The Hammond Central
Howling Times
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Where students bring YOU the news!
HC's 3rd annual PBL night
by Jamie Alekna
published December 2023
Hammond central students and teachers are excited to showcase their third year of PBL Night (project based learning) on Thursday, December 14!
Sophomore English teacher Megan Brown had her students complete a PBL project based on two novels that were read in her class, Animal Farm by George Orwell and Lord of the Flies by William Golding. She stated that the most critical part of the project to success is to give students the options of what can be completed. The purpose of the project is for students to get the most out of the novel and explore themes and actions on a deeper level.
“The projects vary and the complexity of the work changes to what students want to complete. All the projects are meant to get students to think outside of the box and deal with the characters, plot, theme and overall message of the novel in different ways,” Brown said.
Brown stated that the academic standards of the project implemented in her classes was to analyze in detail the development of two or more central ideas over the course of a text, including how they build on one another to provide a complex analysis. A need to know for the project was for students to have a working understanding of the novel that they chose to read.
According to Brown, the role the students assumed was they could choose to be anything they like such as a poet, a music executive, fashion designer, a political leader, etc. and she says that students also had the choice to to type or create their projects with provided materials.
Social studies and dual credit teacher Katelyn Scheive stated that the most critical part of doing a project is getting students to buy in and see the goal and meaning of the project so that they can be motivated to put in the necessary work. The purpose of the project she implemented in her classes was to identify and research an unsung hero who students think Americans should know more about and create a project to help commemorate them.
“I'm very excited to see the final products next week. It has been a major challenge keeping students on track because each assignment builds on previous assignments, but some of the work I have seen so far on finished products has been really impressive.” Scheive said.
Scheive stated that students individually bring different levels of knowledge to both projects. She has set up scaffolds within each project to help students reach the end goal. Then she and their peers ask questions to gain an understanding of each project. In addition, students in her Career Exploration class were able to hear from a Hammond community member who overcame a lot to graduate college and reach their goals.
The role the students are assuming in Scheive’s classes is being an active citizen. The work requires research skills, critical thinking, skilled writing, and creativity and also that technology is very necessary and helpful for research and many students are using technology to create their display.
New Tech/PBL Instructional Coach Megan Tiscareno stated that the most critical part to the success of the Student Showcase is their ability to attend and share their projects with those in attendance. The sole purpose of the event is to share what our students are learning with our community and all of the stakeholders.
"The sole purpose of the event is to share what our students are learning with our community and all of the stakeholders."
“Each of the projects teachers have created for their students have their own roles, technology integration, academic standards, and need to knows. This is true for grouping as well. Some projects are independent and some are groups. The work complexity depends on the project,” Tiscareno said.
Tiscareno also has her students completing a project in which her students will be using technology to create PSAs (public service announcements). She stated that each group member has a specific role in the process like some students are working on their groups script, some are working on their storyboard, some are the technology gurus.
“My students are creating public service announcements about the topics that are relevant in 2023 from Lord of the Flies. They are exploring themes such as bullying, survival, body-shaming, etc. My students are focused on creating a persuasive PSA that will not only reach their targeted audience, but society as a whole,” Tiscareno said.
The Winter Showcase will take place here at Hammond Central on Thursday December 14. If you would like to see what the students have been working diligently on this first semester of the year, you can join all participants from 5 to 6 p.m.
HAPA Holiday highlights the dedication of SCH students and staff
by Trinity Austin
published December 2023
The eagerly anticipated winter holiday celebration, HAPA Holiday, hosted by Morton High School (MHS) showcased the Hammond district’s vibrant arts sector December 7. From rock bands to traditional ensembles, the event embodied a diverse and inclusive spirit.
The Hammond district was set to come alive with the joyous melodies of the season as the Hammond Academy for the Performing Arts (HAPA) geared up for its annual winter concert and festival. HAPA Holiday guarantees an evening of diverse performances featuring the talents of the band, orchestra, choir, dance, and drama departments. Beyond the arts, the event also hosted vendors, adding a touch of holiday shopping to the festivities.
The band and orchestra teacher at Hammond Central High School (HC), Cheryl Suwardi, provided insight into the preparations and aspirations for this musical experience.
In anticipation of the event, Suwardi shed light on the meticulous preparations that took place. The HAPA Orchestras tuned up to enchant the audience with a selection of classics, including "Jolly Old St. Nicholas," "Come Little Children," and "O Holy Night." Meanwhile, the HAPA High School Bands set to deliver captivating renditions of pieces like "African Noel" and "Fantasy on an English Carol."
Suwardi shared the process of learning several songs in preparation for the concert.
"It's a lot of music to learn, so we divide the music between rehearsals and rehearse smaller sections in detail. Then, we put the sections back together to rehearse the pieces as a whole," Suwardi said.
The top priorities in planning HAPA Holiday for Suwardi include nurturing students' musicianship, fostering technical abilities, striving for perfection, and, most importantly, ensuring an atmosphere of enjoyment. For her, the joy of seeing students grow artistically and musically is paramount.
As the concert approached, Suwardi eagerly anticipated the culmination of months of hard work.
"I am most looking forward to hearing and seeing all of the performances," Suwardi said.
Reflecting on the evolution from last year's event, Suwardi noted that not only is the music different, but the name has also undergone a transformation, now being referred to as HAPA Holiday instead of HAPA Holidays.
Suwardi believes that the aim in HAPA Holiday is not only about the holiday spirit but more.
"The purpose is to spread holiday cheer and help our students grow artistically and musically," Suwardi said.
Alexander Akers, rock band director and guitar teacher, shed light on the intricate process of song selection and arrangement, fostering collaboration among students, and the meticulous preparation for this year's HAPA Holiday.
When approaching the challenge of accommodating diverse music tastes within the band, Akers emphasized the importance of group discussions and student input. He guided the decision-making process, ensuring each song resonates with a wide audience.
“We discuss music as a group to get a feel for what suggestions students have, and then tailor it to appeal to as many of the students as possible. I make suggestions, guide the thought process when needed, and make a professional call for every song we choose. It is quite the process before deciding on the songs we will perform,” Akers said.
On the topic of student engagement and collaboration, Akers stressed the inherent need for presence and teamwork in a band. He modeled these behaviors, emphasizing that each member's primary responsibility is to make others sound good. Through effective communication and understanding roles, an ultimate cohesion is achieved on stage.
For students new to the band or lacking confidence, Akers drew on his decade-long experience teaching middle school band. He employed techniques to help students overcome stage fright, emphasizing relaxation through breathing, posture, and mental preparation. Akers instilled confidence by highlighting the importance of thorough preparation, ensuring students are ready to shine on stage.
Akers revealed the lineup for his three performing groups, which featured a mix of Christmas classics and a medley of Spanish songs. It started off with a rendition of (Christmas) Baby Please Come Home by Darlene Love, Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley. Then a Medley of Christmas songs (Jingle Bell Rock, Wonderful Christmas Time, Last Christmas, and Back to December). It ended with Medley of Spanish songs (Los Peces en el Río , Mi Burrito Sabanero, Feliz Navidad, Triste Navidad).
While Akers did not plan the overall HAPA Holiday event, his top priority for the rock band was clear – to deliver a professional yet enjoyable performance with a diverse musical repertoire.
There was an unexpected change in this year’s HAPA Holiday, the elementary schools were separate for their performances, and the rock band's pre-show also transitioned to an all-in-one auditorium experience on the main stage.
Isabella Batchelor whose position(s) are the guitarist, tambourine player, and vocalist of HC’s Rock Band, has been partaking in the band for two years.
Looking forward to the HAPA Holidays, Isabella was eager to grace the stage once again, emphasizing the significance of the HAPA Family. In a heartfelt message, she extended warm holiday wishes, encouraging others to embrace opportunities and express love generously.
“Something I'm definitely looking forward to for the HAPA Holidays would be to get to finally be on stage again and to have the opportunity once again to get to be apart of this amazing event that everyone should be part of. The HAPA Family will always have a special place In my heart,” Batchelor said.
Isabella credits her father as her musical inspiration, describing him as her best friend and the source of her musical education. For her, music is not just a form of expression but a lifeline that has saved her in numerous ways. Joining the Rock Band became her way of connecting with like-minded individuals who share the same passion.
As Isabella prepared for a special Rock Band performance for the HAPA Holidays, she shared valuable advice for aspiring musicians.
“There's so many things that come with preparing for a performance but first and for most I would say is to take time to prepare yourself mentally. I cannot express enough how important it is above all things to take care of your health especially in the music industry. Work as a team, you're gonna fight and disagree alot but a true band works together no matter the case. Master your craft and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE… but always take care of your mental health,” Bachelor said.
Batchelor extended her warm holiday greetings to those celebrating.
“I would like to wish everyone and warm Holidays, give and love others as much as you can, take risks, take opportunities because you never know what could be behind the door for you. I love you HAPA, forever and always,” Batchelor said.
Aarynn Bernard, a dedicated dance instructor at HC, shared insights into her preparations for the upcoming holiday performance.
Bernard geared up for the festival HAPA Holiday featuring her ballet one class, a group she proudly notes is the largest class she has had by far in Hammond Central's program history.
The performance opened with Lindsey Stirling's "Carol of the Bells," a contemporary ballet piece, building on the success of last year's collaboration with the choir and an African Christmas carol.
Bernard highlighted her top priorities for the holiday production, emphasizing the importance of teaching not just choreography but also instilling a sense of enjoyment and self-discovery in her students.
"It's less about the performance and more about preparing them to be performers," Bernard explained.
When asked about expectations for performances, Bernard emphasized the trifecta of fun, personal growth, and a clean 80% mastery of the choreography. "Nobody is perfect," she added, acknowledging the inherent imperfections in any live performance.
With a broad range of dance styles under her belt, including ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, tap, and Caribbean dance, Bernard affirmed her ability to teach virtually anything, underscoring her passion for ballet as her favorite.
Bernard revealed her strategies for keeping students engaged, emphasizing real-world connections to dance. She spoke about the joy of dancing and the importance of embracing the “progressive struggle”—acknowledging that learning choreography, much like life, takes time and practice.
“I try to relate a lot of my teaching to real world experiences. Whether it be related to dance or not, the idea of progressive struggle. When you learn choreography, it's not always gonna stick immediately, And that relates to a lot of things in our daily lives, is that sometimes we have to do a progressive struggle. You have to learn how to, maybe you don't have it perfect now, but practice, keep working at it. And generally that kind of helps me keep them motivated. Like, hey, you got, you got a goal that you're trying to meet. So let's keep pushing forward to get it done,” Bernard said.
In addressing diverse learning styles, Bernard emphasized the necessity of adapting to various needs. From verbal teaching to physical demonstrations, she shared her commitment to ensuring every student can grasp the dance concepts effectively.
When it comes to effective teaching methods, Bernard emphasized chunking, breaking down choreography into manageable sections to facilitate better learning. Her approach focuses on ensuring students achieve mastery before progressing to the next phase.
Bernard conveyed her love for dance's creativity and dynamism, citing it as the driving force behind her teaching. She hopes to inspire students not just to become dancers but to maintain a lifelong connection with the art form, regardless of their future paths.
“I want to inspire them to use dance in their lives after they leave here. Now, whether they decide to become teachers, whether they decide to dance with a dance company, let's say it's an office, whatever it is. Whether they decide to do, if they go into nursing, I want them to be able to say, ‘hey, you know, I think I'm gonna watch Dancing with the Stars tonight’ because they enjoy watching that show,” Bernard said.
Whether it is taking a dance class here or there, Bernard stated that she hopes her students continue to connect with dance as their life progresses.
Bernard expressed gratitude for HC's HAPA program, recognizing it as an invaluable opportunity for students to delve into the performing arts beyond a single class, fostering growth and a deepened connection to their chosen disciplines.
“It is an opportunity, not just in dance, but in all of our different performing arts.
For students to study it, beyond it, just being, a single class. an opportunity to be an academy and for them to grow,” Bernard said.
Mental health and the bustling holiday season
by Julie Ortiz
published December 2023
For many people, the holidays are considered to be one of the happiest times of the year. For others, the high demands of the holiday season can cause people to feel overwhelmed and experience other mental health struggles.
According to a survey done in 2015 by Healthline, a consumer health information site that’s based in San Francisco, California, 62 percent of people described their stress levels “very or somewhat” elevated during the holiday season.
A separate survey done by the National Alliance on Mental Illness reported that 64 percent of people living with a mental illness felt that their conditions worsened around this time. Some of the stressors listed by the participants included financial demands, navigating complicated family dynamics, and maintaining personal health.
Since the holidays require people to focus on and keep track of many more responsibilities than usual, the brain’s prefrontal cortex can be overused. Over time, the high demand of these responsibilities can decrease memory, halt the production of new brain cells, and cause existing brain cells to die.
Holiday stress is a different kind of stress than what we experience day to day. This kind of stress is a small reaction to an immediate threat. Once the holidays are over, the stress that accompanies the season will go away.
Despite this, it’s equally as important to know how to manage this stress as knowing the causes. One useful tip is to check in with yourself and evaluate how you are feeling. You can rank your feelings on a scale of 1 to 10 and when you are at a certain level, you can take a step back to focus on yourself.
It’s important to relax during the stressful holiday season, whether that be listening to music, meditating, or any other form of self care. Taking care of yourself physically is also important because mental and physical health are closely connected. It’s crucial to remember not to neglect one or the other.
Sleep is another essential aspect of self care that is often neglected. With the busy atmosphere of the holidays, it’s easy to forget just how important sleep truly is. Lack of sleep can make you irritable and short tempered which in turn makes you more vulnerable to holiday stress.
The holidays can be stressful, but it’s important to be mindful of your physical and mental health during this time of year.
Hammond Central finds more ways to support students
by Adalynn Garza
published December 2023
Hammond Central High School has many ways to support students, but there is one particular support system that only a few people know about. At HC, Academic Behavior Resource Paraprofessional Mrs. Emily Kolat, has a support system for students called the “Angel Cabinet.”
“The angel cabinet is a place where we give out health and beauty products to whoever needs them,” Kolat said.
The angel cabinet, located in the ABR room, provides deodorant, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and many more. Mrs. Kolat has a goal to get the whole school to know about it.
“I feel like there was a need here at HC for these products. I want students to come and see what we have to offer. It is especially nice to see when students come and look for what they need,” Kolat said.
Kolat has many brand products that give students a wide variety to choose from. She is able to pay for the products with a grant.
“The grant allows me to go and buy good products for students to choose from. All items are free and students can just come and grab whatever they need and go” Kolat said.
As this year has been going on, Kolat has been seeing the progress of the system growing and more people finding out about it.
“I see it growing and being something permanent for the kids to lean on. Many other schools have different support systems but this is something different. This is something I chose to start. Nobody asked me to do it,” Kolat said.
As the years go on, HC is always finding new ways to support its students. Many teachers or administrators always give out many support systems to students and even adults at Hammond Central.
“The main goal is always to show students that we have these support systems and we are here to help,” Kolat said.
If you are a student in need, go and check out the Angel Cabinet in ABR. You never know if there might be something for you in there. You can also help and pass on the information to other students so they can go and check it out too.
HAPA presents '23 Fall Harvest Celebration
by Makiyla Macon
published November 2023
Every year Hammond Central High School hosts the HAPA Harvest event that showcases the talents of many students. There are also activities for the guests such as face painting, trunk or treating and pumpkin decorating.
HAPA instructor Alexander Akers and HAPA band and orchestra director Cheryl Suwardi both said that it usually takes about two months to fully prepare for HAPA harvest.
“For the rock band, it largely depends on how many pieces or songs we are performing. This year rock band 1 performed two songs, and rock band 2 performed two medleys which had 4 songs each,” Akers said.
According to Akers, the intermediate rock band (rock band 1) class took a couple months to prepare their two songs, due to them being less experienced. He stated they still had an amazing performance, but it just took a little bit longer to get the desired result. The advanced rock band (rock band 2) class just finished a huge show at Wolf Lake in September, so they only had about two weeks to prepare the medleys
The students and staff who participated in this event worked really hard to prepare so that guests were able to enjoy themselves. Staff, students and guests were all encouraged to dress up in their best Halloween costumes.
“My favorite part of HAPA Harvest was seeing our students dress up in their Halloween costumes, perform excellent concerts, and have fun together as a school district and HAPA family,” Suwardi said.
Sophomore Makyla Adams agreed that her favorite part of the entire event was getting to see everyone dressed up in their costumes.
So if you enjoy dressing up, collecting candy, face painting, music and art displays, then HAPA Harvest is the fun event that you can attend.
The history behind Veteran's Day
by Amairany Gonzalez
published November 2023
Veterans Day is a national holiday that celebrates all United States Veterans who showed bravery and who sacrificed their time and dedication for the country. It is celebrated on November 11th, because in 1918, an armistice was signed between the Allied Nations and Germany on that day. However, the holiday was first known as Armistice Day.
According to History.com, “One year later, in November 1919, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. The day’s observation included parades and public gatherings, as well as a brief pause in business and school activities at 11 a.m.”
Later on in time, the original date of Veterans Day was changed due to a bill passed by Congress. The bill was called the Uniform Holiday Monday Act. However, many states didn’t agree on the bill being passed.
According to Military.com, “In 1968, the Uniform Holiday Monday Act ensured three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. Under this bill, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October.”
On September 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford, the 38th president of the United States, signed a law in which Veterans Day returned to the original date, which is November 11th each year.
According to Department.va.gov, “The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
Now that you know the history, make sure to thank those veterans around you. Like Military.com states, “It's imperative that all Americans know the history of Veterans Day so that we can honor our former service members properly.”
NHS's Trunk or Treat unwrapped
by Trinity Austin
published November 2023
On October 25th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hammond Central High School (HC) hosted their 2nd annual HAPA (Hammond Arts and Performance Academy) Harvest which included the sub activity of Trunk or Treat. HAPA students from the district’s schools were participating whether it be an in school performance, face painting, pumpkin painting, passing out candy at the Trunk or Treat, or just showing some Halloween spirit.
Students who were volunteering in this event were mostly from National Honors Society (NHS), student athletes, and some Area Career Center(ACC) students handing out the candy for trick or treaters or from HAPA performing.
The candy used in the Trunk or Treat was donations from students and staff from HC; over 50 bags of candy were donated. To encourage the students to donate, the promise of extra credit was offered from some of the teachers.
NHS sponsor, Jessica Castillo, organized this Trunk or Treat for the NHS students to give back to their community. This does not mean only NHS students gave out the candy but that the majority was NHS members, students athletes, and Area Career Center(ACC) students.
Castillo was able to account for the fact last year’s trunk or treat had an unexpected upsurge of guests’ attending the Trunk or Treat. This problem was solved by opening both sides of HC’s hallways with only one exit and entrance which aided the with crowding issue.
Castillo hopes for when they organize the Trunk or Treat next year, that they are able to focus on the children more.
“We want to make it more about the little kids for next year. We want to make sure that we have enough candy and activities to bring to the little kids who may be first time trick or treaters or who may not be able to go out on Halloween. We think for next year we will add a few more activities for the younger kids and be mindful of who the event is intended to be for,” Castillo said.
Castillo’s purpose of the Trunk or Treat event is to provide a safe space for the people of Hammond.
“We wanted to provide a safe, warm, fun place to go trick or treating. We wanted to convey the message that Hammond Central looks to be involved in the community and to teach our students to give back to the community. It is important to communicate the need to always return to where you came from and help as much as possible,” Castillo said.
As well as accounting for the children next year, she also hopes to collect more candy. Since the amount of candy they will obtain is never definite, by announcing the fact they are accepting donations earlier she hopes that will result in more candy.
NHS member and junior, Talina Cisneros, participated in the Trunk or Treat as well, she handed out candy to Trick or Treaters.
Cisneros wanted to participate in the Trunk or Treat with the intent of spreading joy.
“I would want to spread the word of the purpose for everyone being there and gathering on the 25th, remember everyone was simply in the building to celebrate Halloween and fall in general. Have fun, and enjoy the event put together by the students and staff, in the end we are all just humans trying to make an impact,” Cisneros said.
When preparing for the Trunk or Treat, Cisneros experienced difficulty in setting up with their lack of supplies so she hopes that next year will change and they will have more supplies which includes candy.
“My hope for change would be of course more supplies of candy, as limited candy means limited handout, and I know being the first table when entering we did get criticism on handing out only one or two pieces of candy,” Cisneros said.
For Cisneros, joining the NHS is for students who want to improve themselves and their lifestyle.
“To me, NHS is targeted at students who want to better themselves as successful and responsible students. People should join the NHS to be a part of something bigger than themselves in the community and improve their individual character in school and the community,” Cisneros said.
Cisneros also has tips for those who are struggling to collect their volunteer hours or those who want to join NHS but do not know where to start.
“I obtain the majority of my hours through service opportunities offered by NHS through the school. When I need more hours I roughly think of activities I could contribute to the community like cutting grass, volunteering at my dad's friend's shop, church, or anything that holds a helping hand in the community. My advice for those struggling to gain hours would be to reach out where you see a hand can be lent. Take advantage of the hours provided to you,” Cisneros said..
A part of Administration, Kimberly Montero plays the role of granting approvals for various aspects such as event space, security, custodial services, and advertisements before the event. While on the night of the event, they take on the responsibility of overseeing supervision, management, and addressing any logistical challenges that may arise.
Administrators also may actively engage with the guests, including students, staff, and Hammond's families, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all while participating in the festivities or the event.
Montero was able to acknowledge the benefits that Hammond Central gains from participating in such events.
“Hosting the Trunk or Treat/HAPA Harvest event serves as a remarkable opportunity for HC to showcase the exceptional talent, dedication, and hard work exhibited by our students and staff. This event transforms our entire school system into a vibrant display of our capabilities, allowing us to shine brightly.,” Montero said.
Montero stated that with having so much positivity and talent within SCH, it's only natural to want to share it with our community and beyond. The dedication of teachers and staff members show how much they truly invest months into the planning and effort put into this particular event.
“The Trunk or Treat event truly reflects the hard work and commitment of everyone involved. I love all of the costumes and laughter,” Montero said.
After attending several events herself, Montero understands the importance of having events to grow HC within the community.
“I believe that each event organized by HC contributes to our growth as a school community. With every successful event, we move closer to becoming the school we aspire to be. These occasions not only showcase our commitment to education but also demonstrate to the community that investing in SCH is an investment in our children's future,” Montero said.
From sophomores to seniors, students are welcomed to join NHS, they just need to obtain a GPA equal to or higher than 3.0 and be willing to volunteer 50 or more hours of volunteer service.
