General News

The ESC Principals Meeting

By: Sara Mayer Oct. 14, 2025

The point of having these principal meetings is so the principals can compare ideas that they have and some policies they may be implementing in their schools. ESC stands for Educational Service Center; they use it to share ideas, discuss curriculum, and discuss policies that may be implemented in schools. All of the high school principals in Columbiana County go to these meetings, and they may even be used for some extra training at times.

Before having the meeting on October 16, 2025 Mr. Edenfield principal of Lisbon David Anderson Jr. Sr. High school was interviewed about some of his thoughts on the meeting and about when they meet and others things here is what he had to say, “As far as Columbiana County principals meetings, we meet usually once a month September through May, so we meet at least six or seven times in a school year no more than eight.” He was then asked whether the meeting is a good resource for comparing what Lisbon is doing with what other schools may be doing, and he replied, “Absolutely, I’m a firm believer in the more information you can get from people, the better the product is going to be.”

After the meeting, Mr. Edenfield was also interviewed again to see if any new policies were coming to Lisbon, and he said, “Not based on this month's meeting, there weren’t any conversations based on policies in general.” Then Mr. Edenfield was asked what was talked about during the meeting, and his response was, “ This month was more about the concern of the ASVAB test because of the government shutdown. Some schools were supposed to take it, but could’, but we have ours in, and the JOG meeting, which is Jobs On Graduation.”

The Health of D.A.H.S

By Eva House, October 16th 2025

Have you ever looked around in your classroom and wondered what's going on in other people's heads? Not a lot of people know this, but about 40 percent of students suffer from depression, and 20 percent have had thoughts of taking their lives. Being kind at school or talking to someone about how they are can deeply impact their lives. About one out of five students suffers from depression, and most feel like they can't talk to anyone or don't have anyone to talk to.

Students have found it hard to come to school, and people continue to pick on people they know who won’t fight back, just to feel better about themselves. When you're having a bad day, school is the last place you want to be. It's crowded, and there aren't many trustworthy people. Everyone faces their own battles, but people have several different ways to cope.

Many teachers at D.A.H.S. support the students and wants them to be as comfortable as possible. About 30 percent of Lisbon schools don’t feel comfortable talking to any teachers around the school, but the other 70 percent feel they have at least 1-6 trustworthy teacher. Several students have reported that they don’t have any motivation to Many students don't have any motivation to get up in the morning, but some students say they want to be here for their favorite class, academics, or sports/clubs.

Students believe they would feel more comfortable in a cleaner environment, having alone time, and taking inappropriate actions more seriously. The jr high students coming from McKinley say that they would feel more comfortable getting advice from the older people to help them prepare for high school, as they go on to get older.

Sometimes being at school can be hard for people, and they don't like talking about it. Many people aren't just dealing with the stress of school, but there could also be stuff going on at home that they just don't tell anyone about. Our school providing somewhere comfortable and reliable place could be the least we can do. D.A.H.S. loves their students and wants them to feel comfortable

Turkey Vultures Claim Lisbon School Skies

Why Turkey Vultures Keep Circling Over Lisbon High School

By: Elianna Alicea And Eva House 10/3/25

If you’ve ever walked outside Lisbon High School and looked up, chances are you’ve noticed the large, dark shapes circling overhead. Turkey vultures, with their wide wingspans and slow, deliberate flight, seem to have made Lisbon their permanent home. Students often joke that the birds are “watching” them on their way to class, but many also wonder—why do they choose our school, and how long have they been here?

Turkey vultures are scavenger birds, meaning they feed exclusively on already dead animals. Because of this, their appearance often makes people uneasy, even though they pose no direct danger to humans. In fact, turkey vultures play an important role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carcasses and preventing the spread of disease. Despite their usefulness, their constant circling of Lisbon High can be unsettling. As Bridgett Newbold notes, “I think they’re important for the circle of life.”

So why our school? One explanation lies in the building itself. Vultures are drawn to chimneys, which provide both warmth and height. On chilly mornings, the birds can perch on the chimney to absorb heat from the rising air, helping them conserve body temperature. Their tall height also gives them a clear view of the area, making it easier to spot potential food sources. At D.A.H.S., students and staff have reported seeing them not only in the morning but also throughout the afternoon, circling the school. Rowan Adams says, “I think they’re pretty cool. I’ve always seen them—like twice.”

When asked how often she sees the vultures, Mrs. Mundy replied, “Every single day.” She also shared her thoughts on their behavior. “I don’t think they were trying to get into the school,” she explained. “But I think if it’s a texture on the roof or looking out my second window, you can see the roof sort of covering a rubber matting. Sometimes I just see them peck a little bit at the rubber, so I don’t think they meant any harm to the school or that they wanted to get into the school at all. I just don’t think they’re evil or anything or wanna be around people—I just think there is something about the roof that they’re drawn to.”

Experts say the best way to keep vultures away is to make the building less attractive to them. This could mean capping chimneys, trimming nearby trees, or adding deterrents like reflective objects or noise devices. Until then, D.A.H.S. students might just have to get used to sharing their skies with the vultures. Isaac Kraft adds, “I think they do good for the school… we don’t want them to go extinct—and they don’t deserve to die.”

Finally, while the birds can be a bit intimidating, many students are willing to accept them as part of the school’s ecosystem. Aniyah Alicea says, “No, I don’t care about them,” reflecting a common sentiment among those who see the vultures simply as part of the environment around Lisbon High.

Picture Day

Eva House 9/29/25

Students of David Anderson High School should mark their calendars for this year's Fall Picture Day. The annual event is scheduled for Friday, October 2nd, providing students with an opportunity to capture their best looks for the yearbook and school records.

Picture Day is always a memorable occasion, and this year is no different. The day offers students, from freshmen to seniors, an opportunity to commemorate their academic year with a professional photograph. For many, it's a rite of passage, creating a lasting snapshot of their high school journey. Whether capturing a sharp, new outfit or a classic, confident smile, these pictures will be a cherished part of the 2025–2026 school yearbook.

To ensure a smooth and successful day, all students are encouraged to be prepared. Before the 2nd, families should be on the lookout for order forms and review the available picture packages. Planning ahead can help avoid any last-minute stress, and students can arrive at school confident and ready for their close-up.

For the DAHS community, Fall Picture Day is more than just a photograph; it's an opportunity to capture the spirit and personality of the student body. The resulting portraits will serve as a permanent record of the school year, filled with the friendly faces and spirited attitudes that define David Anderson High School. So, Lisbon Blue Devils, get ready to smile for the camera and make this year's Picture Day one for the books!

PBIS Reward System

Explaining Why Lisbon Chose PBIS Rewards

By: Elianna Alicea 10/1/25

Schools today aren’t just about grades and tests — they’re also about building a positive environment where students feel encouraged to do their best. That’s where PBIS Rewards comes in. PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, and it’s a program designed to recognize and encourage positive behavior in students. Instead of only focusing on discipline when students make mistakes, PBIS shifts the attention toward rewarding the good choices students make every day.

The PBIS Rewards website and app are the tools that help schools manage and organize this system. Teachers and staff can log in and instantly award points to students who exhibit behaviors that align with the school’s expectations. For example, a student who shows respect, responsibility, or safety might earn points from a teacher during class, in the hallway, or even in the cafeteria. Over time, these points accumulate, and students can redeem them for prizes, events, or privileges offered by their school. The system functions like a digital record, allowing students, parents, and teachers to view progress at any time.

So why does Lisbon use PBIS Rewards? The goal is simple: to promote a school culture that is consistent, supportive, and focused on growth. By rewarding positive behavior, Lisbon aims to build habits that help students succeed not just in school, but in life. Teachers want to highlight the good things students are doing every day, not just point out mistakes. This creates a more balanced environment where recognition is given fairly and frequently.

Lisbon also utilizes PBIS Rewards to maintain clear and consistent expectations. The school emphasizes values like respect, responsibility, and readiness to learn. These expectations are intended to be visible throughout the entire school community, from classrooms to hallways. When students meet these expectations, they earn points that reinforce the message: these behaviors matter. Over time, this repetition helps set a standard for everyone. It’s less about being “perfect” and more about encouraging steady improvement.

Another important piece of Lisbon’s PBIS Rewards system is accountability. The points aren’t just random; they are tied directly to the school-wide expectations. Students learn that their choices have real, visible outcomes. The system also makes it easier for families to stay involved. Parents can log in and see their child’s progress, which opens the door for conversations at home about responsibility and goals.

Of course, PBIS Rewards isn’t just about handing out points. It’s about the bigger picture of shaping the school culture. By focusing on positive reinforcement, Lisbon is working toward a school environment where students feel motivated and recognized for their efforts. Instead of only reacting to misbehavior, the system puts energy into celebrating what students are doing right. This doesn’t mean misbehavior is ignored — it just means the focus is balanced.

Ultimately, Lisbon’s use of PBIS Rewards is about more than just a digital platform. It’s about giving students the tools to succeed by reinforcing the behaviors that matter most in a learning community. The program keeps expectations clear, makes recognition fair, and gives students a chance to see the results of their efforts. Whether it’s earning points for showing respect in the classroom or redeeming them for a reward later, the message is consistent: positive behavior is worth noticing.

BREAKING NEWS

Students Receive New Cell Phone Guidelines After Recent Incidents

BY: Elianna Alicea, Eva House, Sydney Trimnel 09/19/25

On Thursday, September 18, students in the 8th and 9th grades of D.A.H.S. gathered in the main gym for a meeting on updated cell phone policies. Administrators announced that phones would no longer be allowed during advisory periods and lunch, a change that left many students with mixed emotions.

Principal Mr. Bing explained that while the school had hoped to give students more freedom, recent issues forced a reconsideration. “We were the only school in the county that didn’t start the phone law at the beginning of the year,” he said. “We thought it could work, but when privileges aren’t respected, they have to be taken away.” He added that the policy, which mirrors statewide restrictions set to take effect in January, would also apply to field trips.

The rule comes in response to several incidents, including a recorded conflict between two freshmen that spread among students, online harassment of another freshman through a TikTok account, and even a physical fight tied to inappropriate behavior toward an underclassman. Administrators said the goal of the new rules is to prevent situations like these from escalating.

For some students, the change represents meaningful progress toward improvement. Eighth grader Bailey Malone called the policy “good,” saying she thinks it will reduce bullying and drama. Anna Harless agreed, noting that she wasn’t attached to her phone at school anyway. “I figured it was going to happen eventually,” she said with a shrug. “It doesn’t really bother me. I’ve gone years without using a phone here, so it feels the same.” Fellow student Zane Leyman also seemed unfazed: “It doesn’t really affect me. I’m not happy or sad about it. I think the year will be the same, maybe even with fewer problems.”

Others, however, felt frustrated by the blanket restriction. “I kinda like it, but I’m on the fence,” said eighth grader Priya Mosher. “I didn’t do anything wrong, so it feels unfair that people who didn’t do anything wrong are being punished too.” Aubree Burris echoed that frustration, adding that only the students involved in problems should face consequences. Baylen Jackson, another freshman, was more blunt: “Why is this happening? If you weren’t recording or starting stuff, your phone shouldn’t have been taken away. Especially for us ninth graders—it doesn’t feel fair.”

Some students, like Aiden Steed, saw both sides. “Part of me doesn’t like it, but part of me understands it,” he admitted. “Some people were abusing the privilege of having their phones and harassing others, which isn’t okay. I didn’t like it at first because I enjoy having my phone at lunch, but I also see the importance of actually talking to people.” Mr. Edinfield echoed that point, saying that phones were always meant to be a privilege. “If that privilege gets misused,” he said, “it can be taken away.”

With statewide rules set to tighten in January, D.A.H.S. is getting an early start on enforcing limits. Whether students are relieved, upset, or simply indifferent, the change is here to stay — and the school hopes it will mean a safer, more respectful environment for everyone.

Photo by: Custom Signs

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