The students at Amsterdam High School are hungry.  We are in school for at least six and a half hours a day, but many of us are here even longer if we participate in clubs or play sports.  Even though we get breakfast and lunch at school, snacks are still important.  Teenagers need a lot of calories to keep up their energy to learn.  Some students have lunch as late as 12:17, and that is a long time after breakfast.  A snack before lunch could mean the difference between falling asleep in class or writing a great essay.  Other students have lunch as early as 10:49.  These kids might need a snack before the end of the day to keep up enough energy to learn.

Right now, the cafeteria has some vending machines, but they are mostly full of just drinks. We want snacks like chips, cookies, crackers, candy, trail mix, pop tarts, and muffins.  Some vending machines even have ice cream; that would be a cool idea to have so that the students can have an icy treat on a hot day.  Also, our machines should be updated to accept cards and apple pay and google pay.  These days, people do not really carry cash on them, not even teenagers.  Amsterdam High School should get with the modern times and have machines that accept different forms of payments.

Some people might say that teenagers do not need to eat junk food snacks in school.  They could argue that all of the sugar will make students hyper and loud.  The reality is that teachers and parents are always telling teenagers that they are preparing us for the “real world.”  Well, in the real world, people can make decisions about what they want to eat, even if that means eating snacks.  As high school students, most of us are old enough to decide if we want a bag of chips or a cookie.  

It is time for AHS to update their vending machines.

(To the tune of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town")

You better watch out,  

You don't want to cry,  

Please try not to pout,  

Nor sigh a big sigh, BUT

Yondr pouches are returning to school!

They're being assigned,  

Now you're in control, 

Making good choices

Is the big goal:

Yondr pouches are returning to school!

Teachers see you when you're texting,  

They know when you're playing a game,

They see your phone there in your lap,  

Your excuses are so lame....

So!

You better watch out,  

You don't want to cry,  

Please try not to pout,  

Nor sigh a big sigh, BUT

Yondr pouches are returning to school!

As the holiday season approaches, excitement fills the air with decorations, festive music, and the promise of time off from school and work, but for some people, this time of year is not filled with joy and anticipation. Instead, it can be a challenging period, marked by stress, difficult home situations, or emotional struggles. As the final days of 2024 approach, people should be encouraged to offer extra patience and grace to students and staff who may be struggling with behavior or emotions during this time.

For many, the holidays bring more than just celebrations. For some, it means difficult family dynamics, financial struggles, or the pressure to live up to certain expectations. This can lead to heightened anxiety, frustration, and behavioral changes that may be out of character for many. For people who experience these stressors, even small things like noise in the classroom or changes in routine can feel overwhelming. It’s a time when emotions can run high, and some people may struggle to control their reactions.

While some people thrive in the holiday spirit, others may withdraw, act out, or seem distracted. If you recognize these signs in teachers, students, friends, classmates, or coworkers, you are in a unique position to make a difference. By offering extra understanding and patience, you can help others navigate these emotional challenges by acting supportive and extending grace to those surrounding you. Small gestures of understanding can go a long way. Simple actions like providing quiet time or giving people the opportunity to express their feelings can make a big difference to an individual's emotional well-being. 

Remember that the holiday season is about caring for others, even when others may be at their most difficult.

If you are struggling with your mental health this holiday season, reach out to a trusted friend or adult, or call or text 988 for a trained crisis counselor.

In today’s fast-paced world, technology is changing everything — and the world of high school journalism is no exception. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are beginning to play a role in generating news articles, and some student journalists are welcoming the change. But while AI promises speed and efficiency, it also brings up important questions about creativity, ethics, and the future of student reporters.

AI in journalism refers to using advanced computer programs to write news articles. These tools can turn a collection of facts, notes, or raw data into a complete, readable article in minutes. In high school newspapers, AI is being used to write simple stories like event recaps, sports scores, or summaries of meetings, helping reporters save time and meet tight deadlines.

For high school reporters balancing classwork, extracurriculars, and deadlines, AI offers a huge advantage: speed. AI can quickly turn raw data or a summary into a polished article, making it easier for students to cover more stories with less effort.

For smaller newsrooms with fewer reporters, AI helps fill in the gaps, allowing students to cover more events without being overwhelmed by the workload.

Despite its benefits, AI-generated journalism isn’t without its drawbacks. Many students and teachers believe that AI, while efficient, can’t replace the human touch in storytelling. Journalism isn’t just about presenting facts—it’s about telling stories that resonate with readers, providing context, and asking tough questions. These are areas where AI still falls short.

AI-generated articles can be informative, but they often lack the depth and creativity that human reporters bring to the table. For example, last month, I wrote an article about my grandfather's service in the Air Force.  AI could not have captured his voice and his perspective as well as my interview did.

One of the biggest questions surrounding AI in journalism is about transparency. If an AI tool writes an article, should the readers be told? Students, teachers, and readers alike worry that if AI-generated articles go unchecked, it could blur the line between human-written and machine-written content. This raises concerns about trust and authenticity in the news.

In addition to transparency, there are concerns about bias. AI tools are only as good as the data they’re trained on, which means that biased or incomplete data can lead to skewed reporting. This could be especially concerning for high school journalists who aim to provide fair, balanced coverage of events in their school.

So, what does the future hold for AI in high school journalism? Most agree that while AI can be a helpful tool, it should never replace human reporters. The best approach is for AI to assist reporters in writing routine articles, while leaving the more complex, creative, and investigative work to the students themselves.

As AI continues to evolve, its role in high school journalism is likely to expand. Some schools are even beginning to teach students how to use AI tools responsibly, preparing them for the future of digital media. In the long run, AI could help streamline the reporting process, freeing up journalists to focus on what matters most: telling great stories.

For now, the message is clear: AI is a tool, not a replacement for human creativity and perspective. While AI may help students work faster and more efficiently, it’s the passion and authenticity of student journalists that will always make school newspapers unique.

In the end, it seems that high school reporters are embracing the future—but they are determined to make sure the human element remains at the heart of their work. Full disclosure, AI helped to write this very article, but I made sure to personalize it with my opinions, voice, and editing.

1. Snow tubing -  Pick a tubing hill or resort with a lovely, snowy view and race each other down the hill! Turn tubing into a playful competition!

2. Pottery studio - Pottery combines both teamwork and hands-on experiences. Get your hands dirty, snap a picture of your final creations, and embrace your sense of creativity! 

3. Game night - Get creative by making your own rules for a winter themed scavenger hunt around your home.

4. Bake Christmas cookies - Do you prefer staying indoors? Stay in together and whip up some winter themed baked treats. 

5. Stargazing by a fire pit - Is quality time your love language? If so, stargazing by a fire pit is just for you. Toast marshmallows over the fire to make s'mores while enjoying the peacefulness of the moment.

6.  Ice skating - Never been to an ice skating rink before? Visit an outdoor ice rink together and enjoy the art of skating.

As winter rolls in, the chill in the air doesn’t have to put a freeze on your romance. In fact, this season offers some fantastic opportunities for unique and playful date ideas that can warm your hearts. Here are some fun and creative winter date ideas that promise to make your time together memorable.

Imagine this: a cozy evening spent building your very own snowman, but with a twist! Instead of the classic Olaf, challenge each other to create the most ridiculous snow creature you can think of. A three headed snow giraffe? A snow unicorn with a sparkly horn? The only limit is your imagination! Once you've crafted your frosty creation, snap some silly selfies and schedule a hot cocoa break. Nothing beats, sipping the toasty drink after a fun filled snow adventure.

If the snow is not cooperating or your ideal temperature is indoors, create your own winter wonderland right at home. Transform your living room into a cozy cinema by stringing up fairy lights and pinning up blankets. Curate a movie marathon featuring the best winter themed films like “Home Alone”, “The Grinch” , or even some less conventional pics like “The Thing” for that added thrill. Don't forget the popcorn! Spice things up by taking turns picking the next movie and preparing a themed snack to go along with each film.

For those who want to really embrace the elements, an outdoor ice-skating date can be the perfect blend of fun and romance. Find a local rink and lace up your skates. Let the laughter flow as you both stumble and glide across the ice. To keep the mood light, try a friendly race or a makeshift figure skating competition. Just be prepared for the inevitable fall because nothing brings people closer than a clumsy tumble.

Looking for something a little homier, try crafting winter theme treats together. Bake gingerbread cookies or decorate a premade gingerbread house. Set up a mini decorating contest with silly prizes. Perhaps the one who creates the worst cookie owes the winner at dinner date? Just remember the goal here is not just about culinary success, but rather the laughter and creativity you'll share.

Last, but not least, venture out for a winter hike. Find a nearby trail decorated with frosty trees and stunning views. Pack a thermos of hot cider and enjoy it as a picturesque look out. Breathe in that fresh crisp air and allow the sites and sounds of nature to enhance your connection.

So whether you embrace the cold or find warmth within these winter days, these ideas are sure to spark joy and laughter. Just a reminder, the magic isn't just in the activities, but in the moment shared together, after all, who doesn't love a little winter romance?

Happy dating!

Wicked: Part One, the most awaited movie of the year, has finally been released. The eagerness of audiences everywhere has hyped up this film to its maximum extent. This extravagant tale tells the origin story of the friendship between Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda provided an emotional depth that fans had been long awaiting for. Through the costumes, directing, set design, and acting/singing, Wicked is set to make a clean sweep during this year’s award season. 

Paul Tazwell brought the unique and flamboyant personality to every ensemble, lead, and supporting character throughout the Ozian world through the costume design. Most eye-catching were the Emerald City citizens' unique outfits. Every costume was completely unique, there did not seem to be any repeats. They had the perfect mix of modern flare and inspiration from the original Wizard of Oz film and the broadway version of Wicked. His garments also spoke numbers on both Elphaba and Glinda’s personalities and even their character development. He portrays both of their color schemes perfectly, emulating Elphaba’s dark cool toned natured and Glinda’s bubbly and also cool toned aura. As the movie progresses, Elphaba’s garments get more complex, with more weaved and shaped fabrics and more structured pieces showing her complexity and increase in confidence. Glinda’s outfits in terms of the Wicked timeline, not the order of events of the movie, Glinda’s clothing gets more poofy expressing the increasing influence she begins to have over the citizens of Oz. Both show the great attention to detail presented through Tazwell and his team’s work. 

John Chu is also the brains and designer behind this masterpiece. He worked tirelessly with hundreds of designers to do everything he could to produce the magical experience that the Land of Oz is. Most prominently, in terms of his sets, he made sure every set in this film was practical. His overarching goal was to make Oz as physically real as possible and prevent the use of CGI (computer-generated imagery) in the set designing process. His team built Munchkin Land, a robotic replica of the Wizard of Oz’s head, the Emerald City, and much, much more. If a film enthusiast wants something to watch that is visually intriguing through its entirety, Wicked: Part One is definitely the film to see. 

Not only that, but John Chu also led the actors to move the audience with their story-telling in an emotional and detailed way. He, along with his writing team,  incorporated many easter eggs and different clues to notice regarding Ozian lore based on the L. Frank Baum books. Ariana Grande did a wonderful job singing in this movie, but she did not give the lovable and ditzy Glinda energy that is so well represented in the play adaptation. Her character came off more as a Regina George energy, from the movie Mean Girls, who is a rude, entitled, and arrogant individual who gets her way through manipulation. Yes, Glinda has her faults, but at her heart she is portrayed as more lovable than Regina George. Those familiar with the full story know at the end of the play there is a reconciliation between Glinda and Elphaba and that hint of perspective is difficult to catch on to in this part of the story. On the other hand, Cynthia Erivo is a true star. Not only did she sing with such power and control, but she encapsulated the emotions of Elphaba in just a clear and genuine way. It is clear the effort and dedication she gave this role to ensure she gave Elphaba the artistic justice she knew the character deserved. 

Wicked is truly one of the best movies of the year. Be sure to stay tuned for Wicked: For Good, the second part to this first film coming out November 2025! And stay tuned for the awards season to see what awards Wicked: Part One can bring home!