Titans Talk Newsletter 2021-2022 Vol 4, Issue #2

TITANS' TALK NEWSLETTER VOl 4, ISSue #2

Bus SHortage

Reporter : Sydnee Jackson

We are currently experiencing a lot of issues with bus companies throughout the St. Louis area, primarily because during this covid time it's hard to find qualified/willing workers. To ensure that students have a way to school they had to combine a couple of bus routes. Plus, when the bus driver doesn't show up, CPA gets an email from the bus company saying they are either running behind or not coming and that the bus company is working on it. But if that doesn't happen, then CPA has to send a rescue bus so that the students will have a way to school. However, this means students have to wait for the bus and it means they will be late for school. Junior Skyler Lambert says, “If the rescue bus doesn't come, then I have to spend my hard-working money on a Lyft just to get to school.” Also, junior Ryan Gambleton says, “It's frustrating if the bus doesn't come because I feel like I am missing out on my attendance and school work.”

Mandatory Bag Checking

Reporter : Kai'ra Littlejohn

Students stride into CPA every weekday morning to start the school day. However before they are allowed to go to breakfast, they need to form a line to have their bag checked and get scanned by security guards. There are a lot of mixed opinions on day-to-day bag checking, and whether or not it should be necessary. An anonymous male student stated, “I don't like it, it's an invasion of privacy… they mess up your papers and belongings.” While another anonymous female student has a differing opinion she believes that it's necessary to keep everyone safe. Nevertheless, both students ultimately agreed that the lines move slowly and that more people should check bags to speed up the process. When asked about whether or not bag checking is helping the school become safer journalism teacher and bag checker Mrs. Brueck said, “I definitely think it contributes to a safer school because it deters someone from bringing something to school they shouldn't.” When we asked if bags are being checked effectively she said they are to the best of their ability, “We do a thorough check on all bags, and students are wanded. I think the combination makes for an effective system.”

Student Scheduling

Reporter : Marques Roberts

At the start of the second semester schedules will be changed. The school counselor Mr. Cook will be talking with students who want their schedules changed. In order to get your schedule changed you have to start by joining his google classroom. The code to the classroom is PNAATON. After joining there will be grade-level posts to which you can fill out to meet with him. Then he will call you down to his office when he has time. He is starting with going from seniors and working his way down to freshman. He wants to make necessary schedule changes, “I am trying to change the schedule prior to winter break so that it won’t be so hectic coming back.” He adds that core classes are his priority, but that he will consider other classes as well. In order to request any change, students need to put in a google change request form that is posted in the Guidance Counselor Google Classroom. Senior Dennis Robinson is thrilled he can change his schedule for the second semester so he can join the Flex program. The Flex program is for people who have a job. It allows them to take all their classes in the morning so they can get out of school early for him to be able to go to work, ¨ I think it's good for us to have a say so in our schedules and not just being assigned them.” So, having the opportunity is really a good idea and if you want to have your schedule changed for the second semester don't forget to contact Mr. Cook through the Google Form in his Google Classroom.

EVALUATE

Reporter : Skyler Lambert

Have you taken an Evaluate test in your English/Math class, but are not really sure what it is or why you’re taking it? Evaluate is a testing website schools use to see what their students are learning or what they need to work on. It also tracks their progress. Confluence uses Evaluate every month to see what teachers need to focus on more in class. Ms. Natasha Payne said it is necessary to measure the progress of learning on a monthly basis. The Administrations are looking to have it every other month or every quarter. Ms. Payne adds, “Teachers are expected to use the test to create lessons that help the students progress and learn based on the results of the last test. It should show improvement and that’s how we know the students are learning.” Junior Anayla Waters says she personally doesn't like testing every month but she feels it is still a good thing to do.

Reporters in training

Reporter : Niya Vaughn

Journalism Students are now working on their second newsletter story of the year. Students write a story per quarter. It takes about weeks and a couple of classes to finish writing an entire newsletter story because you have to research the story, interview people, and then write about it. Journalism teacher Mrs. Brueck says, “It’s not easy, but the lessons learned producing a story will help students in everything they do, from school to career. ” Mrs. Brueck says they are trying to find a way for the students to have easy access to reading the newsletter. The purpose of the newsletter is for students, staff, and the community to know about events and get updates about what's going on in the school. They are also hoping to start video announcements in the future but with covid around it's messing up their plans. Journalism student, Deniyah Alexander says, “I enjoy writing the newsletter because I get to pick the topic I want to write about. My current story is about basketball managers and I know a lot about it because I am a basketball manager”. I also talked with Journalism student Kai'ra Littlejohn and she said “I enjoy writing newsletters because it's something I want to do in the future and it's getting me prepared.”

THE ACT TEST

Reporters : Mya Graves, Leonard Greer, and Marco Reyes

The ACT is a test that you take to determine your readiness for college work. When taking the ACT test you have to take 4 sections: English, math, reading, and science. There are 75 questions in the English section, 60 in the Math section, 40 in the Reading section, 40 in the science section. There is an optional writing section. The test takes about 4 hours, 5 if you do the optional writing section. Each section is scored individually from the others. They’re going to look at the highest score of each section and put it towards your final score. Best Colleges would look for an 18-24 score and some colleges look for a higher score. The highest score you can get taking the ACT test is a 36. Mr Cook says that right now most colleges are test-optional, “What that means is they’ve waived the requirement for the ACT. They’re going to look at other factors - GPA, courses, transcript to see if you meet the standards.” Your score on the English and math second of the ACT test will determine what English or Math course you can take. If you fall below the standard, you’ll have to take developmental classes, which are classes that you pay for, but that don’t count toward your degree. Mr. Cook said, “Basically, they are wasted classes. I recommend taking the ACT so you know where you stand as far as college readiness. It provides you with a benchmark and a starting point. It helps you identify colleges that are a good fit for you. It also helps identify areas where you need extra help to work to improve in different areas.” Mr. Cook adds that the minimum score you want to shoot is 18 or better. Some schools have a sliding scale, meaning if you score an 18, your GPA could be lower than if you scored a 16. If you have a higher GPA, college might accept a lower ACT score is free but they will need a Fee Waiver form when they register. They can get a fee waiver form from Mrs. Brueck or Mr. Cook. It is recommended that you take the test 2-3 times to get the best possible composite and super score. Mrs. Brueck remembers taking the test as a high school student, “I took the test twice. My second time and score were much better because I knew what to expect from the test. I was simply more prepared academically and mentally.”

CPA ESPORTS

Reporter : Ryan Gambleton

What is Esports? Esports is a club where they play video games and actually compete in tournaments with other schools. Esports is a new sport and there are even college scholarships for it.

MAIN HALL HOLIDAY WALL DECORATIONS

This is the season to be jolly and decorative so teachers, staff, and students created festive and fun decorations around the school. Advisory class students decorated their doors using their resources including the internet, construction paper, markers, crayons, and colored pencils. In the cafeteria, they put mini-holiday decorations up to keep the kids in holiday spirits and the main hallways was festively decorated by Ms. Doural and Ms. Prindable.

TIS' THE SEASON FOR DOOR DECORATING

Reporter : Tamijah Mitchell

To make the holidays more festive around school, the Instructional Coach Ms. Natasha Payne, created a door decorating contest for students and teachers in their advisory classes. Ms. Veronica Lewis said, “The door decorating was kind of stressful because I don't have an advisory class,” so she decorated her door herself with kitchen supply/recipe themed wreaths. Ms. Lewis had no problem participating because she believed the idea was very creative and wanted to try it. Ms. Jennifer Luker made two wreaths acknowledging her government and psychology class at CPA, such as American flags and international places for government and brains for psychology. The teachers who participated in the wreath contest such as Ms. Luker, Ms. Smith, Ms. Frankenberg, and Ms. Lewis enjoyed it so much they wished other teachers and students would have participated. Mrs. Luker said, “The wreaths really gave teachers an opportunity to capture different aspects of what they teach, what they like to do, and basically who they are.”

Door Decorating Winners:

Most traditional - Mr.David Dickerson

Most unique - Ms. Tracey Stumpf

Most festive - Ms. Stacey Frankenberg

CPA STUdents help with HOLIDAY SPirit week

Reporter : Skye Smith

Think about past school years during the holidays… Staff and students would dress up in Santa hats and ugly holiday sweaters and some would give out gifts and treats. So this year, CPA made the celebrations official with a Holiday Spirit Week. Guidance counselor, Mr. Cook thought having a spirit week was a great idea, “This year has been a challenge coming off of the pandemic year, and it’s good to have things like this to help lighten the mood a bit.” Junior Sydnee Jackson feels that holiday spirit week symbolizes that something special is going to happen, “The purpose of a holiday spirit week is to celebrate it with your peers and friends, it’s the little things that count.” Spirit week was actually a couple of weeks. The first week was Acts of Kindness week where students and teachers were encouraged to do and stay nice things. May shared treats and notes of encouragement. The next week was a dress-up week, just like you would see during homecoming week. Monday was holiday pajama day, Tuesday was holiday tacky sock day, Wednesday was winter accessory day, Thursday was creative (ugly) sweater day, and Friday was fancy festive Friday. Students and staff participated and on Friday the student government decorated the cafeteria in style. Senior Dearra Nelson says, “Holiday spirit week symbolizes that you can always be yourself and celebrate the holidays with friends and family.” Mr. Cook feels that spirit week symbolizes a way for all of us to celebrate the season together and that it promotes holiday spirit and enjoyment at school.” Mr. Cooks adds, “I think these events help improve the mood of building overall and give students, teachers, and staff the chance to celebrate together.”

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