News

A Virtual Year in Review

by KATIE SPONAUGLE

Editor-in-chief

As the 2020-2021 school year comes to a close, many in FCPS are reflecting upon the unprecedented year. While all students and staff began in a virtual setting, students were presented with the option to return to in-person school in March.

Sophomore Julia Tredeau chose to remain virtual for the entire school year and says she has had an all-around positive experience. “The virtual school year went well for me. I could go at my own pace and catch up when I needed to.”

However, she did acknowledge that, while the school year ran smoothly for her, it wasn’t the same for all students. Many students, particularly in the virtual setting, struggled with the workload they were assigned. “In-person school allows teachers to work one-on-one with individual students who may have struggled in the virtual setting. In-person school is a better environment for some students, especially those who are struggling with their grades and turning in assignments,” said Tredeau.

This is a common complaint among FCPS students and parents. Approximately one year ago, at the conclusion of the 2019-2020 school year, many people believed that the county had failed to provide equal learning opportunities for certain groups of students, primarily for students with disabilities. Other concerns posed by students and teachers include a strenuous workload and a stressful schedule.

World History and IB Psychology teacher Victoria Lisle speaks about what she believed went well, noting the flexibility and freedom to explore further topics as a benefit of the online setting. “I liked how, without needing to cover all the SOL content for the test, we had the ability to go deeper into some topics based on interest and do some more authentic projects. I also loved having virtual guest speakers.”

Another benefit of the online school year, Lisle noted, were the new tools and applications that were used in the classroom by staff and students. “Pear Deck, chats, and breakout rooms were also really helpful tools that I hope I can continue to utilize going forward,” said Lisle.

More than 109,000 students have returned for in-person learning during the school year while keeping in-school COVID-19 transmission rates low. High school students began returning to in-person learning in March with a hybrid option; they attended two days of virtual learning and two days of in-person learning every week. Since then, the plan has been upgraded, with students having the option to choose to attend in-person school four days a week. The variety of learning opportunities has pleased many in the county and has allowed students to choose their learning environment based on what works best for them.

With the success of the spring return to school effort, FCPS recently announced that they are planning to return all students to five days a week in-person for the 2021-2022 school year in the fall.

Lisle expressed her excitement for the 2021-2022 school year, saying “I am definitely looking forward to returning to full in-person in the fall. It's a lot harder to reach kids online, and I really miss Justice students.”

The importance of Pride Month

by GRACE MARTIN

Business manager

Every June, the LGBTQ+ community celebrates Pride Month. Through parades, festivals, concerts, and most importantly, awareness, the LGBTQ+ community is able to celebrate who they are. The gay rights movement has seen huge progress in the past decades, including many significant historical event and laws that furthered LGBTQ+ rights.

On June 28, 1969, in New York City, the Stonewall Uprising began. The Stonewall Inn, a gay club, was raided by city police, as police harassment in gay bars was a common practice throughout the 1960s. The Stonewall raid did not start the gay rights movement, but it did mark a new period of LGBTQ activism. In the following days, thousands of people protested and rioted against the police and in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

Every year, the LQBTQ+ community commemorates the Stonewall Uprising. Pride Day, a holiday within Pride Month, is celebrated on June 28 in honor of the Stonewall Uprising and the first Pride march that occurred one year later.

In 1993, a new policy proposed by President Bill Clinton was passed. The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy allowed gay men and women to serve in the military as long as they kept their sexuality a secret. President Barack Obama repealed the DADT policy in 2011 as he promised he would in his campaign.

One of the most important moments for the LGBTQ+ community is the legalization of same-sex marriage. Jim Obergefell sued because he was unable to put his name on his late husband’s death certificate. His case rose through the courts and was presented to the Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges. The plaintiff argued that not allowing same-sex marriage went against the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court ruled that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples due to the laws mentioned above. On June 26, 2015, same-sex marriage was officially established in all 50 U.S. states and its territories.

Pride Month is a time to celebrate those in the past who fought for these rights. It is also a time to celebrate the diverse community of people whose sexual or gender identity differs from the ‘norm’. It is a time for LGBTQ+ people to be accepted and loved for who they are.

Many Justice students identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Junior Michael Hitchcock shared why Pride Month is important to him. “As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s nice to feel recognized and as if my problems and struggles are being heard.”

“I believe it’s a month that some members of the LGBTQ+ community can truly embrace themselves,” said junior Natalie Romero-Marves. Feeling safe and accepted is an incredibly important aspect of Pride Month.

While Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, it is also a time to bring awareness to the issues they face. Legalized employment and housing discrimination and limit on same-sex adoption are only a few of the issues caused by homophobia and discrimination. These are important human rights issues that exacerbate the existing inequalities between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ people. However, advocating for these issues can help make a change, just like the Stonewall Uprising did.

“This year I won’t be able to go to the physical festival or events due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, I do plan on advocating through social media about the struggles of LGBTQ+ people and how pride month is necessary to help solve our problems,” said Hitchcock. As Hitchcock mentioned, social media is an easy and safe way to share information and bring awareness to the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community.

Pride Month is an incredibly important time for the LGBTQ+ community, but it is also a great time to be an ally. As an ally, you can join in on the festivities and support your LGBTQ+ friends and family, all while advocating and promoting LGBTQ+ rights.

Prom 2021

by ALEXANDRA BUDDENDECK

Associate business manager

To celebrate approaching the end of the 2020-2021 school year, Justice High School just held their prom! Prom was canceled last year due to the state of the pandemic. However, this year a modified prom was held on Saturday, May 22.

This year's prom definitely differed from ones in the past. It was only available to Justice seniors and was held in 2 sessions rather than just one in order to follow CDC guidance. “We had new guidelines to follow, more planning to do, and less time to do it in,” said Assistant Principal Colleen Lally. The event took place outdoors, in the Justice High School parking lot.

Despite the differences, when looking back at previous years you can see plenty of similarities. “We still had a live DJ, creating a setting that was very formal, and gained student input and choice in the theme,” said Lally.

Additionally, there was a photo booth to ensure that students would still be able to capture the moment. “I really liked the photo booth; it was super fun to take some with my friends. And they turned out really good.” said senior River Rupert.

Rupert had also mentioned how nice it was to see so many familiar faces again, “We haven’t been able to see each other at school this year. Seeing everyone come together was great!”

The event wasn’t confirmed to happen until April, giving staff only one month to plan and prepare. Almost all the physical setup was completed by Justice staff as opposed to it being done at a different venue. Lally relays how lucky she felt to be working with these fellow staff members, “It was quite beautiful to be a part of that team and see the passion and heart of these staff members, especially during this already unique school year.”

From both students and teachers alike, senior prom this year was a huge hit! Great thanks to Ms. Lipsey, Ms. Duggan, and Mrs. Patterson for making this prom happen, and being able to arrange this in such a short period of time. Further thanks to Mrs. Eck for her support of this event, and to the Class of 2021 sponsors, Ms. Parkins and Ms. McIntosh, for their continuous support of our seniors with both graduation and prom.