OP/ED

Students Do Not Like Uniforms

By Miah Jackson

According to nces.ed.gov of public schools wear uniforms. One reason why most schools wear uniforms is that they want the students to be more focused on school and not their clothing. Another reason why some schools require uniforms is that kids who wear uniforms learn how to respect others while schools that do not wear uniforms do not know how to respect people. Lastly, at most schools, the boy and girls were different kinds of uniforms. For example, the boy would wear shorts and pants while the girls might wear dresses or skirts.

The other half of schools do not wear uniforms. The only reason for this is because most schools think that their students might lose their identity, or freedom if they have to wear the same clothes as other students. Almost 90% of students say they do not like wearing uniforms (www.unr.edu). Not wearing uniforms increases the chance of gang involvement and bullying.

Some dress codes follow:

• Skirts, shorts, or dresses that are shorter than mid-high without leggings/ stockings/ and tights underneath

• See-through clothing (Unless it is paired with a shirt underneath)

• Pajamas

• Inappropriate content

• Cut tops and large rips in jeans

• No tank tops

• No hoodies on the head (Unless bad weather)

In conclusion, most schools do not have uniforms. As long as students respect the dress code they can have as much fun as they want to dress up for school.

In-Person School is the Best

By Shira Hoffman

Is Online learning as good as face-to-face learning? Students went to both regular in-person school and online school. Online learning is much harder for some kids to focus on and learn material that they need to know. Whereas coming to school can be easier for children to focus and learn.

The first reason is that kids need in-person school. Some students come to school for more than just an education. In some schools, they give free hot meals. Not many kids in America have that at home. Many kids are starving and look forward to that.

The second reason is, that students, like to come to school and be with their friends. If you ask so many people, friends are an important part of life you are always going to need. It is the highlight of so many peoples' days, just seeing their friends and people they love to be with.

Some people might argue that friends are not that much of an important part of being at school, but they are. That is how people make friends, at school. People say “Oh you can meet friends out of school”, which you can. It is just that, for some people, seeing their friends at school is the highlight of their day.

The last and final reason is that school is a safe haven. School is a getaway for so many kids in America, in fact, it is all over the world. Kids in America have problems at home such as family problems like divorces or kids not seeing siblings and parents for a long time. You never know what 6 hours of school away from your problems at home will do for someone.

Overall, every kid needs school whether it is for friends, a getaway, or hot meals that some kids do not have at home. School will always be something kids need.

School Stresses Teens

By Adriana Hakimian

According to princetonreview.com over 50% of students have been feeling stressed as school is stressing teens mostly because of homework and too much work on their minds. School is stressing teens because of too much homework, exams, and maintaining good grades.

Homework is stressing teens because they already have school but when they come home it is more work so it is a work overload, for example, let us say, a student came home from school tired because she worked hard in school then she opens her computer to watch a movie or relax a little and she sees she has 6 assignments due today, now that is stressing. You see, students want to come home and relax while the homework is being thrown at them and more work is getting pushed. That is what we call stress.

Another reason is exams. Exams stress students because they are nervous and get anxiety from it. They can get headaches and have a hard time breathing if the test stresses people out. Which can lead to getting sick which is not good because we want everyone to be safe at school. That is the priority.

Some people argue with the statement of reason two because they think exams will test the student's ability. That makes sense but what matters more is your child's health or the way they work at school.

However, grades are also stressing students because it is so stressful having bad grades, and showing that reflection to your parents gives so much stress. Having a bad grade is so often for students and gives millions of ways they have stress from that because showing it to your parents is tough. You are scared they are going to get mad and scream. For example, You come home from school and see your grade in English has changed from a 90 to a 78 but you are too embarrassed and stressed out to show your parents. You feel pressure and that is the moment when they start to scream and get mad and stress you out even more.

Overall, homework, exams, and grades are all stressful at this time and it is becoming mind hurting and painful. Which is not good for a student's health. Is there a way we can fight this?

Global Warming Is Not A Joke

By Kate Kraynova

Many of you have probably seen the videos that people have been posting on social media. “Scientists are getting ignored; if we would not do anything as soon as possible climate change will be irreversible; we have only 5-6 years left until the time runs out”. Is that really true? Well, we have more than 5-6 years, in fact, we have time until about 2050. Still, if we do not decrease the share of emissions… We will not all die, but the world will change completely. We should take action. Like right now. Some small things you can do: deleting your emails (they use up electricity which comes from carbon fuels), unplugging chargers when you are not using them, not buying too many clothes for fast fashion, donating clothes to local thrift stores if you do not need them, recycling (if you have seen the videos that I talked about earlier, you most likely already know all of these tips). There is also an app called Ecosia which is just like any other search browser, but every search can help plant a tree. There are even a whole lot more things you can do. We can do this. It is not too late.

Automatic Best Friend: A Blessing or a Curse?

By Zoe Van Solkema

Have you ever wondered what life would be like with a twin, or what life would be like without one? Being a twin can be hard sometimes but it has its perks!

The main difference between being a twin and not being a twin is friendships. For example, people that are not twins might find it easier to make closer friendships outside of their family. People that are twins might find it harder to make closer friendships outside their family because they know that no matter what they will have their twin. However, some twins are distant and don’t spend as much time together. Making friends just depends on the kind of person you are.

When you’re a twin “share” is probably a word you hear a lot. Most twins share their stuff or at least they do when they're young. Sharing everything can be a good thing and a bad thing. It’s good because you learn to be more generous. It’s bad because you might grow up and all you want to do is to be seen as your own person and not your twin.

Some schools will ask parents if they want their twins in the same class or if they should be separated. Although separating twins might work for some people it definitely doesn’t work for everyone. In the first couple of years of school keeping twins together is shown to keep them less anxious and more focused on school. However, when twins grow up in the same class they might build up more social anxiety and become dependent on each other for support. The best method seems to be to keep the twins together for the first couple of years and separate them so they build strong social skills.

Overall, being a twin is pretty complicated but having an automatic best friend can be a huge perk!

The Pros and Cons of Being an Older Sibling

By Jion Jung

You may have a younger sister or a younger brother. If so, being the older sibling is tough. There are a lot of ups and downs. In the end, though, it always works out.

One con of being the older one is that your parents want you to be a role model for your younger sibling. When you and your sibling get into arguments, your parents expect you to be the mature one because you are the older one, which can get frustrating sometimes.

Another con of being the oldest sibling is that sometimes your parents expect you to help your sibling with their projects which can get annoying sometimes because your sibling might not listen and you may be busy doing homework or preparing for tests.

Believe it or not, there are some pros to being the older sibling. You can be the first one to get things such as electronic devices like phones while your sibling has to wait until they are older.

Another strong pro is that your younger sibling would look up to you and sometimes they can keep you company. You and your sibling can play board or video games together. Basically, having a younger sibling can be fun!

After looking at all the pros and cons above, being an older sibling might be a good thing. Yes, there are some cons to being an older sibling, but there are just as many pros and maybe even more to counter the cons. To conclude, being an older sibling can be hard, but it is worth it.

Teens and Vaping? No Way!

By Zoe VanSolkema

In 2003, a Chinese inventor named Hon Lik invented a new way of smoking with the e-cigarette, hence modern vaping was born. Today, as the vaping lung injury crisis worsens, people are still coming up with new smoking alternatives. Different ways of smoking have been around for a long time but it was not until about 220 years ago that doctors started realizing the major health problems that nicotine can cause. According to INSIDER, “Dr. Benjamin Rush was one of the first to point this out in 1798, calling smoking ‘offensive’ and a-moral, while also suggesting, correctly, that it can prompt ‘incurable diseases’ and cancers.”

Vaping is so harmful to teenagers because their brains are still developing and nicotine can cause lots of health problems. Most teens only vape because they are influenced to, and nicotine can cause diseases and cancers.

One reason that vaping is so harmful to teens is that their brains are still developing and the effects of nicotine and other unhealthy substances can cause mood disorders, reduced impulse control, and addiction. It can also exacerbate the symptoms and behaviors of depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity. According to Retreat Behavioral Health, one of the reasons teens starts this unhealthy addiction is because “the world around them is set to highlight the perceived benefits of e-cigarettes to teenagers while minimizing the risks.”

Another reason why vaping is harmful to teens is because of the influence around them. Being a teenager can be stressful with school and trying to fit in. A study by the CDC’s 2016 National Youth Tobacco Survey found that, among the students who vaped in 2016, 39% did so because a friend or family member did as well, 31% percent were drawn to the advertised flavors, and 17.1% believed e-cigarettes to be less harmful than traditional cigarettes.

Other people might say that if teenagers are influenced by others then others should act better or they should avoid people who are bad examples. Avoiding bad examples is something everyone should do. However, it is not just others that influence people to start this habit. The vaping industry has a specific way of advertising and their products do not just appeal to adults. With the brightly colored advertisements and the flavors that the different companies promise, it is not surprising that so many young adults start vaping.

Overall, vaping is a problem to the community in general, and especially teenagers. This mostly affects the teenage community because their brains are still developing, nicotine can cause lots of health problems, and most people only start because they are influenced too.

Book Smart or Street Smart, That is the Question

By Kate Kraynova

"How many books have you read this year? Sixty? Wow, you must be smart." Does the number of books you read per year really determine how smart you are? If you think that is a yes, then I can prove you wrong. An average adult reads around twelve books per year, and that is an average. There are many people who read less than that.

Being a reader is determined by your choice of genre. Some might love nonfiction while others prefer fiction. In order to be a reader, you have to read the genre you enjoy the most.

People who are readers, enjoy reading as their hobby or to help them relax. Others prefer different things to do, and that is completely fine. I have met people like this, and they are pretty smart, some are even smarter than people who read, and here is the thing: even if a person likes reading, it does not mean that the person is good at math, or science, or any other school subject, and if a person is good at any of these, it does not mean they like reading.

You do not always have to read to be smart.

Time Consuming Video Games

By Aylin Akdag

Are video games harmful to teens? It can be harmful if it is not timed. Sixty-eight percent of teenagers spend about six hours per week while, fifteen percent spend seven hours, and seventeen percent play more than twelve hours per week. It is harmful because if they spend too much time they might not do their homework and start failing in school. They also can start losing sleep and forgetting to do basic necessities resulting in both lower mental health and physical health. They can also start disconnecting from the outside world and lower social skills.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, since going outside was risky, many teens picked up playing video games as a hobby. After the lockdown, they felt as if they do not play video games they would not feel good, they could not quit playing, had less to no interest in their past hobbies, and would get in trouble for trying to play at school.

According to HealthyGamer, the most common effects of gaming addiction are not much motivation, emotional suppression, stress, bad mental health, relationships issues, and exposure to toxic people.

Of course, some video games can help with eye coordination, problem-solving, and a faster thought process. It does not change the fact the cons outweigh the pros. Naturally, not everyone gets all these sides effects. The more they played or play is how bad the addiction can or will be. No matter how mild it can start from, and it can raise to a severely concerning addiction in just a few months.

Others who disagree are wrong because an article in Psychology Today states, “Video games that are designed for progression to appropriate levels based on player mastery allow each player to participate at their individualized achievement level. This achievement level is key to motivating perseverance in academics, sports, musical instruments, and other forms of learning that require effort and practice.” So while playing video games people could use their motivation for something that can give them an actual accomplishment in life.

Overall, video games can harm you if you are not careful. As long as you monitor it you can have fun playing!

Teen Video Game Addiction

By Miah Jackson

According to newportacademy.com, the video game static is as many as twelve percent of boys and seven percent of girls are addicted to video games. Research shows that Addictive Behavior is found among 3,000 students that were male with a gaming disorder VS. 7.8 percent of females.

In the United States spending time on video games grew by thirty percent in the second quarter of 2020, with an estimated 2.5 billion people around the globe. The games that people are mostly addicted to are Fortnight, Minecraft, Animal crossing and so many other popular games Kids addicted to video games feel an uncontrollable urge to continue playing

In 2018 the World Health Organization recognized the amount of teenage video games addiction by classifying game disorder. This disorder is called the International Classification of Diseases Manual. The three main things that happen if you have that disease then you

• Do not have the control to stop playing video games

• The feeling that video games are more important than anything

• Continue playing video games despite the negative effects and consequences.

Its believed that result of the pandemic kids' screen time multiplied, nearly half of children and teens were spending more than six hours a day online.

Overall video games could be really harmful. Video games are not only harmful but they could cause disorders and most people.

In-Person Learning is a Must

By Gabriella Broumandi

According to weforum.org “The COVID-19 has resulted in schools shut all across the world. Globally, over 1.2 billion children are out of the classroom.” Online learning requires students to be on zoom, while in-person schooling requires students to be in the classroom.

Online learning is not as good as face-to-face learning because the teacher can not see what the student is doing, and the students will not be focused because there may be background noise, and the student will not be able to interact with their teachers.

Online learning is not as good as face-to-face learning because teachers can not see what the child is doing. This is not good for both the teacher and the student. The student can be doing anything from reading a book or playing a game on the computer and the teacher would have no idea! The student would not pay attention and not understand the lesson that they are learning.

Online learning is not as good as face-to-face learning because the student may have something going on in the background. Many people can not focus when the gardener is mowing the lawn or when their baby brother is screaming because he wants pizza.

Some might argue that online learning is better because it allows kids to sleep in and work at their own pace. Even though students can sleep in and work at their own pace, seeing the teacher face-to-face is better. Many students have never seen their teacher in real life! When students have a question, they can immediately get an answer, but when they are on zoom, they have to wait for their teacher to get to them.

Due to Covid-19, many students have been on zoom, and instead of paying attention to class, they are watching Netflix. Overall, In-person learning is better than being on Zoom.

Homework’s Effect On Kids

By Liana Jensen

Does homework help kids or is it just piling on more work than they already have to do? Students say yes, scholars say yes, but teachers say no. Doing homework can cause students to stay up late just to finish work, and end up with no energy to show up to school. So why do teachers keep assigning homework? Teachers believe that assigning homework helps students get more practice and time to get to know the material. While that is a good reason to assign homework, teachers do not think of the class and if they already know the material well. They just assign homework. Sometimes they decide to not assign homework and students feel relieved, but most of the time they keep the homework assigned. Is it really helping students? The short answer is no. If a student needs help with the material they will ask their teacher for help, after that they can do practice problems at home or at school. However, doing 30 questions a night on math is too much. It is different if you did not finish an assignment in a class and it is due that day. Finish that for homework. Do you ever wish homework was not invented? I know I do.

Is Online Learning Best For You?

By Kate Kraynova

Online learning is education that takes place on the Internet. It can be courses, school programs, or self-study. Online learning can be as good as face-to-face learning if you are well organized and can motivate yourself.

Lots of people prefer it because you can choose your own schedule, your own classes, and your own rhythm. Plus, you can make yourself comfortable so it is easier to concentrate.

If you can not control your time then online learning is probably not the best choice for you, but it is always a good idea to try. Some people think face-to-face learning is better because they like socializing. Some people do not, so they choose online learning. That is totally fine.

Of course, some might say that in-person school is the place where you make friends, and maybe even meet the love of your life. But you can always make connections in other places.

In-person school does not have to be the only place where you make connections with other people. Let us be honest, it is so much easier to find people that think the same way as you do online than in school.

Overall, it depends on you. If you like socializing in person, and if you are okay with classes and a schedule that was already chosen and made for you, then face-to-face learning is probably best for you. If you feel like you are able to control yourself, and your time, and if you are fine with not socializing in person, then, maybe, you could try online school!

Social Media is Negatively Affecting Teens

By Siena Goldman

Social media is a huge part of the world today. It is a way to express what is going on in the world, and a way to keep in touch with other people. How much are teenagers around the world using social media? Based on recent studies, 90% of teens ages thirteen-seventeen have used social media (www.aacap.org). Social media is really affecting kids' mental health and causing an academic decline.

A recent statistic on social media usage for teenagers shows that more than 75% of teenagers worldwide (Google) use all kinds of social media. These apps range from Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Tik Tok, and more. This is an abnormal amount of usage, kids should be spending more time on exercise, education, and physically socializing. 41% of teens have a negative effect on social media, 22% lose their friendships, and 13% have bad relationships with their parents because of social media.

According to the Mclean Hospital, there is a strong link between social media and depression. If adolescents and kids are using so much social media, then, according to studies they will soon suffer from depression, anxiety, self-harm, and thoughts of suicide. If these minors are seeing trends on Instagram, for example, then they will want to do the same thing as everyone else. And that can include any of the illnesses mentioned above.

Others may argue that there is no link between social media and illness. Maybe they just do not want to accept the fact that their beloved social media causes their pain.

Although this may be true, this does not explain statistics that qualified health workers have conducted. Another reason that social media is affecting teens is that distracts teenagers and negatively clouds their minds. 32% of teens have been slacking in the education department.

Overall, social media has a fairly negative effect on teens. It is addicting, it is mentally negative, and it is pushing education back.

On-Line Schooling is Better for Learning

By Eva Glucksman

Online-Schooling is a better method of schooling than in-person instruction. OnlineSchool was used primarily for the past two years during the pandemic and is done at home on a computer and on a video call instead of in person at school. Online School means that students can get more sleep, students are available 24/7, and students can have flexibility with their schedule, especially in middle or high school, when they do not need to worry about being late.

Most middle schools in the United States generally start at 8:00 a.m. which is considered too early by public health officials and the C.D.C. When in-person, students have to get up early so they can get to school on time, but when they have an online school, they stay at home, so they can wake up later because they do not need to worry about getting to school. Also, the students that brought lunches to in-person school, would no longer need to make them ahead of time because they would have everything they needed at home.

Next, online learning gives students more flexibility with their schedules. They would no longer need to worry about getting to class on time because they would not have to walk around their campus, just log on to Zoom or Google Meet. The worry of getting to class on time would be replaced by being able to do whatever they need to, like go to the bathroom with their spare time. Lastly, students would be able to access everything they have at home, meaning, they do not need to worry about leaving whatever they need at home.

Now, people might say that “they have enough time for whatever they need to do at school.” or “it is their responsibility to bring their things from home.” Other people might argue that it is stupid for students to forget something or not be able to get to class on time.

Those people are wrong, and here is why. First, some classes are on the opposite sides of campus meaning that any breaks would make students late. Second, it is human nature to be forgetful, so students can easily forget important items from time to time, especially if they can not see said items. Online learning is much more convenient and can take many worries off of students' shoulders, especially if important tests are coming up.

Overall, online learning is so much more convenient, and not as stressful. Online learning is a better option than in-person school, especially when it has the bonus of protecting you from getting viruses at school.

Unfair BVMS Dress Code

By Baran Naim

In my opinion, the BVMS dress code is unfair. I believe that this dress code is sexist in many ways. First, the dress code states, “Students may not wear violent language or images.” Although, I never see boys get dress coded on that. I think it is unfair that girls get punished more often than boys.

Second, the dress code explains that girls should not be dressing inappropriately, because they will “distract” other students. I believe that it is not our fault that other students are distracted. Other students should be able to control their eyes, and I should not be punished for other students' actions.

Third, the dress code states, “Clothes must be worn in a way such that genitals, buttocks, breasts, and nipples are fully covered with opaque fabric.” I do understand this, and I agree that certain body parts should be covered. But, I do think this rule applies to a limit. Although, here it does not state that you can not show stomach. Even so, we still get dress coded on showing our stomachs. For my second reason, our stomachs should not be a distraction to people, they should have no trouble controlling their eyes.

In conclusion, I believe that the BVMS dress code is very unfair. It is sexist, not very understanding, and I should not be punished for other students' actions.

Is our School Dress Code a Little too Extreme?

By Shira Hoffman

Is our school dress code a little too extreme? Well, in my opinion, it is. Personally, I do not believe in making a dress code and limiting what we can wear to school. I feel that everyone should have the opportunity to wear whatever they think they look good in, and not be judged and told that what they are wearing is too revealing. I myself have not had never been dress-coded but I have been given a warning for wearing a shirt that showed some skin, but nothing more than that. I have seen people get dress-coded for the most ridiculous things. For instance, I saw a girl get dress coded for a shirt that barely even showed any skin. The skin only showed when she lifted up her arm. What they do not understand is when it is hot outside nobody is going to come to school in a snowsuit. You are going to see girls wearing shirts that show some skin and it is not the end of the world if they do. That said if the principals could work on anything I think it should be our dress code and being a little less strict. This might just be my opinion but I think what a student wears to school should not be teachers' and principals' biggest priority, obviously, if you see someone wearing something inappropriate then maybe it is an exception other than that I think that we need to leave students alone when it comes to the way they decide to dress.