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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

Beginning in the 2023-24 school year, Parkway discontinued study halls throughout the district. Concerned over the consequences it may have on their academic success, several students and teachers have spoken out against the elimination of a necessary tool. “Kids aren't abusing study halls to sit there on their phones or something. They might need [more support]. Just because you're not taking this amount of AP classes doesn't mean you're not being challenged, and just because you're not having ‘X’ amount of hours every night doesn't mean you have enough time to get homework done,” chemistry teacher Chloe Gallaher said.

Study Hall: Setting up students for success or stress?

Pathfinder Editorial Board September 29, 2023

Kicking off the 2023-24 school year, students were forced to say goodbye to study hall as the district removed it as an option for students. The decision wasn’t well received by students, parents, teachers...

Teachers recount where exactly they were during the 9/11 attacks, 22 years later.

Where were you during 9/11?

Sakenah Lajkem, Staff Writer September 11, 2023

On Sept. 11, 2001, four planes were hijacked and sent to crash into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and the White House. While the White House was spared from the attack, the other two targets were hit,...

An arrangement of fashion-related magazines is displayed, with white text reading "Microtrends" in the lower right corner.

Maneuvering microtrends

Emily Early, Editor-in-Chief September 6, 2023

Looking back at the history of fashion, several trends can be defined by a decade: babydoll dresses were a staple piece of the 1960s, bell-bottoms revolutionized the 1970s and leg warmers will take you...

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,...