Story by Kouki Yatani

The annual talent show was supposed to be scheduled for a comeback on December 1, 2023 but was canceled due to an insufficient number of people wanting to audition.

For the past 6 years, the class of 2023 has been hosting this show. However, starting this year, the class of 2029 has replaced them and has taken control of running this event. According to Mr. Levey, Class of 2023 teacher advisor, bringing back the talent show in 2017 was a big deal. This is because the last time something like this was hosted was when Mrs. Palmer was still a high school student in the 90s. This year was especially exciting because it would be a whole new group of students, still young and naive in experience, running the stage. Class of 2029 is “excited about doing it,” and they all agree that they want to continue the tradition of the talent show. Mr. Levey used words such as organized, productive, and on top of it to describe the students’ work ethics. 

Despite the hard work, the talent show this year was sadly canceled. This was the first time ever that the talent show was canceled due to lack of participants since Mr. Levey took over. The show has been canceled or postponed in the past because of COVID but never because the show did not have enough people. The class needed around 12 people to participate but only 9 showed up on audition day. “Sad, it is fun watching the students show off their talents,” Mr. Levey answered after being asked how he felt about the show being canceled.

The struggle to get students to audition this year has been more difficult than the past years, and students are often afraid to get in front of a large crowd. Nonetheless, Mr. Levey believes that “students are more talented than they think they are,” and it would be a great opportunity for students to show off their talents at the show next year.

Story by Quinn Palmer

Alfred-Almond has always made use of new technology and there have been many new modern improvements visible throughout the school. The school puts these new technologies to good use ensuring that its students receive the best education possible. For about as long as anyone can remember, the bell that signals the end of a mod has been the same. It was so old that the recorded sound was still on a floppy disc. This year, we finally got a new digital bell. While the new bell is easier to work with, many students have expressed their disdain for it. As Freshman Josiah Shutt puts it, “It sounds like a metro station.” That said, if anything goes wrong with this bell, it will be significantly easier to fix than the old one. The school has been trying to improve things for a long time. Don’t get me wrong, analog technology is awesome, but it’s not always the most efficient. In the last few years, many of the drinking fountains have been replaced with new ones that allow students to more easily fill their water bottles. Many students have stated that the new drinking fountains are much more convenient in this regard. Filling water bottles was almost impossible with the old drinking fountains. The new drinking fountains also have a light that lets people know the condition of the water filter, this helps maintenance know when they need to change the filters so students always have the cleanest water possible. It seems like there is always something that needs to be fixed or replaced. In the last few years, digital clocks were installed in the hallways and in all the classrooms. This is important because many students don’t know how to read an analog clock. Most students prefer these new clocks, because they are easier to read and are digitally controlled so they are always accurate and in sync. Just this year, all the copiers in the building were replaced which is beneficial to both students and teachers. The school has been using the same copiers for a long time and many of them had gotten quite finicky. Lots of students will be able to remember a time when they received an assignment that was miscopied, which is often very difficult to read. These new copiers will make it easier for teachers to print out material for students.  All these things are great, but the most prominent and most recent of these advancements is the Chromebooks. The Chromebooks are replaced with more up to date versions every few years. At the beginning of this school year, all students were issued new Chromebooks with touch screens. For about the first week of school, this was a huge deal because previously, only teachers’ Chromebooks were equipped with touch screens. While the touch screens are more convenient, there is some question as to their durability. Senior Jake Hall has expressed fears that these Chromebooks are more fragile than the old ones and worries they might break. The new Chromebooks are thinner than the old ones but so far, none of them seem to have sustained any serious damage and the components appear to be of better quality. Still, some students can be quite rough on their Chromebooks. The batteries on these Chromebooks last longer than the old ones, a full battery is usually enough to get through two full days of classes. The old Chromebooks had been around for a few years and they were starting to show their age. These new Chromebooks allow students to do assignments and access their notes more easily. It makes the whole learning process a lot easier, as long as it is used correctly. Anything that makes students’ educational lives easier is more than welcome. All of these advancements are meant to help students to succeed and they all do a pretty great job of it. It would be a whole lot harder for both students and staff to do their jobs if it wasn’t for all these advancements.

Story by Liam Carstens

Xello is an app that the school has rolled out this year that includes many features meant to help students. Xello allows students to explore different careers and what college degrees or certifications they will need to pursue each career. “Xello offers a wide range of college and career tools to assist students and teachers with designing a specific plan for each student,” Mr. Murphy told the Observer. He has played a key role in setting up Xello for the school.

The introduction of Xello to the school has been a smooth process, according to Mr. Murphy. The Administrative team  and the IT department have done a lot of work to make the program easily accessible for both students and teachers. In previous years, before Xello started being used, the school used Guidance Direct. A large benefit of Xello, according to Mrs. Boone, who did a lot of work in implementing Xello, is that the program can be used by students in every grade, from Kindergarten to 12th. This is an advantage when compared to previous years because the app can create a career portfolio for each student using information from their entire school careers. This portfolio can be used by students to explore what careers would be a good fit for them. While currently Xello is mostly used by seniors for college applications, the school plans on using Xello with students in all grades. It also plans for teachers to be able to create lesson plans through Xello, using features useful for younger students, such as games.

Students and teachers have expressed generally positive opinions on Xello. Mrs. Bensley told the Observer, “It’s a one stop shop for college and career planning, for all age levels.” Students have also found it helpful. Christopher Craft said that “Xello makes the complicated process of searching for colleges much easier.” Although, some students have said that they don’t use the app much.

If you have any questions about Xello, Mr. Murphy would be the best person to ask.

Story by Joey Taggart

Alfred Almond provides the typical sports found at most highschools including basketball, baseball, soccer, etc. However, there is a significant lack in intramural or club sports in high school.

Alfred Almond has intramural sports clubs like the wrestling club, ski club and intramural swimming; however, ski club is the only one that allows high schoolers to participate. This helps instill team values and good sportsmanship in the minds of young kids who show an interest in sports, but is this all that intramural sports are good for? When asked why intramural sports would be a good addition to the high school,  senior Andrew Diestler claimed that “it would be good for students to experience a team sport or any sport without the highly competitive aspect of high school sports.” Intramural sports allow students to feel like they are a part of something without the sport getting in the way of life. For example, many older students at Alfred Almond have a job and they often have to choose between the job or the sport. However, with intramural sports, a more flexible schedule could allow the students to experience a sport they love while still allowing time for work. Another way intramurals would benefit students is that it could help students who are on the fence about whether or not they want to play a sport. “It would be a great way to introduce students who are unsure about sports into highschool sports,”said Kanye Cumberbatch, a senior and three sport athlete at Alfred Almond. For some students, intramural sports are just a unique way to spend time with their friends. “It’s a good way to chillax with the homies,” says senior Talan Holley, when he was asked why he chooses to participate in the ski club. An increase in intramural sports would have a positive impact on the school.

Story by Vincent Craft

At the Alfred-Almond high school, more students have no lock on their lockers than students that do, mainly due to the feeling of the majority of students that our school is safe and secure. Lockers are an important part of school and Alfred-Almond encourages their use so students don't carry around heavy book bags. Students using their lockers more and also using locks less means more lockers around school are unlocked than previously seen. There are no specific rules forcing the use of lockers, students do not get in trouble by the administration for carrying around full book bags. Students largely believe that our school is safe enough to keep their things secure, even while the school itself expresses the responsibility of students to take care of their valuables. One student summed this feeling up by saying “No one’s gonna take my stuff.” Benny Jackonski also claims, “My gym locker has a lock, none on my regular locker though. I don't care cause I know there’s cameras if someone stole.” In response to whether they felt safe leaving their locker unlocked, Ryan Washburn responded with “At this school there is not a lot of theft, I also never keep more than a T-shirt and shorts.” The general consensus throughout the students asked is while being comfortable with not having a lock, keeping no valuables in the locker is important. The school provides students with locks meaning students have the choice on what to do with their lockers. Many students choose to leave their lockers unlocked. 3 minutes to get between classes also plays a role in many students keeping their lockers unlocked for ease of access. Theft has not been an issue at Alfred Almond so it is understandable why students feel safe. Lockers not having locks has been an increasingly talked about topic, though it has not become a problem yet. 

Story by Abby Hurd

At the beginning of the Alfred Almond school year, many students and faculty noticed Spanish labels hung all around the school. The labels are index cards that have a Spanish word and a picture drawn on them. The pictures are little symbols that correspond to where they are placed. For example, there is a label located near the art room that has the Spanish word for art class and a picture of art supplies. 

The Spanish teacher, Ms. Burr, had her Spanish 1 students make them as a more helpful and fun way to learn their vocabulary words. She stated she wanted her students to be able to associate the places with the correct word. The labels are not only helpful for the students in the class, but are also useful for other people in the school because they are an easy way to learn and understand basic Spanish words. 

Students have said the labels have helped them gain an understanding of basic Spanish. Ambria Papworth stated that even though she is not in any Spanish classes she has found the labels “beneficial for learning simple but useful Spanish words.” Another student said they like that our school provides not only Spanish classes, but also Spanish Club, so they can participate in learning about the culture and background without having to worry about being graded. The Spanish labels have been a helpful way for students and faculty at Alfred Almond considering they have helped many gain knowledge on Spanish vocabulary and grammar just by walking the halls. 

Story by Tighe Grigg

Alfred-Almond Jr/Sr High band has gotten a new band director for their 23-24 Season. Mr. Avnet, the new director, has led band members to notice a change in their musical environment. The band members struggled at first having a new teacher but Zavier Rao says “once we got used to how he teaches, we began playing much better.” The band members also express that Mr. Avnet is very engaging with the band.

Journalists for the Observer have been noticing the holiday music in the halls which has been raising discussions about the band. Every student knows and enjoys the annual “interactive” Christmas concert right before Christmas break. This year it may be different due to the new director. Gracen Dusinberre stated “I love the new band director. He's very encouraging and I feel that the band will continue to be successful.” She also informed me that from what she knows, Mr. Avnet is planning on keeping the Christmas concert the same.

Mr. Avnet was previously the band director of Wellsville High School. He performed well as a director there and so far is doing the same at Alfred-Almond. He led the marching band to a successful Halloween parade and has had some positive reviews from the members of the band. Band members are looking forward to more concerts with him as director and are predicting a successful band season the rest of the year.

Story by Amelia Lawrence

As of November 1st, 2023, school lunches are free at Alfred Almond highschool. Many students attending Alfred Almond have recently stated that they feel more fulfilled and energized for the rest of the school day now that they can get a guaranteed school lunch without worrying about money. Tighe Grigg, a senior, explained that he loved the free lunches. He states that the lunches are very fulfilling and well made and also feels even more satisfied after lunch. 

I asked several students that attend Alfred Almond High school how they have felt about this new change. Many students have taken advantage of the free lunches. Owen Lawrence, a senior at Alfred Almond and current swimmer on the AA swim team says, “Yes, I take advantage of it everyday. Now I can eat 2 lunches (one he packs and one for free) and I feel even more fueled for my swim practices.” Students have even said that the school lunches have gotten better now that they are free. Kanye Cumberbatch expressed that the pizza was upgraded. Although a downside to the free lunches is that the lines are double as long so there is even less time to eat. 

The New York State public schools article recognized that schools in more rural areas have a need for free or affordable healthy foods rather than bigger, more suburban schools. Hunger has been an issue across the state and country. Hunger in schools can be a huge learning curve for students and their attention spans and not being able to focus due to hunger is a problem. In order to learn and be successful in school, children need to be fed. Being well nourished with a balanced diet, or in many cases even just a balanced meal that includes fruits and vegetables, means mental and physical health will improve and academic success will be more likely.  Kanye Cumberbatch, a senior at Alfred Almond and current wrestler stated, “I feel much more awake and ready to learn on a well fed stomach.” 

The Alfred Almond school lunch page stated that- “While meals are free for all students for the time being, we need to be ready to transition back to free/reduced/paid when the USDA's funding for free meals ends. Also, district funding is dependent upon knowing how many households are eligible for free and reduced meals.” As long as you submit your free reduced lunch application you are set to go!

Story by Kiana Yezarski

In October of this year the “High School Musical” was  revealed to be the performance Alfred Almond will put on . During the meeting some students thought that it would be the musical “Cats.” Many students were excited that we are going to do “High School Musical.” Auditions will be held on December 5 and 6.

This year is Miss Karr’s tenth year being a musical director for AACS.  “ I decided to choose “High School Musical” because it “fits” better than any other musical that I looked at. There are many factors to consider when choosing a musical, and they each went into deciding that “High School Musical: would be this year,”. When Miss Karr went to college, she joined a musical. “I still love to perform when I get the chance, but I love watching students come alive on stage.” She had never had an opportunity to perform in a musical in high school so seeing students able to perform is important . She concludes that “presenting a musical takes a lot of time, energy, and commitment.” She also informed me that sometimes, it isn’t easy to be in a musical and that it can be stressful. “There is live magic in live theater that cannot be replaced by anything else,” Miss Karr wrote. “I hope the Performing Arts Program continues to grow and thrive during my time here at AACS and long after I’m gone.”

Mrs. Kelleher is the vocal and orchestral director.  As a vocal director, she helps to make sure that everyone knows their parts for a specific song. She was a student director for “Seussical the Musical” and has been involved in helping to direct the Alfred Almond musicals for 12 years. Mrs. Kelleher informed me that “High School Musical” can be enjoyed by everyone of all ages. Once feedback is given, Mrs. Kelleher makes sure that it is okay by Miss Karr. Directing a musical is similar to choir or individual lessons and simple techniques are used to perform a song well. “I try to be confident so that students be confident in learning their parts,” Mrs. Kelleher explained.

Lily has been in musicals since fifth grade and has been in every performance except the online musical. She is very excited to audition for “High School Musical.” Challenges that she faces are quick changes and learning how to pronounce the names of a character correctly. She loves to be loud, energetic, and enthusiastic. One thing that Lily finds easier is learning lines and being off book faster so that she can be more confident on her parts. She loves every aspect of the “High School Musical” and she has also watched the movie and series.

The dates for the show are March 9, 10, and 11 of 2024. After auditions and callbacks, Miss Karr will post a cast list with the characters that students will play for the show. We hope to encourage our students to audition and have a wonderful time. Alfred Almond is excited to perform “High School Musical.”