Spring, 2023 - Editorial

The People's Bulletin

Do the pros outweigh the cons of social media?

by Christine Ahmad

Social media continues to grow every day. With new platforms constantly coming out, there have become more ways to communicate, learn, and share around the world than ever. However, many people still question: do the benefits of social media outweigh the cons that go along with it?

In recent years education has relied on technology and the use of social media to maintain the school environment. With having such a diverse group of ages using it to learn, it became normalized that every age group used social media and used it on the daily.

Social media is a great way to communicate with those who you do not see often. Many express themselves by posting things they care about such as art or friends and family.

Social media also allows individuals to share and learn knowledge in topics they are interested in. School teaches many things, but some topics students want to learn about to expand their knowledge are not taught by their current school. Having access to different social media expands an individual's resources to excel in their passion. The article How to use Social Media for your Knowledge Management written by SABIO, a serviceware company, gives their input on why they think social media benefits individuals. “Social media gives everyone the ability to discover knowledge and contacts as they exchange information and collaborate, making it an ideal complement to knowledge management. It’s no longer unusual in any way to post one’s thoughts and knowledge, participate in discussions, ask questions, and leave comments. If you want to know something, you’ll frequently find the answer on social media. There are practically no limits to what can be discovered,” the article stated.

Social media allows people to be creative and continue to keep learning no matter where they are. In conclusion, I believe that the pros outweigh the cons of the growing platforms of social media.

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

I am writing to you regarding the book To Kill a Mockingbird. I found this book an inspiring piece of writing given the fact it's breaking down racial barriers in 1930’s Maycomb Alabama. I'm especially impressed how this was made from a child’s point of view during these hard times America faced. I found Scout's character to be very well adept for such a young age. It must’ve been hard for Harper Lee to put her mindset in the place of the racist townspeople of Maycomb, Alabama. I applaud her in her acts of showcasing the way people really talked and thought rather than sugar coating it so it wouldn't be “controversial.”

Writing a book like this can really make a person think about the growth we’ve seen as people and how much the world has changed in such little time. Although others may say this book should continue to be taught in school I cannot sit with myself blindly defending that everything written was politically correct. Although it's clear that Tom Robinson was in the right, it doesn't sit right with me that this book is being read to students and a part of the curriculum although you should be taught to always believe the victim until proven false. Mayella was painted as a liar and manipulator from the beginning which could give a bad rap to others when they decide to come out about rape or sexual assault. I do commend Lee on her writings, but I just don't see how I can truly learn and grow from a book about racism written by a white woman.

Just imagine a student (like me) reading the trial section on how Mayella was written as a character who had claimed she had been raped then proceded to get trashed on for the remainder of this piece. Although Tom Robinson had been wrongfully accused, it still puts the thought into young impressionable minds that there is little hope when wondering whether people would believe you or not. It made me sick to my stomach that Mayella got slammed and attacked on for even mentioning the small chance that she could've been raped then having nobody believe her. Atticus painted Mayella out as a villain which can change perspectives of the young people reading this book when it comes to believing rape and sexual assault rumors. This just fuels to the fire to not believe young girls when they decided to speak up, and what's even more appalling is that Lee made Mayella out to be a liar and adding more and more to the disgusting thought that when young girls speak up on sexual assault and rape that they would be accused of liars and manipulators just like Mayella Ewell. It's clear she put her blood sweat and tears into this novel, but I believe we should start welcoming more diverse books into our schools.

Truly,

Nora Gill

Dear Editor,

As a concerned student of Newton High School, I strongly believe that school lunches should be provided for free to all students. The importance of proper nutrition cannot be overstated, and yet many students are going hungry or settling for unhealthy options due to their inability to afford school meals.

Free school lunches would benefit not only low-income families but all families, as it would alleviate the financial burden of providing daily meals for their children. It would also help to ensure that every child receives a nutritious meal and reduce the stigma associated with receiving free or reduced-price meals.

In addition, providing free school lunches would promote academic success by improving students' concentration, memory, and cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that students who eat a healthy lunch perform better in the classroom and have better attendance rates.

Lastly, free school lunches would benefit the overall health and well-being of the student body. It would help to reduce the incidence of childhood obesity and related health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.

In conclusion, free school lunches would have a positive impact on students, families, and the community as a whole. It is time for us to prioritize the health and well-being of students and ensure that they have access to the basic necessity of proper nutrition.

Sincerely,

Bryce Lombardo

Alli's Angle

The “Privilege” of Parking

by Allison Iliff

For four years, Newton High School Students wait for the privileges that come with being a senior. You get to come in late, you get to leave early, and you get to park in the senior parking lot. The question is, how much of a privilege is the parking lot really? The spots are scarce, especially if you have late arrival, and the lot seems to be prone to accidents. One of the biggest issues that seniors seem to have with the senior parking lot isn’t even the parking lot itself. Getting into the school is a hassle every morning because the doors closest to the parking lot are always left locked. The same issue arises at lunch when students try to get back in the building. The only way to get in is to wait for another student who is already in the building to open the door for you; and in the winter, that is not something people have patience for.

So what can the school do to fix this problem? The obvious answer is keeping the doors unlocked in the mornings, and during the lunch period. However, if safety is a concern then there is a solution. Every year each student gets a Student ID. Somewhere on the ID there can be a QR code, which when scanned will unlock the gym lobby doors. Each QR code can be personalized so that if a student loses theirs, the QR code will be deactivated so that there is no threat to the building. If that is not feasible, then leave the doors unlocked! It is hard for the senior parking lot to feel like a privilege when you are standing out in the cold or the rain.

All Letters to the Editor can be sent to lcaruso@newtonnj.org