even in school, learning about the different cultural traditions across the world help to deepen ones understanding of the history and the comeback of the traditions.
“What I like most about the holiday season is the cold weather and being able to spend more time with my family and my current person,” Jaedon Foster (12) said.
Every family celebrates the holiday season differently, with gingerbread houses and seeing the dazzling lights illuminate the streets, different holiday movies playing in the background all Christmas day, different Christmas Day and Christmas Eve dinners, the list goes on. One of the most known is the Macy’s day parade Christmas morning, and A Christmas Story playing day in and day out on live TV. The night before on Christmas Eve, after spending the evening at church with loved ones, and eating the lovely Christmas Eve dinner, the family gathers around to read The Night Before Christmas and eagerly open one gift before bed, just enough to get the kids ready for the rest of the treats they’ll get in the morning. For my family, we devour delicious steak sandwiches, accompanied with homemade french fries, but others may eat tamales, ham, prime rib, hamburgers, or anything really. The possibilities for different holiday traditions are endless.
“My mom and aunts make tamales every year. There’s really not a tradition I don’t like,” Wendy Frisbey, family and consumer science teacher, said. “Both of my kids will be home for the holiday. Being with my family really symbolizes the holiday season.”
Kennedi Adams (12)
Traditions are one of the best ways to truly bring family and friends together by giving the continuous opportunity to connect to the past and help celebrate the traditions of the bloodline. Even in school, learning about the different cultural traditions across the world help to deepen ones understanding of the history and the comeback of the traditions.
“What I like most about the holiday season is the cold weather and being able to spend more time with my family and my current person,” Jaedon Foster (12) said.
Every family celebrates the holiday season differently, with gingerbread houses and seeing the dazzling lights illuminate the streets, different holiday movies playing in the background all Christmas day, different Christmas Day and Christmas Eve dinners, the list goes on. One of the most known is the Macy’s day parade Christmas morning, and A Christmas Story playing day in and day out on live TV. The night before on Christmas Eve, after spending the evening at church with loved ones, and eating the lovely Christmas Eve dinner, the family gathers around to read The Night Before Christmas and eagerly open one gift before bed, just enough to get the kids ready for the rest of the treats they’ll get in the morning. For my family, we devour delicious steak sandwiches, accompanied with homemade french fries, but others may eat tamales, ham, prime rib, hamburgers, or anything really. The possibilities for different holiday traditions are endless.
“My mom and aunts make tamales every year. There’s really not a tradition I don’t like,” Wendy Frisbey, family and consumer science teacher, said. “Both of my kids will be home for the holiday. Being with my family really symbolizes the holiday season.”
Kennedi Adams (12)
A Loud Cheer for the 2022 Year
A fresh start for new and improved resolutions
This winter season everyone is transitioning into a new year. Many people make resolutions as a way to say they will do better. Some examples of resolutions include exercising more, eating better, or quitting smoking. Resolutions can be about school life, work life or relationships. No matter where one is in life, there’s always room for improvement and growth.
“The years 2020 and 2021 were tough for many people because of the aftermath of COVID-19,” Amy Owens (09) said.
In the last year, COVID-19 engulfed entire lives and forced many people to live in these difficult times. Although COVID-19 stopped people from coming in contact with the loved ones, it was a learning experience for everyone about what’s taken for granted. Now in this new year, this can be used as an oppurtunity to do things differently and learn new skills.
“I want to learn a new skill and learn a few tricks on my rollerblades,” Makayla Carter (09) said.
Resolutions can be serious but others don’t put much thought into them. These goals can help lead to the path of improvment. For example, if someone wants to become a better musician, they have to practice more. The only way for someone to keep their word is to put in a lot of initiative. When someone finds something that supplies motivation, it helps set goals for the future. Goal setting can be short-term or long-term, it depends on the person and the motivation.
“I would like to become more active and more athletic so I can make the football team before I graduate,’’ said Myles LeSane (09).
An example of a resolution is adjusting a sleep schedule for various reasons. Some of those reasons can be because someone is getting too much or too little sleep. Maybe it could be because of mental tiredness, or someone could just need to relax a bit more.
Many people are now hustling to get their new year’s resolutions so they can start off 2022 better and prepare for whatever comes at them. The past year was a questionable year for everyone. Now people can ring in the new year fresh and ready to take on the world.
Julissa Tootle (09)
“The years 2020 and 2021 were tough for many people because of the aftermath of COVID-19,” Amy Owens (09) said.
In the last year, COVID-19 engulfed entire lives and forced many people to live in these difficult times. Although COVID-19 stopped people from coming in contact with the loved ones, it was a learning experience for everyone about what’s taken for granted. Now in this new year, this can be used as an oppurtunity to do things differently and learn new skills.
“I want to learn a new skill and learn a few tricks on my rollerblades,” Makayla Carter (09) said.
Resolutions can be serious but others don’t put much thought into them. These goals can help lead to the path of improvment. For example, if someone wants to become a better musician, they have to practice more. The only way for someone to keep their word is to put in a lot of initiative. When someone finds something that supplies motivation, it helps set goals for the future. Goal setting can be short-term or long-term, it depends on the person and the motivation.
“I would like to become more active and more athletic so I can make the football team before I graduate,’’ said Myles LeSane (09).
An example of a resolution is adjusting a sleep schedule for various reasons. Some of those reasons can be because someone is getting too much or too little sleep. Maybe it could be because of mental tiredness, or someone could just need to relax a bit more.
Many people are now hustling to get their new year’s resolutions so they can start off 2022 better and prepare for whatever comes at them. The past year was a questionable year for everyone. Now people can ring in the new year fresh and ready to take on the world.
Julissa Tootle (09)
Chugs Of Cheer
This seasons holiday drink highlights
This season’s holiday drink selection made one want to curl up by the fire and stay there all day long. The frothy, fresh flavors in the drinks created an explosion in one’s mouth, and the festivity of the drinks was awe-inspiring.
The Starbucks “Peppermint Mocha” was a strong symphony of flavor that was jolly and delicious. The tastes were bold, yet not overpowering, and the way they all blended together seamlessly was impressive. The coffee was definitely on the stronger side, but it was still enjoyable. For people who like peppermint flavors and a strong cup of coffee, this drink was a must-have. It was $4.65 for this mocha. I give it a solid 8/10 stars.
The “Butterscotch Latte” at On the Grind was a sweet, light sip. This drink was smooth and sugary, and if coffee preference is on the weaker side: this latte hit that mark. The flavor was phenomenal. I could taste the coffee and butterscotch so purely, and also what I suspect was some type of cream or milk. For people who aren’t as big of coffee drinkers, this drink definitely could have lured them in. This drink was priced at $4 before tax. I give this latte 10/10 stars.
To take a break from coffee, I recommend the “Very Berry Cranberry” smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Cafe. The essence of this drink was like I was sitting on a beach on holiday. The flavors clashed and created a fruity mixture of heaven. It was so refreshing after a long day of school, and it was just the right amount of sweetness. The cost of this smoothie was $8.09 for the standard size. I confidently give this drink 9/10 stars.
The “Hazelnut Truffle Hot Cocoa” at Dutch Bros Coffee was a sweet mixture of warmth that reached my soul. It was sugary and pleasant, and the presence of hazelnut in the drink was delicious. The taste of this drink was above the average hot chocolate. The best part was that it was only $4.45 for a medium drink, and for that I give it 9/10 stars.
Hailey Gorzell (09)
The Starbucks “Peppermint Mocha” was a strong symphony of flavor that was jolly and delicious. The tastes were bold, yet not overpowering, and the way they all blended together seamlessly was impressive. The coffee was definitely on the stronger side, but it was still enjoyable. For people who like peppermint flavors and a strong cup of coffee, this drink was a must-have. It was $4.65 for this mocha. I give it a solid 8/10 stars.
The “Butterscotch Latte” at On the Grind was a sweet, light sip. This drink was smooth and sugary, and if coffee preference is on the weaker side: this latte hit that mark. The flavor was phenomenal. I could taste the coffee and butterscotch so purely, and also what I suspect was some type of cream or milk. For people who aren’t as big of coffee drinkers, this drink definitely could have lured them in. This drink was priced at $4 before tax. I give this latte 10/10 stars.
To take a break from coffee, I recommend the “Very Berry Cranberry” smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Cafe. The essence of this drink was like I was sitting on a beach on holiday. The flavors clashed and created a fruity mixture of heaven. It was so refreshing after a long day of school, and it was just the right amount of sweetness. The cost of this smoothie was $8.09 for the standard size. I confidently give this drink 9/10 stars.
The “Hazelnut Truffle Hot Cocoa” at Dutch Bros Coffee was a sweet mixture of warmth that reached my soul. It was sugary and pleasant, and the presence of hazelnut in the drink was delicious. The taste of this drink was above the average hot chocolate. The best part was that it was only $4.45 for a medium drink, and for that I give it 9/10 stars.
Hailey Gorzell (09)
You're a Good Sport
Buffalo basketball for the win
Clemens girls and boys basketball is currently having an exciting 2021-2022 season. So far, varsity girls basketball has won 16 out of 24 games and varsity boys have won 18 out of 21 games. Before all the action can happen, the athletes have to try out first.
“Tryouts weren’t anything difficult. They had us in groups and we went to stations of shooting, passing, and ball handling,’’ Veronica Castaneda (09) said. “I feel like my team needs to work on their communication skills, but overall everybody has a strong body. We support each other, and if someone makes a mistake we help each other instead of tearing them down.’’
For varsity girls basketball, they won their games against San Marcos, Round Rock, Cedar Ridge, Reagan, Canyon, MacArthur, Medina Valley, Alexander, Rockport-Fulton, Highland Park, West Brook, Incarnate Word, New Braunfels, East Central, and South San Antonio. Their biggest win was their game with MacArthur, and the score was 77-35.
“I became the girls basketball manager because I got injured and could not play, but I wanted to help out the team,’’ Bella Cantu (09) said. “’Being a manager means I can travel with them for games and tournaments. We go to all the practices and get them things they need such as hair ties, water, and towels.”
Varsity boys basketball is also having a very successful season so far with 18 wins against Brandeis, Sam Houston, TMI-Episcopal, Clark, Del Rio, United South, Kingsville, Pleasanton, St. Augustine, Boerne-Champion, Alexander, Liberty Hill, Eastwood, Churchill, West Brook, Laredo, Boerne, and South San Antonio. Their biggest win with Alexander, the score was 61-38.
“I wanted to play basketball because it’s always been a sport I can just play and have fun with. Some obstacles I have are being used to playing with a new team, because I’m new to the school,”Jay Banks (09) said. “Tryouts for me were fun. I didn’t think I was going to make it at first, but the coach made me more confident about my skills. I feel great about my team. We are all a big family on and off the court.”
Girls and boys basketball rely on each other to get open shots, and demonstrates that the spirit of teamwork and cooperation, the foundations of the game, are alive and well. Combine that with the desire to compete like a champion, and now they have a game all its own that deserves attention.
Keyla Ruiz (09)
“Tryouts weren’t anything difficult. They had us in groups and we went to stations of shooting, passing, and ball handling,’’ Veronica Castaneda (09) said. “I feel like my team needs to work on their communication skills, but overall everybody has a strong body. We support each other, and if someone makes a mistake we help each other instead of tearing them down.’’
For varsity girls basketball, they won their games against San Marcos, Round Rock, Cedar Ridge, Reagan, Canyon, MacArthur, Medina Valley, Alexander, Rockport-Fulton, Highland Park, West Brook, Incarnate Word, New Braunfels, East Central, and South San Antonio. Their biggest win was their game with MacArthur, and the score was 77-35.
“I became the girls basketball manager because I got injured and could not play, but I wanted to help out the team,’’ Bella Cantu (09) said. “’Being a manager means I can travel with them for games and tournaments. We go to all the practices and get them things they need such as hair ties, water, and towels.”
Varsity boys basketball is also having a very successful season so far with 18 wins against Brandeis, Sam Houston, TMI-Episcopal, Clark, Del Rio, United South, Kingsville, Pleasanton, St. Augustine, Boerne-Champion, Alexander, Liberty Hill, Eastwood, Churchill, West Brook, Laredo, Boerne, and South San Antonio. Their biggest win with Alexander, the score was 61-38.
“I wanted to play basketball because it’s always been a sport I can just play and have fun with. Some obstacles I have are being used to playing with a new team, because I’m new to the school,”Jay Banks (09) said. “Tryouts for me were fun. I didn’t think I was going to make it at first, but the coach made me more confident about my skills. I feel great about my team. We are all a big family on and off the court.”
Girls and boys basketball rely on each other to get open shots, and demonstrates that the spirit of teamwork and cooperation, the foundations of the game, are alive and well. Combine that with the desire to compete like a champion, and now they have a game all its own that deserves attention.
Keyla Ruiz (09)
