It’s common for high school students to feel down, whether it be stress-induced anxiety, “senioritis” or just a lack of motivation, but perhaps what students are experiencing is something more serious.
Features
Schools use proficiency over growth
The proficiency vs. growth debate has gained steam in recent years, especially after the confirmation hearing of education secretary Betsy DeVos.During her confirmation hearing, DeVos was asked by then-senator Al Franken about her ideas on the debate. However, DeVos’s response used the definition of growth to describe proficiency, and when Franken tried to ask a follow-up question, he was cut off, and the topic was changed.
Through the screen: Cultural Appropriation
Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, Marc Jacobs, Kylie Jenner-all of these stars have been accused of cultural appropriation.Cultural appropriation has several meanings and can be displayed in several different ways, but one prominent definition from Cambridge Dictionary states, “The act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture.”
School-to-prison pipeline threatens St.Louis youth
St. Louis leads the nation in school suspensions for black students. School disciplinary actions, like suspensions and expulsions, may lead students onto a track of dropping out of school and ending up in the justice system. This track is called the school-to-prison pipeline.
All-Write Comedian did not please crowd
This year’s All Write Festival took place with roughly 45 speakers, ranging from authors to comedians. However, this year’s comedian, David Graham, received negative feedback from both students and staff.
United Methodist Church restricts LGBTQ+ community
St. Louis held a special session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church to restrict LGBTQ+ community on Feb. 23-26. The reason for this was a recent concern on the treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. There has been… Read More ›
History teacher enjoys student interest
Zeke La Mantia Contributing Writer Connor Katsev began working at Webster Groves High School this fall as a history teacher. He reflected that he first decided to become a teacher when he took an Advanced Placement Art History class in… Read More ›
Counselor shares views on working in WGHS
After graduating high school from WGHS in 2007 and finishing college at Illinois State University, Simone Cunningham, school counselor, felt as though she was called into doing this job, mostly because she enjoys connecting with students on a “different level” as she put it.
Junior returns to Broadway
Returning to off-Broadway performances, junior Elizabeth Teeter will star in world premiere musical “The Secret Life of Bees,” directed by Tony winner Sam Gold. Written by two time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, the play is adapted from the bestselling… Read More ›
New group visits art museum
Zora Thomas Contributing Writer A girls group visited the St. Louis Art Museum on Feb. 7, to see the Kehinde Wiley exhibit in particular. The group has yet to be named but started this year to welcome and empower young… Read More ›
Students to perform ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
Drama students will perform Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” during All Write Week, with additional performances in the Black Box on Feb. 28 at 4 p.m., and March 1 and 2, at 7 p.m. The evening shows are sold out…. Read More ›
Festival’s 5th year brings authors, artists, musicians
All Write, coming early March, will return for the fifth year in a row. The 2019 festival will feature a space theme to give an out-of-this-world experience.
Team brings historical, cultural value
Step is defined as “a complex synchronized dancelike performance that blends African folk traditions with popular culture” by Britannica Encyclopedia, but to the WGHS Step team, it is much more. Senior Nia Lyles explained, “Sometimes [step] can be very aggressive,… Read More ›
Local organizations offer opportunities for teens
Almost everyone knows someone who struggles with mental health, whether it is a family member, a friend or oneself. When trying to navigate ways to assist others, it is often easy to feel helpless. However, St. Louis initiatives offer opportunities… Read More ›
Students struggle with mental health
It’s common for high school students to feel down, whether it be stress-induced anxiety, “senioritis” or just a lack of motivation, but perhaps what students are experiencing is something more serious. Anxiety Disorders According to the Anxiety and Depression Association… Read More ›
Webster feeds senior’s passion for change
Senior of the month Rosie Ryan has always been passionate about social justice. She is the president of the Feminist Coalition and volunteers for PotBangerz and Planned Parenthood. Ryan and her family have also run a canned food drive, Webster… Read More ›
Mr. Webster pageant winner’s talent shows fashion aspirations
DECA and Marketing II’s Mr. Webster pageant took place Nov. 28, in Knight Auditorium and included talents, dancing and other traditional pageant activities.
Senior Ray McIntyre was voted Mr. Webster over 11 other contestants, all of whom applied and went through interviews in September and early October.
Murals continue tradition, promote positivity
Over 20 student-crafted murals adorn the halls of WGHS, boasting bright colors, impactful quotes and meaningful illustrations. But, as time goes by, murals tend to blend in with the routine of daily high school life. Notable works include the large… Read More ›
Organizations threaten Planned Parenthood, choice
When the phrase, “abortion clinic in St. Louis,” is placed in Bing.com’s search engine, the results are one Planned Parenthood clinic and three Crisis Pregnancy Centers.
SSD celebrates 60 years
Special School District is celebrating its 60th year educating children with disabilities. The Special School District was created in 1957, after a St. Louis County tax levy was passed to fund the program. The program began holding classes in 1958… Read More ›
‘Science nerd’ joins faculty
Isabella Ferrell Contributing Writer Harry Potter enthusiast, science nerd and science teacher Kaleigh Curran has joined the teaching staff to teach biology and conceptual chemistry in room 384. Curran is originally from Bloomington, IL, and later ended up in St.Louis… Read More ›
New English teacher excited, eager to join WGHS staff
New English teacher Margaret Piper-Zamudio knew WGHS had a different vibe than most schools from the minute she interviewed for a job in the English Department.
Teachers travel between Steger, high school
Teaching opportunities grow in the Webster Groves School District with the option of being able to teach at more than one school in the district.
Senior teaches 6th grade Drama Exploratory class
Each morning during first hour, I help alongside Sarah Romanowski in teaching a rowdy group of tweens in a drama introductory class at Steger Sixth Grade Center. The class is titled “Teaching Strategies: Drama Internship.”
New teacher brings philosophies to English
Ada Foley Contributing Writer Chloe Moore started at Webster Groves High School as an English teacher this fall, because she sought a change of pace. As happy as Moore is with what already exists at Webster, she has hopes of… Read More ›
Senior musician plays flute into college
Graduate Myah Frank, renowned musician, completely immersed herself into music during her four years.
Former graduate comes back to WGHS
Ethan Ryan
Contributing Writer
As students walk through the library to cut over into the lunchroom, a wide-smiling Lamar Fitzgerald settles in behind the counter, waiting for any students who might need help.
October brings tales of strange occurrences
A building that has been around since 1906 is bound to have strange stories and unexplained occurrences. Webster Groves High School is no exception to this. Pat Voss, who has served in the building for over 50 years, has seen… Read More ›
Math teacher brings experience to WGHS
Michael Marshall — Contributing Writer
Elizabeth Steckman, a new math teacher, knew since kindergarten that she would be a teacher. but it wasn’t until attending a high school in Wausau, WI, that that dream could start to come true.
Pledge debate goes to court
The Pledge of Allegiance has been a source of controversy ever since its creation. These debates have continued on into the present day. Recently, India Landry, a 17-year-old Windfern High School senior, was expelled for refusing to stand for the… Read More ›
School board selects 2018-2019 student advisors
This 2018-19 school year is the second year the school board has selected student advisors. Last year, juniors (now seniors) Joe Castleman and Trinity Madison served. This year, the position was passed down to juniors Jessica Peterson and Patrick Lee…. Read More ›
National Coming Out day offers opportunities for education
The danger of identifying as nonheterosexual is extensive, yet annually people still take the risk on October 11, National Coming out Day.
Alumni reminisce on past
If a student were to ask any alumni what they remember about Webster Groves High School (WGHS), the answers would vary. Many could tell of landmarks that currently, students have no recollection of. This year, the alumni office will hold… Read More ›
Webster senior becomes Marine
While some students worry about sports practice, AP classes and the Friendship Dance, senior Tori Watson has another thing on her mind: the Marines. Watson didn’t always plan her life to go this way. “When I was a junior, I… Read More ›
Innovative teaching styles create new opportunities for learning inside, outside of classroom
As teachers place more emphasis on how students learn, educators are evolving their class style to reflect different needs. The Chelsea Center for Experiential Learning has offered assistance on internships, service learning, travel and employment since 2011, but traditional teachers… Read More ›
