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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

Coding a robot to better understand the perspective of characters in the class novel, sophomores Taylor Burns and Fatimah Hussain feel frustration at their robot due to their “character” limitations. This lesson taught students real-world skills such as trial and error, working together and teamwork. “There were some people getting really frustrated because they couldn’t figure it out, but they kept trying, kept experimenting and those were the sort of life skills that work their way into lessons like these,” Honors English II teacher Erin Fluchel said.

Coding robots to understand point of view: English students bring technology into the classroom

Brinda Ambal, Conceptual Editor-in-Chief September 20, 2019

Small white and blue spheres crawl around the library as students in Erin Fluchel and Casey Holland's Honors English II classes compete in a set of obstacles.  Students were responsible for coding...

Looking into a virtual reality headset, sophomore Dyani May takes a virtual tour of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in her English II class Sept. 17. This was English teacher Casey Holland’s first time using VR in his classroom and was pleased with his students’ reaction to the tour. “It was different and exciting and fun,” Holland said. “The kids thought it was neat. When we started off, they were taking pictures of each other with their phones, but as the material we were talking about got more in depth, you could hear them saying ‘Oh wow,’ and hear them having some really good conversations with one another.”

English II students explore the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum through virtual reality

Lydia Roseman, News and Sports Editor September 17, 2019

No airfare, hotel, transportation or museum pass was necessary for students in English II to tour the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, in Washington, D.C. In fact, not a single school absence was...

New teacher Joe Milliano teaches AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2.

Meet the new faces of our staff

Leah Schroeder, Managing Editor-in-Chief September 16, 2019

Joel Fischer will be teaching Band and Guitar.  What is your favorite thing about the subject that you teach?   “My favorite thing about teaching music is that you can look at the same piece...

Making final adjustments during practice, junior Fatema Rehmani prepares for the Randy Pierce Winter Classic at Pattonville High School Dec. 7, 2018. Rehmani competed in Program Oral Interpretation, an event in which students incorporate various selections of literature into a 10 minute performance. “This year, I explored some different events in speech and debate, and I’m so grateful for all of the various experiences I’ve gained,” Rehmani said. “But I have noticed there are definitely expectations for certain events or debate in regards to whether it’s for guys or for girls, which is sometimes limiting and frustrating.”

Sexism in speech and debate: competitive speakers’ fight for their voice

Tyler Kinzy, Managing Editor-in-Chief September 11, 2019

It is the conversation that speech and debate coach Cara Borgsmiller is forced to have several times each season. “I talk openly about it, especially the first time they get a ballot that says something...

Sitting at his desk, Principal Jeremy Mitchell takes a call from a parent. During the summer, administrators got together to discuss changes that needed to be made. “There is still discipline enacted because you are still breaking a school expectation,” Mitchell said. “It’s just that the type of discipline will be one that will not only be disciplinary action but disciplinary action with a purpose.”

Administrators revamp vaping policy in hope of change

Ridwan Oyebamiji, Features Section Editor September 10, 2019

In response to the widespread vaping trend that continues to affect the school, administrators are taking a new approach to the issue by establishing a policy they hope will better prevent vaping on school...

Junior Alexander Seyer poses next to Ladue High School junior Grace Hu. After the final ceremony, Seyer says he was getting phone numbers and pictures with other scholars so he could stay in touch with his new friends. “You shouldn’t be all too worried about getting outside of your comfort zone. That makes you grow as a person and lets you learn things about yourself that you didn’t know before,” Seyer said.

Making the most of their summer: five juniors attend the Missouri Scholar’s Academy

Leah Schroeder, Managing Editor-in-Chief September 9, 2019

Whether junior Sri Jaladi was rushing to his next class, or participating in Rubix cube races, he says that his time at the Missouri Scholars Academy (MSA) was a time that he would look back on fondly....

Sophomore Maura Collins and junior Ella Seigel hold gardening shears after cutting out invasive species of honeysuckle and privet. After, they sprayed the area with herbicide to ensure it did not return. “It felt really rewarding to meet a bunch of like-minded individuals working together to see real change in the environment that we restored,” Seigel said.

The Shaw Institute for Field Training internship help three students narrow down future career paths

Fatema Rehmani, Conceptual Editor-in-Chief September 6, 2019

During their 12 weeks of summer, many students long to get away from a school environment, but juniors Ella Seigel, Maaz Khan and sophomore Maura Collins spent their summers working at a Washington University...

With increased enrollment, 380 students were allowed to pay $85 for a parking permit. There are currently no more spots being sold. “Based on however many junior and senior parking permits we give out at the beginning of the year, will usually determine how many more spots we have to sell for the rest of the year," Sophomore class Principal Kate Piffel said.

Increased enrollment leads to new parking policies

Drew Boone, Staff Writer September 3, 2019

It’s a right of passage many seniors, juniors and a handful of sophomores enjoy, purchasing an $85 space to ensure they can drive to school. However, due to increased enrollment, the plan has been revised. “All...

Worn at Powderpuff, football games, spirit days and other school events, senior jerseys are a long standing tradition.

The class of 2020 breaks traditions with new senior jerseys

Lydia Roseman, News and Sports Editor September 3, 2019

From the senior campout to Mr. Longhorn, many traditions define senior year. Worn at Powderpuff, football games, spirit days and other school events, senior jerseys are another long standing tradition....