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
Students say farewell to Dr. Mitchell

Students say farewell to Dr. Mitchell

Elle Rotter, Deputy Conceptual Editor-in-Chief • May 27, 2022

In response to principal Jeremy Mitchell's retirement, students thank Mitchell for their memories in high school. Additionally, students talk about lessons that they have learned from Mitchell.

Principal Jeremy Mitchell sits in his homecoming float and waves to the students lined on the sidewalk for the homecoming parade. During homecoming week, he enjoyed getting to build connections with students. “I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to work for,” Athletic Director Brian Kessler said. “[He] pulled off homecoming, [when] nobody knew what it was going to look like. It happened, it was great, it was beautiful, and [students] loved it.”

Principal Jeremy Mitchell decides to pass the torch onto new leadership

Elle Rotter, Deputy Conceptual Editor-in-Chief • February 23, 2022

After a 28 year long career in education, including 12 years as head principal, Dr. Jeremy Mitchell announced his plans to retire in July. Read on to learn more about his journey and his contributions...

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...

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....

Administrators and teachers stand at the doors of the main gym, observing the demonstration. Other Parkway schools allowed students to walk out of the building, but West students were warned of detentions when they tried to leave. “When we tried to leave the actual building teachers told us to stop or we would get detentions, so we went out another door and stood along Clayton road, willing to face the consequences,” junior Maria Newton said.

Photo of the week – March 12

Dani Fischer, MANAGING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • March 21, 2018

POW: Alison Owen, 12

POW: Alison Owen, 12

Allie Collins, Photo Editor • October 8, 2014
"When did you come up with the idea to dress up like Dr. Mitchell for Future Occupation day?
Principal Jeremy Mitchell and Yasmin Younis discuss options for senior finals scheduling.

Mitchell mends senior finals debacle

Kayla Everett, Retired • September 16, 2013

On Friday, Sept. 6, principal Jeremy Mitchell met with the senior members of the Longhorn Council (LoCo) Executive Board to discuss options for seniors. Senior finals are scheduled from May 5 – 9,...