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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

Oftentimes, African American students face misjudgment from their peers based on age-old stereotypes surrounding their race. Because of this recurring issue, many Black students have shared a common experience of stereotypes, such as assumptions of their character based on their skin color. “I'm Black [and] I live in the county. [People] automatically assume, ‘Oh, she doesn't live in the city; she's whitewashed with some color.’ I [also] have hearing aids, and [people] assume because I'm a part of the Hard of Hearing group, [I’m] not aggressive or hostile. [Instead, I’m] approachable, the token character,” sophomore Mya Jenkins said.

Understanding Our Character: Why dismantling misconceptions of African Americans is crucial for Black individuals

Samari Sanders and Esta Kamau August 24, 2023

Misunderstanding someone’s character allows people to misclassify them, whether with a positive or negative outlook. In African American history, the Black community has often been unaccepted in American...

Tom Herpel uses his plan time to prepare for future Latin classes in which students learn grammar, literature, and culture. Herpel wanted to avoid jumping to conclusions about the upcoming changes to reduce teacher plan time. “I will not know the type of time crunch I will be under until I've experienced it. I might be able to get work done while I'm doing this other responsibility. I hesitate to make assumptions without having experienced it myself,” Herpel said.

Teachers speak out as Parkway School District implements a 190-minute reduction to teacher plan time

Ruthvi Tadakamalla, Sports/Newsletter Editor June 2, 2023

Think of everything a teacher needs to do to prepare for class. A student might come into class and start their work immediately, but a teacher needs to spend hours planning and preparing to ensure learning...

French teacher Blair Hopkins in front of red box that reads: teachers sound the alarm.

Teachers sound the alarm

Sravya Reddy Guda, Staff Writer May 31, 2023

FRENCH TEACHER BLAIR HOPKINS: They broke it down into phases to sort of make it easier for us to get used to and the first phase just involves monitoring so we start with monitoring at lunch or monitoring...

A collage of images from throughout the year, including: editors at our end of the year party, moments from our canned food drive and pictures from working in class.

2023-24 Editorial Board reflects on goals for next year

Pathfinder Editorial Board May 31, 2023

As the 2022-23 school year ends, the Pathfinder Editorial Board begins to reflect on the past and look onto the incoming school year. Together, we have curated a list of goals we hope to accomplish for...

Junior Neil Dhiman strikes a pose by shifting his weight to his right leg and looking down at his left heel. The words "Longhorn Lookbook" are displayed against a blue background.

Longhorn Lookbook: Neil Dhiman

Serena Liu, Editor-in-Chief May 29, 2023

Donning a long, draping, vampire-esque coat, junior Neil Dhiman walks through a crowded school hallway. Dhiman’s gloomy appearance, made complete by an ornate silver pendant, certainly stands out against...

Science teacher Amy Van Matre-Woodward stands in her classroom and smiles at the camera.

From molecules to maritozzi

Allison Rueschhoff, CJ1 Writer May 26, 2023

With the fresh aroma of sesame seed bagels wafting through the kitchen air, science teacher Amy Van Matre-Woodward wakes up early Saturday morning to bake for her family. Outside of her teaching career,...

Crouching back and preparing to lunge, freshman Matt Lancia points his faux sword toward his opponent. Lancia, as part of his English 1 class, reenacted a scene from “Romeo and Juliet” to better understand the story. “It showed me how people fought very long ago,” Lancia said. “[My favorite part of the unit] is probably all the activities we do. I’m a very energetic person and I don’t sit still.”

Photo of the Week — May 19

Serena Liu, Editor-in-Chief May 19, 2023

Seniors Grace Fotheringham, Kelsea Wilson, Luisa DAquino Lazarini and Ibrahim Hacking pose together after attending Parkway’s Educators’ Signing Night. Students were encouraged to invite family, friends and teachers to watch. “Signing days are cute, and I never committed to a sport, so I never really thought I would have the opportunity. I’m excited that I [got] to be a part of a signing day for education. On signing night, it was wholesome to see everyone’s future plans and invite my family and teachers. It made me realize how important teaching is and how we need more teachers,” Wilson said.

Fueling the future of education

Lia Emry, Staff Writer May 19, 2023
When you think of signing day, you probably picture athletes committing to sports, but Spark! is changing that idea one student at a time.
Belting out her opening song, “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince,” Taylor Swift fans sing along for the first performance of the Eras Tour. Dancers around Swift put on a show with large, feathery fans representing the colors of her “Lover” album.

Shaking it off through the years: Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour turns back time with a dash of sass

Hannah Jacquin, CJ1 Writer May 18, 2023

As the countdown clock approaches zero, the energy in the stadium reaches a fever pitch. Fans jump up and down, hearts race and cameras flash around the stage, waiting to capture the main event of the...