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The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

Phones are a major problem between students and teachers, but why?

Obstruction of learning or a beneficial tool?

Ashlyn Gillespie, Deputy Managing Editor-in-Chief January 14, 2022

Are you a teacher who relates to this broken record situation: “Hm? What did you say?” as the student slips the Airpod out of their hood, obviously not listening to the entire lecture you just gave....

A graphic featuring the top reasons for declining mental health, as said by Parkway students in an anonymous survey. “I think mental health can be a private thing and many grew up thinking going to therapy is a “defect” so many may choose to be anonymous. But at the end of the day, we are getting more open to sharing mental health issues, experiences we are all going through,” sophomore Emily Early said in the survey.

Mental Health Screenings In Parkway

Audrey Ghosh, Opinions Editor January 11, 2022

Each year, one in six students ages six to 17 experience a mental health disorder. These rates are increasing due to changing COVID-19 protocols. In response to a rise in mental health issues, Parkway...

Spending their seventh hour in the cafeteria Jan. 6, juniors Matthew Feng, Sangarshan Kumar, Michael Feng, Govind Menon, Om Shinde, Samarth Samal and Bennett Christofferson join a Zoom with their teacher to get help with their assigned work. Their teacher assigned a packet with lecture notes, guided problems and self-check problems and opened a Zoom room during class hours to ensure students were supported. “For some people, school is the only place they feel safe. On the other hand, we’re also in the biggest COVID-19 spike [of cases] right now. Both sides have ups and downs,” Samal said. “I personally am fine with staying in school as long as it doesn't interfere with my learning too much because I'm vaccinated and I wear my mask properly. If I can cover the content by myself with my teacher available on Zoom, I'm flexible with any option.”

Staff scramble to keep school open amid COVID-19 surge

Brinda Ambal, Conceptual Editor-in-Chief January 7, 2022

In the cafeteria during fifth hour Jan. 6, Principal Dr. Mitchell taught three classes simultaneously. Academic Support teachers left their classrooms to deliver lessons, substitutes rushed from class...

Walking into school, senior Graci Badami talks with her friends. Badami drives to and from school and faces the long lines and faults of school traffic. “[It makes me] kind of angry, because if people don’t let you out, you’re there for at least another 20 minutes. You either get out or you don’t, it’s a big issue,” Badami said.

Troubles with traffic and problematic parking

Emily Early, Editor-in-Chief December 9, 2021

It’s 2:00 p.m. and the line to get into the school is backed up to the light. Drivers sit in formation, waiting for students to rush out of the doors at the 2:30 p.m. bell. A split in the road filters...

Senior Paige Matthys-Pearce tallies donations during the 2020 Parkway Holiday Cup. Longhorn Council hopes we defend our title as champions again this year.

BREAKING: Parkway Holiday Cup moves Chazen vs. Wayland canned drive one week earlier

Brinda Ambal, Conceptual Editor-in-Chief December 6, 2021

Students are gearing up for two weeks of food donations through two holiday food drives; here’s your guide to both. First up is the Chazen vs. Wayland canned drive Dec. 6-10, which is then followed...

Students involved in the MOSAICS program have been facing burnout resulting from holding themselves to high standards.

When bright kids burn out

Madi Michajliczenko, Conceptual Editor-in-Chief December 2, 2021

Of the estimated 50.6 million students enrolled in K-12 public schools, about 3.2 million stand out from the pack. These kids are given a special name simply for scoring high on intelligence tests —...

At the district level, there are currently open positions for two nurses, four teachers, eight bus drivers, 10 teaching assistants and 22 custodians. Principal Jeremy Mitchell would like to encourage individuals to explore job opportunities in Parkway. “I think in my heart of hearts that we’re a pretty good place that people would want to work for. It’s just figuring out what that looks like post-COVID,” Mitchell said. “Before you say no, or don’t consider it, try to talk to folks that have been here, whether it be students and staff, and try to get their opinion. By having conversations, your opinions of working in the educational system may change.”

The low-down on low staff

Leah Schroeder, Managing Editor-in-Chief November 8, 2021

With 10.4 million job openings in the United States, 221,266 openings in Missouri and 46 openings in the district, the labor shortage is a pressing issue and one that undoubtedly is affecting our district....

Behind the screen, senior Drew Boone scans through his emails for the day. Boone promptly deleted a scam email congratulating him on winning the lottery and requesting details of his bank account in order to have the $5 million prize money transferred over. “Although I liked the money, I know I can’t win a lottery that I never entered,” Boone said.

Ransomware Cyberattacks on schools are on the rise: What can we do?

Raj Jaladi, Newsletter Editor/Data Analyst October 31, 2021

Cyberattacks are no longer an activity of high-profile companies and national security but have become a daily reality for schools. According to an FBI's Alert, 57% of all reported ransomware attacks in...

Our school showed a lot of longhorn pride at homecoming week. Here are some of the highlights.

Life of a longhorn

Achyuta Ambal, Staff Writer September 27, 2021

As Homecoming draws near, a timeline of the week gets created.

Countdown to Homecoming

Madi Michajliczenko, Conceptual Editor-in-Chief September 17, 2021

With homecoming week on the horizon, anticipation is rising within the student body. Making plans with friends and deciding on outfits, students are preparing for the long-awaited week. Behind the scenes,...