February

Justice CELEBRATEs BLACK HISTORY MONTH VIRTUALLY

by KATIE SPONAUGLE

Managing editor

To celebrate Black History Month, the Black Student Association (BSA) at Justice HS is planning multiple events to commemorate Black history and culture, celebrate the achievements of Black people, and recognize their central role in U.S. history. However, this years celebration will look much different than those in previous years.

In past years, BSA has planned a spirit week, coordinated a panel, and organized an assembly at the end of the month to promote open-mindedness and tolerance. The assembly hosted a number of activities, including dance routines, musical performances and guest speakers. Past assemblies have all held a theme, placing emphasis on the fact that the Justice High School community is one of color.

However, due to the current virtual setting, BSA will host a number of Zoom workshops dedicated to celebrating cultures throughout the Caribbean and Africa during Black history month in lieu of the assembly.

“We are going to create a Zoom workshop where we will have a culture day, food day, tradition day celebrating cultures throughout the Caribbean and Africa. There will also be a 28-day challenge, where a piece of Black history will be shared every day of the month,” said BSA president senior Samar Abdou.

All activities will be online due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While this may prove difficult and bring some challenges, Abdou chooses to highlight the advantages of the virtual setting, stating that this may involve more people at Justice.

“We are going to be online, which is challenging for everyone, but we are going to try to involve more people. Everyone at Justice is invited to the workshops; anyone can come,” said Abdou. “It is going to be cool because we can share the different cultures that we have within our diverse student population, all from the comfort of our own homes.”

Abdou also emphasized the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.

“We have a large diaspora at our school. We have many students who are first-generation or have immigrated from different countries around the world. This brings more ideas, culture, and traditions to our community, strengthening our school and making it even better. We can all learn from each other based on our backgrounds,”

Aside from the virtual setting, Abdou noted that this year's commemoration of Black history month will look different for another reason: the recent boost in student activism.

“Since the events of last year, I’ve noticed that there is a trend of many kids, especially teenagers and those in Generation Z, reaching out on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok,” said Abdou. She further emphasized the importance of activism among students and young people, saying, “We are hearing many different sides of the story and minority voices in all aspects. Whether it is in terms of feminism or the LGBTQ community, we get to hear everyone, which is very important to know what is going on in our nation and how we can better the world together.”

COVID-19 Vaccines for FCPS Employees

by GRACE MARTIN

News editor

Starting Jan. 16 through Feb. 12, Fairfax County is offering all FCPS employees the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Through Inova, teachers and employees will be able to sign up and receive their vaccine to guide the county closer to a safer reopening of schools.

On Jan. 10, FCPS released a statement on their website from Superintendent Scott Brabrand, announcing that FCPS employees would be provided with the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) has partnered with Inova to vaccinate an estimated 40,000 teachers and staff across the Fairfax Health District.

However, Inova Health System has had to cancel some scheduled vaccination appointments due to a vaccine shortage. Superintendent Brabrand and FCPS are continuing to work together to reschedule those appointments as vaccine supply becomes available.

All FCPS employees will be eligible to receive the vaccine as a part of the 1b essential workers vaccine distribution group. The vaccine will be offered to all employees at no cost.

Melissa Davis, a history teacher at Justice High School, shared her thoughts on the vaccine. She said “I am very excited to be vaccinated and I am not nervous about it. I have been following the development process of the vaccine in the news and I'm confident that it is safe for most people.

Stefanie Vestal, the varsity field hockey coach, who received the first dose of the vaccine said “I was definitely happy to receive it. I firmly believe in vaccines and the science and medical research that goes into developing them. I also know that receiving the vaccine allows for us to be one step closer to safely resuming our “normal” operations.”

Teachers and staff have been provided with a website where they can sign-up to schedule their vaccine date. They must bring their FCPS ID badge, a government issued photo ID, a filled out consent form, and a face covering.

A history teacher at Justice High School, Douglas Pielmeier, received the first dose of the vaccine during the first week of vaccine distribution to teachers. When explaining the process, Pielmeier said “We were directed courteously and kindly from the moment we approached the building until we exited.” He also said “The Inova health professionals guided us through the process very professionally.”

Having a similar experience, Vestal said “Receiving the vaccine was a very seamless experience. It was through the Inova Center for Personalized Health. They have a very organized and efficient system set up with well trained and friendly volunteers and employees. It was a very quick and efficient process for me to be vaccinated.”

Following the first dose of the vaccine, the priming dose, everyone must be monitored for the first 15 minutes. During those 15 minutes, teachers and staff members, along with anyone else who receives the COVID-19 vaccine, will schedule the date that they will receive the second dose of the vaccine, the booster. All FCPS employees will be receiving the Pfizer vaccine.

Currently, there are two COVID-19 vaccines that have been approved by the FDA for emergency use: Pfizer and Moderna. Both vaccines use mRNA technologies and have similar side effects. Each vaccine has a very high degree of efficiency at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection, which is nearly identical; Pfizers has shown a 95% efficiency rate and Moderna has shown a 94.1% efficiency rate.

During the clinical trials, each vaccine distributor tested the vaccine on a certain age range. This means they can not give the vaccine to anyone younger than that age as it does not follow safety and ethical standards. The Pfizer vaccine is approved for people aged 16 and older. The Moderna vaccine is approved for people aged 18 and older.

Return to school decisions will not be solely based on the distribution of the vaccine to FCPS employees. Most students in the county (those under 16) are not currently able to receive either vaccine. They also understand that not every educator wishes to receive the vaccine at this time. The current return to school plan proposed by Brabrand has high school students beginning to return on March 2nd, so FCPS does not see the vaccine as the top factor for the return.

However, many teachers hope that the vaccine will help encourage the county to accelerate a safe return to school. To share her hope, Davis said “ I'm really looking forward to returning safely to school. Vaccines play a big role in teachers, students, and staff being able to return school in a safe manner. It will be great to see my students and colleagues again!”

Pielmeier said “My hopes for the Justice community to return to 3301 in some form or another before the end of the school year.” He also expressed his hopes for the seniors as he said “I would like seniors to be able to return to the building before they graduate to experience those senior events, in the safest form we can manage, so that virtual learning does not overshadow their last year at Justice.”

It has been a challenging school year during this ongoing pandemic, but many now see an optimistic pathway ahead with the availability of a vaccine. FCPS is working towards making a safe environment for all students, teachers, and staff as they move towards a return to in-person learning, and the vaccine availability for teachers and staff is one factor that makes this process safer for everyone in the county.

winter sports take covid-19 precautions

by RILEY GRANT

Creative and visual director

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to ravage the U.S., sports teams have made adjustments to their practices and competitions to protect the health of the athletes and staff. In Fairfax County, the high school winter sports season began in mid-December and will conclude in early February; a condensed season following the Virginia High School League guidelines. Along with a shortened season, the sports teams — basketball, track and field, swim and dive, and wrestling —are implementing extra safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These protocols vary by sport but ultimately limit the likelihood of COVID transmission between athletes and coaches.

When athletes arrive at practice, they must first check in to confirm that they have not had any COVID symptoms within the past two weeks. Masks are required at all times for track and basketball, however, they are not required at all times for wrestling or swim and dive. Once all athletes are checked in and practice starts, the athletes social distance as much as possible. Only crucial equipment is used, and the necessary equipment such as basketballs or weights are thoroughly sanitized before and after use.

“Masks are required to be worn, everything is outside, and there's hyper-vigilance about cleaning everything. There's an emphasis placed on social distancing during all aspects of track,” said junior Keegan O’Hara, “ I honestly believe we are doing everything within our power to stop and slow the spread of the virus.”

During competitions, the protocols remain mostly the same: masks are required at all times during track meets and basketball games, and are used when possible for swim and dive meets and wrestling matches. The athletes are expected to stay six feet apart when not competing, and avoid touching any shared materials. The officials are very serious about these rules; during track meets, runners who purposefully pull down their masks during a race are disqualified. Another big adjustment to this year’s competitions is the restriction on spectators. Although parents and supporters are not allowed to watch the competition in-person, many of them are recorded and live-streamed so fans can cheer the athletes on from home.

Though the athletes recognize the importance of the safety precautions, applying the rules can make conditioning and competitions more physically demanding for the athletes. Wearing masks while running or during other high-intensity training can make breathing difficult, but coaches and trainers are present to monitor the athlete’s health and adjust workouts as needed.

“Masks have definitely affected how we run because they do make it a little harder to breathe,” said senior varsity basketball player Andrea Gomez, “even though they do make workouts more challenging, masks are crucial and should be required during practice.”

Even with all of these extra obstacles, Justice athletes are thinking optimistically and are grateful to be playing the sports they love during this tough time.

“These precautions are imperative,” O’ Hara said. “Us athletes are able to do what we love when much of life is suspended. We are showing how we can go about life safely and do it all with a clear conscience.”

Freshman diver Sam Martin also emphasized the importance of following safety protocols this sports season.

“It is extremely important to take these safety precautions because of the current pandemic. We don’t want anyone on our team getting sick or transmitting COVID-19 to their families, so we are trying to be really careful.”

Even though participating in winter sports is a bit different this year, Justice student athletes are grateful to have the opportunity to compete and be a part of a team.

5 STAFF MEMBERS WIN OUTSTANDING Staff AWARD

by CALLIE PETIT

Staff writer

In Nov. of 2020, a form was made public for the Justice community and staff to nominate who they felt should be recognized as an Outstanding Staff member. After an administrative team convened and evaluated the criteria, they selected the winners. We thank them and we thank all of our staff at Justice!

An Outstanding Staff Member is a teacher who meet specific criteria for a variety of categories that show leadership and determination with their job. Outstanding Staff members help restore a desire to achieve and learn for students, encourage their talents, help students' self-esteem, and understand the needs of students. They demonstrate knowledge of subject matter and have a great ability to share it effectively with their students. The staff have a cooperative relationship and communicate with their community and their colleagues. The Outstanding Staff help with one or more of the Ignite Goals in the FCPS Strategic Plan (student success, caring culture, premier workforce, and/or resource stewardship).

“FCPS Cares shout-outs that are selected as the most deserving are given recognition from the county which typically includes a representative from the county coming out, explaining the efforts of the individual to the school staff,” said Assistant Principal, Jason Kagarise.

Outstanding Professional Employee: Head Athletic Trainer, Korey Berg

Outstanding Operational Employee: Administrative Assistance of Student Services, Madeline Orozco

Outstanding Leader: Director of Student Services, Brain Garvey

Outstanding New Teacher: Math Teacher, Victoria Hamilton

Outstanding Teacher: Science Teacher, Brooke Gehenio

“Individuals who are selected as the school winners move on the Pyramid, those winners are sent to the region and those winners go on to see if they’re the winners of their category for the entire county,” said Kagarise. “We’re keeping our fingers crossed to see if any Justice Outstanding Staff members will win for the Pyramid!"

FCPS DELAYS REENTERING OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS

by CALLIE PETIT

Staff writer

On Jan. 6, Superintendent Dr. Scott Brabrand sent out an email within the FCPS community announcing the delay of returning to school. This came a little less than 3 weeks before students were set to return.

“Current community transmission of COVID-19 in Fairfax County remains high. After discussing the plan with the School Board and hearing from many parents and staff, we are going to continue to pause the plan to bring students and staff back into school buildings,” said Brabrand. “I will provide an update on the Return to School plan to the School Board on Tuesday, Feb. 2.”

Had students returned to school on Jan. 26, a revised bell schedule would have come into effect on Tuesday, Jan. 12. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the high number of cases, the return and bell schedule has been put on pause. Students and teachers have expressed their mixed feelings about the delay of reentering the building.

Many people oppose the delay of returning. Due to online learning, students are failing more classes, students feel a sense of isolation and procrastination, and there is a huge communication blockage. According to NBC Washington, FCPS students “with 2 or more failing grades during the first quarter last year are failing even more classes this year—up to 83% across all students.”

“I am pretty upset with the delay. I was really looking forward to somewhat normalizing my life again,” said junior Peter Grutzik. “I know the school board needs to take these safety precautions, but I am still disappointed with their decision. I think if I am able to participate in school-affiliated sports, I should be able to go to school.”

He said that he personally believes the delay is a reasonable option, but it isn’t our only option. “I think having hybrid classes would work, because I am having a really difficult time learning online.”

Many people also agree with the delay of going back to in-person school. Due to the persistent increase in COVID-19 cases, staying home would be very safe. Some students are excelling in online classes, developing new technical skills, and benefiting greatly from self-motivated and self-paced learning. According to the same NBC Washington article, “Overall, 61% of students in high school and middle school are overperforming in English and 65% are overperforming in math, compared to what FCPS was expecting.”

“Although I am very disappointed that we will not be returning to the building, I feel that delaying the start for groups to phase back into the buildings is the best decision given the current rise in COVID-19 cases in the area,” said biology teacher Eboni Augustono. She thinks the better option would be to “...provide stability and consistency for school staff, parents, and importantly students [to] remain virtual for the remainder of the school year.”

“I see the benefits of returning to in-person, however, if the majority of students and teachers are not returning and it is not safe to return in full numbers, maybe now is not the time to return to such a restrictive environment that may not be conducive for all," said Augustono.

Students and teachers both have mixed feelings about the delay of returning to school. The debate of returning is continuous and highly controversial; there is no easy simple answer.

JUSTICE HOSTS ONGOING COAT DRIVE for community

by TATIANA RODAS GARCIA

Staff writer

2020 was a complicated, dramatic, life-changing year. Nonetheless, it is never too late to focus on the positives of 2020, like how through teamwork and determination, groups such as Justice HS have benefitted the lives of community members. Justice HS has implemented an ongoing Coat Drive that will last the entirety of the school year. The coats will be gifted to Justice HS community members that are in need.

During the winter season especially, wearing warm and comfortable clothes can deter illnesses. However, some families are unable to afford these clothing pieces, and as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this issue is at an all-time high. To best help Justice community members during the winter season, Justice staff members encourage people to donate coats at the main office Mondays through Fridays during school hours.

An appropriate coat to donate would be any new or gently used coat that can fit a high school student, however, smaller coats will be accepted too. If the smaller coats are not needed by Justice HS, they will be donated to elementary schools in the Justice pyramid to be utilized by a younger student. In addition, the coat drive will be accepting other forms of winter gear, such as hats, socks, gloves, and mittens.

“Coats are one of the community's key necessities during the winter,” said Coat Drive organizer Jason Kagarise. “We actually just like to consistently have a supply of coats in our school for students who may need them. Typically they’ve been kept in our parent liaison office or with Ms. Milliken in our ESOL department. We’d happily take more and they can be dropped off in the main office for me.”

The real purpose and perspective of school-based activities or events can easily be lost in the judgmental cloud in the human mind. Not everyone thinks about them as something important or that can really help others just because it's school-based. Some kids don’t like school causing school based events or activities to be negatively talked about in households. Not to mention this adds to the lack of participation in school events and activities.

If you are able, please consider donating to the Justice HS Coat Drive. Remember, one coat can make a big difference in someone's life.