E-Talon Fall Edition 2020

Paul VI High School Fall Edition 2020 E-TALON FALL EDITION 2020

Senior Sunrise They also had the chance to write letters to their Monjama Kallon ’22 future selves as well.

The seniors had the opportunity to con- The seniors are nect with their classmates on Sunday, September also planning to view an- 13 — the day before the official start of their final other sunrise together year at Paul VI. They all arrived at around 6am, around the end of the giving them extra time to prepare to see the sun- school year. The letters rise. Class bonding is so important at this point of that they wrote to them- the year, because you never know what kind of selves on that September people you can end up meeting, even after attend- morning will be given ing the same school for four years! back to them during the second senior sunrise.

“What inspired this class bonding idea?” The senior student council worked tire- you may ask. Student council executive president, lessly to make this activity possible, especially with Eva Santos ‘20, says, “I actually saw the idea my- the social distancing requirements met. “I think it self in a tiktok and thought it would be a great turned out great, although the sunrise was short it way to start our senior year!” was an awesome opportunity to see the senior class together out of the classroom!” - Eva Santos At the school, the seniors brought their ‘20. own snacks to have and played games together.

FALL IS BACK by: Nina Salvo ’23 Advanced Publications

In This Edition: This fall is a little different, but that doesn’t stop us from Black Lives Still Matter having a good time! Fall 2020 is bringing pumpkin Freshmen Experience picking, apple picking, and still going to corn mazes while Welcome to Fall staying safe. Even if the outside places don’t require Election Day masks, still wear a mask! Due to other people being there Fall Sports as well to keep the fall spirit alive stay safe and follow Club Spotlight precautions! We must work as a community to help keep Teacher Spotlight ourselves and others safe and healthy! Even by doing How to Cope During the Pandemic little things like cleaning off tables, making sure you’re doing the right thing!

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Black Lives Still Matter by: Vaniece Washington ’21 Publications and Leading Member of the E-Talon Staff

There has been a lot of tragedy in the year extreme to shoot someone seven times 2020, from a disease killing hundreds of especially with their kids watching. thousands of Americans to a multitude of injustices. I will be discussing the Black Lives The same principles apply to George Floyd, Matter movement, talking about some things who died because of a police officer kneeling that people tend to say that criminalize the into his neck. According to sources, George movement itself or attempt to justify/excuse Floyd had a heart attack due to different forms of racial inequality and police compressions on his neck. Your neck has a brutality. vein called the jugular vein, which collects the blood from your brain, neck and certain parts The phrase “Black Lives Matter” does not of your face and delivers it to the heart. When exclude other lives, it is simply meant to uplift the officer was kneeling of George’s neck, the black community to racial equality the circulation from the neck to the heart was because black lives do not seem to matter to being cut off, which lead to the heart attack all people. For example, the lives of George that killed him. But either way, these are still Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbury, Eric harsh ways to kill somebody just because Garner, Elijah McClaine, Tamir Rice, Jacob they were accused of resisting arrest. Blake, and many more black victims of racial Reasons like this are why cops are also profiling and/or police brutality did not matter equipped with batons, tasers, pepper spray, to some people, especially to the people that etc. A gun should not be the first thing people violated the or took their lives. A good Bible reach for when they see a black person. verse you could read for a better understanding of this phrase is Luke 15:1-7 Next, there are others who view the entire [KJV], when The Shepherd leaves the 99 movement as a joke or a terrorist group, only sheep to save the one. Of course, the other paying attention to the violence in the sheep matter, but at that specific time His movement. Being a Christian makes me focus was on saving the one sheep. uncomfortable with the fact that people are still not being treated equally. We are all Second, there are some others who feel as created equally and in God’s image. As though Jacob Blake, George Floyd and some Christians, we are supposed to love our others who were victim to police brutality neighbors and treat everyone equally, deserved what they got because they were regardless of their race or political agendas. “criminals” or because they resisted the The facts state that 93% of protests were police, which is a horrific way to think of a peaceful. I’ve heard others bring up black on human life, regardless of their skin color. black violence. The black community is very Pope Francis calls racism a pro-life issue and well aware that black on black crime is a states “My friends, we cannot tolerate or turn serious issue that needs to be fixed. Which is a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any why there have been multiple movements to form and yet claim to defend the sacredness end black on black crime and gun violence in of every human life.” So, whether or not the streets. But the point of BLM is to bring Jacob Blake resisted the police, it is very www.pvihs.org Paul VI High School Fall Edition 2020 light to the people who have been violated or voices and educate yourself on racism in our have unjustly lost their lives to racial injustice. country.

Finally, there are others who have said that if One day, America can be a country where you commit crimes then you should be people are no longer judged based off of how arrested. Correct! You should be arrested, we look or where we’re from. And to all not killed or brutalized. So now that we are all people of color, you are not alone in this fight most likely on the same page, let’s not forget for change. As the great Dr. Martin Luther the case of Breonna Taylor and the multiple King Jr has once said, “Our lives begin to end attempts at trying to justify this tragedy. Of the day we become silent about the things course, not all cops are bad, but the ones that matter.” And we will not stop making our who are responsible for injustice should be voices heard until we all are treated equally. held accountable, just like regular citizens should. Links and Sources 1 Corinthians 1:10 (No division) Psalms 82:3-4 Bottom Line: This article is not meant to (Stand up for those who need it) criminalize police officers in any way, and we Luke 15:1-7 (The Shepherd, provided in article) are grateful for the men and women in blue (Crime rate statistics 2018) who serve and protect us. We only want the https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2018/crime-in-the-u.s.-2018/tables/ police officers who are responsible for expanded-homicide-datatable-6.xls unnecessary brutality to be held accountable. (Riots vs. Peaceful Protests) Racism is and has for a long time been a big https://acleddata.com/2020/09/03/demonstrations-political-violence-in- america-new-data-forsummer- issue in America, and hopefully we will be the 2020/ generation that ends it. Based off of what has (George Floyd’s murder) taken course in history, America is a country https://www.newsweek.com/hennepin-county-releases-final-george- floyd-autopsy-report-saysdeath-was-heart-attackcomplicated-1508562 that moves forward, not backwards. (Jugular vein) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513258/#_article-32269_s2_ So, years from now, when these events are (Police training) discussed in our children’s history classes, https://www.vox.com/2016/7/7/12118906/police-training-mediation what do you want to be able to tell your kids (What it really means to Defund the Police) that you did during this time? Do you want to https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/06/us/what-is-defund-police-trnd/ be able to say that you fought for change or index.html do you want to be known as one of the (Breonna Taylor’s murder) https://abcnews.go.com/US/timeline-inside-investigation-breonna- people who tried to prevent it? Do you want taylors-killingaftermath/story?id=71217247 to be known as part of the solution or part of the problem? That is why we are asking you to please be a part of the solution and stand up against injustice with us!

Change needs to happen and it needs to happen soon and we need to all do our part to allow it to happen. Do something that changes the fact that not everyone in this country is treated equally. Some things that you could do to help include going to a peaceful protest, writing “Black Lives Matter” in your social media bio, maybe even donate to a charity, or simply just listen to black

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One Community in Unity Rally

On June 6, Bishop Sullivan attended the One Community in Unity Rally in Woodbury NJ, a rally urging justice reform, peace, and the end of the sin of racism. Click to ﬁnd out more information about the Racism Justice Committee here:

Click Here —> https://www.camdendiocese.org/bcm/racial-justice-commission/

END THE SIN OF RACISM

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“It is in our darkest moments that we must people that well and you don’t know if they focus on the light” Aristotle Onassis are smiling or look angry.

Limited Everything The New Freshmen Experience By: Jacob Woodruff, 2024 Since Covid-19 hit in March, everything was either closed or had restrictions. With high school opening in September, things The freshmen Class of 2024 had a crazy were anything but business as usual. experience at the end of their middle school Cheering for the PVI Eagles at football or year. They were excited to finally end the soccer games was on hold, and for those in school year off until Covid-19 hit. There sports, traditional practices changed. Pep was sadness and anger throughout those last rallies, dances, and even traditional class days, missing class trips, dances, and the mass have become a memory for the usual graduation ceremony. No middle upper-class while the freshman class can school graduate really had the time to enjoy only dream of what they mean. those final days at their school. Now in high school, the Class of 2024 is redefining the Finding the Silver Lining ninth grade experience, navigating the new normal for freshmen. Even though Covid took everything away from the freshmen Class of 2024, they still Virtual High School won’t back down. There are still positives to be found around the school such as clubs Now formal high schoolers, many in the and activities; we just change the way Class of 2024 took their time thinking about meetings used to happen.Sports may not be how they wanted to attend high school either as the freshman class remembers, but they in-person or virtually. Most of them chose are still out on the fields. In the end, if there in-person because some hadn’t succeeded in is one thing that Covid-19 hasn’t taken virtual classes. The rest of the class chose away, it’s our PVI spirit! virtual either because their parents were concerned about COVID-19 or they had been doing virtual courses successfully for a while. Some of the Class of 2024 have adapted to this new way of learning, others may still have problems.

Meeting New People

For the new freshmen, the hardest challenge is meeting new people. Now that there is social distancing, many freshmen are going to have trouble meeting new people easily. Wearing the masks that cover your mouth and keeping six feet away is sure going to be a challenge. Even finding a seat in the cafeteria is hard because you can’t hear

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Paul VI High School Fall Edition 2020

drinks for your body and mind. According to BEVERAGES TO STAY BLOOMING the National Center for Complementary and by: Gwyn Macdonald 2022 Publications Integrative Now that it seems that the coronavirus Health, green is making a stay perhaps just a little longer tea’s long list than we had thought it would, it’s best to stay of benefits in good health so it can take the hint and include “men- make its departure. There are plenty of ways tal alertness”, to stay healthy, such as social distancing, promoting digestive health, reducing the risk wearing your masks, and practicing good per- of heart issues, contributing to the prevention sonal hygiene, but let’s talk about another of a number of diseases, and more. Although way that involves something universally fa- its bitter taste often makes many people hesi- vored: beverages. The anticipated answer was tant, green tea is definitely a drink where it’s probably food but, although it should always advantages heavily outweigh its disadvan- be an important part of your day and definite- tages. ly chosen over beverages when it can be, Cranberry juice is another healthy drinks are easier to carry around, just as drink to keep you blooming. In accordance to beloved as food, and safer when your going WebMD, it’s full of antioxidants, which are out, as, when it’s safe to do so, drinks don’t great for your mouth, gut, and digestive sys- require you to touch the thing you are drink- tem. It also has a ing whereas the food you are carrying with high content of vit- you probably does. Back to the amin C, also know point, here are five beverages to keep you as an immune boost- blooming. er. A good immune The first drink on the list is green system is an important tea. Originated in China, it is one of the great- added protection against the coronavirus. est The next drink on the list is a smoothie. A smoothie is the best drink on this list if www.pvihs.org

Paul VI High School Fall Edition 2020 you're at home quarantining and find yourself and antioxidants, orange juice is a fantastic in need of an easy source of nutrition. It’s the drink to keep you blooming. According to beverage on this list with the most substance. Healthline, its benefits include reducing the As reported by WebMD, smoothies are great risk of heart problems and kidney stones as for digestive health, your immune system, well as boosting your immune system. Plus, your heart, mental health, and to reach a orange juice is truthfully much more appetiz- healthy “fiber con- ing than the bitter tasting green tea and the sumption” quota. sometimes questionable looking green They’re also versatile smoothies. so you can throw There are plenty of other beverages whatever fruit, sup- out there to keep you thriving and contribute plement, liquid, etc. looks appetizing in the to your protection. As of now, the best way to fridge right into your blender to make this beat the virus is healthy drink. to stop its spread. Another healthy beverage, that, as So whatever an added bonus, is easy to make with two methods you ingredients that you most likely have practice or drink around your house, is lemon water. Those you choose, the two ingredients also just so happen to be in its main idea is to stay healthy, safe, and bloom- name. As stated by Medical News Today, ing. lemon water is a simple beverage that “boosts energy levels and metabolism”, provides plenty of that immune boosting vitamin C, is “rich in flavonoids”, which “boost health and fight diseases”, and antioxidants. It’s another versatile that can include things like ginger or mint on its ingredient list. The last, but certainly not least, sug- gested drink is orange juice. Full of vitamin C www.pvihs.org Paul VI High School Fall Edition 2020

THIS IS HALLOWEEN

Alexa Caulder Writing Publications

Halloween falls on the 31st every year, but There are many symbols of Halloween some this year it falls on a Saturday with a full including a black cat, witches, spiders, bats, moon. If you are into Halloween, then you and mummies. Black cats are a significant know that this adds to the spookiness to the symbol to Halloween. If a black cat crosses fall holiday. Halloween originated from an your path, you are cursed with bad luck, in ancient Celtic Festival. The Halloween we the medieval ages, black cats were seen with know today is traced back to the ancient witches and this belief perpetuated the black Celtic end of Harvest Festival in Samhain. cat’s association with bad luck. Finally, candy People would light bonfires, wear costumes, is something most children look forward to and fight off evil spirits. Many people like to on Halloween night. 50% of children prefer to take part in the spooky holiday by carving receive chocolate on Halloween over other pumpkins, going trick or treating, or dressing types of treats. 24% of children like candy, up as some of their favorite characters. and 10% would choose gum. Halloween can Carving pumpkins is a very popular activity, be fun and exciting but also scary and spooky, but few know the true story of Jack O the traditions of Halloween started long ago Lanterns. In Celtic lore, an old man used to but still continue today. play tricks on the devil and was denied entrance to both heaven and hell. Instead he was condemned to wander the Earth and used his “Jack O Lantern” to lead people astray from their paths.

www.pvihs.org Trick Or Treating During the Pandemic

By Madeline Vetrecin Another safe way for kids to get candy from During this time of uncertainty in the covid your house is making personal little cups or 19 pandemic during halloween. Many gift bags, and line them up on the street so people are wondering what can I do for trick kids can safely and socially distance in or treaters that is healthy and safe for them getting their own candy. to get candy from your house? Many Having a hand sanitizing station before trick people are getting fun and creative for the or treaters can pick from your bowl. is also kids in their towns so they can practice another good way to practice safe habits. social distancing and be able to participate If your looking into some wacky and fun in fun halloween trick or treating activities. ways to hand out candy to kids is the One of the new popular favorites is the pvc throwing method. Not just throwing candy pipe candy shoot. First you go to your local at kids by just using your arms. You can use hardware store or lowes and get a pvc pipe a catapult or a slingshot to really pelt those as long as you want it to be. Next you are sugary treats, at the little ghosts and witches going to shape it to the size that you want if visiting your house for some treats. needed, trim it down with a saw. Lastly Everyone is getting some safe, fun, and zany decorate it with spooky decorations to make ideas for the spooky season. But everyone it more festive and fun. If you don't have remember to be safe out there, watch your the time to make a pvc pipe there are other hands, and wear a mask to keep others and ways you can give kids candy this year. yourself safe this halloween season.

Paul VI High School Fall Edition 2020 V O T E by: Olivia Dunfee 2021 Publications

November 3rd is the date of an future, you can look into each candidate important upcoming event in the United and see what their values are as well. As a States. Every four years we hold a high schooler, college might be as far into presidential election, starting in 1788-89. To the future as we look. But it does not have participate in this election you must register to be, educating yourself on topics that to vote in your state. To register you must might come up for you after college is fill out important and personal information. important as well. Becoming an adult and You also must be at least 17 years old or participating in mature actions is something older to register. For New Jersey, the cutoff most people are not ready for, including date for registering is October 13th. Voting some adults. Most might be because of is important for many reasons and even lack of information, but in 2020 we have essential for many people. The main technology at our finger tips. So the reason reason it is important is, you get a say your is not because the information is not future. We live in a country where our votes accessible but we are incurious to find out. matter and our say matters. But since we You might find it hard to become curious have a two person party system, you may but that can also come from learning what not agree on everything one candidate affects you personally. Voting is a peaceful might have to say. You have to decide way to use your voice that we have not which candidate you agree with the most always had. The 15th Amendment allowed and vote for them. It is also important to black men to vote in 1870 and the 19th vote because, not everyone can. It is a Amendment allowed women to vote in right we have here, but not everyone has 1920. Using your right to vote is not only the same rights. Your right to vote can be the right choice to make but the sensible put to good use and might even help one as well. If you want a say in your someone else. Presidents are put in a very future, vote. persuasive position. They have the ability to sway the country toward certain goals. But by using your vote you can ensure that the person you chose will sway the country toward your goals. Thinking about the future may be scary or even overwhelming to some but by thinking and planning ahead you are able to make future you have an easier time in life. Educating yourself on current problems near and far can help you make a decision also. When you learn about why certain events occur the way they do or how they do. Which can help you come up with a value system you would like to see in government. Once you realize what is important to you and your www.pvihs.org Paul VI High School Fall Edition 2020

Fall Sports U By: Sara Carrigan, ‘23 ghh Football Girls Soccer Dance Team

With the start of a new school year Soccer also made changes this The dance team has had one of the comes with Fall sports. However, year to adjust to the ever changing hardest changes this year. The they aren’t exactly how they used world that we live in. New Varsity change from inside studio to be. In an interview with the Head Coach Karen Anderson, practices to practice outside with Paul VI varsity Quarterback he talked to me about the struggles of masks on. Dance Team Coach explained how the protocols have trying maintain a season that is as Michele Stafford, a PVI alumni, changed to adjust to the pandemic. normal as possible. “This first year stated “It was important this year He commented on the new has been a challenge it’s to condition the dancers and have shortened season and lack of fans something that I had to adapt to them adjust to wearing the masks at games. He said “The energy the learning how to deal with new while dancing.” Dance Team is team brought this season is guidelines of what Covid has one of PVI’s favorite sport to amazing.” The team has not let the brought to sports as well as how watch. The dance team does pandemic change bring them PVI athletics function.” She has football and basketball game down. Joe Gledhill (2021) says the had a strong season so far and halftime shows and is always “Team culture and bonds this year expressed the importance that this exciting the crowd. The masks have been stronger than ever.” The season brings to the school, limited the girls ability to dance team has already had a more especially the seniors. “Every for long periods of times and they successful year than season and practice and every game is so even shortened the dances. Of will continue to make PVI proud! important for their last year course, I’m sure that this won’t playing soccer in high school.” stop the team from putting on an Coach Karen has done an amazing electrifying performance. job with adapting the programs and we are excited to see her here! Hh

Ask The Athlete! A question and answer session with some of Hj PVI’s best athletes

Q. What Is your favorite part of being on a team? Q. What is your before game ritual

- The environment is always positive and - I always eat a Chewy Peanut Butter chocolate supportive (Ryann Ferrara ‘23) chip granola bar before every game (Connor - Being able to interact with others in a way I’ve ‘24) never done before (Colin O’Brien ‘23) - We stand in a circle and point our toes and do a - Making new friends (Caroline Kaderabek ‘23) chant (Ryann Ferrara ‘23) - Being part of a family (Maddy Tursi ‘21) - As a team we pray together (Vincent Bannon ‘24) - The community (Hailey D’Antonio ‘23) - We chant and shake the bus (Maddy Tursi ‘21) - I always eat a snack and then I listen to my favorite

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Field Hockey During Covid-19 by: Ella van Schalkwyk 2020

Developing and Writing Publications questionnaire. The athletes and coaches must When the Corona Virus arrived in also social distance when possible. March, spring sports all over the country were The season has also been cut shorter, cancelled. Athletes everywhere were left with games beginning October 1st, rather than without a season, and for the graduating previous seasons where games began early seniors, this was especially heartbreaking. September. There are a limited number of Luckily for fall sports, their 2020 seasons are games, with playoffs beginning on November able to proceed, with special precautions. 4th. The Paul VI Field Hockey team is back Despite the new changes this year, the stronger than ever, ready to take the field and field hockey team has still found ways to win. bond. Over the spring and summer months, To help protect the field hockey the captains conducted zoom workouts and season from being shut down, there are many zoom Kahoot games. The field hockey safety measures that were and still are being games have begun, and the team is confident taken. The number 1 rule is to wear a mask. in having a successful, healthy season. They must be worn going to and from practice, and when on the sideline. Each athlete must also get their temperature checked in the morning before entering the school, and must fill out the covid-19 www.pvihs.org Paul VI High School Fall Edition 2020 PVI Girls Soccer by: Grace Lamborne Class of 2022 The corona virus is a scary disease. It shut down the entire country for 2 months. But after we got out of quarantine we were lucky enough to start up soccer again. Since that has happened Paul VI soccer has done a great job keeping us safe and healthy. They did things such as social distance as much as possible and we had to wear masks whenever we weren’t working out. We have continued to do this throughout our soccer season now since July. Since we have taken these precautions, we have had the privilege to continue soccer and it has still been a fun.

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Spotlight on E-Talon by: Rachel Haverly ‘23 Welcome back fellow Eagles! This of you and use my talent for writing and share year has been super crazy, and a lot has it with others. changed...but one thing won’t change this I talked to one of our seniors, Erin year. E-talon is still dedicated to covering DiSandro to find out more about why she issues and events within our beautiful school. thinks our club is special. “My favorite part of Some of us have been here since freshman the club is having the freedom to write about year, and some of us just recently became a whatever interests me and being able to learn part of this awesome club, but we all about events happening at PVI.” She said. I represent the student body of PVI high also asked her what someone joining E-talon school. should expect. “They should expect to be We talk about topics such as sports, involved in a club that is always fun and school events, and clubs. We interview some allows them to really get involved in their of the teachers and administration to make school.” She told me. sure you get the inside scoop on everything All of us here at E-talon are looking going on at PVI. forward to a great year with all of you and Being in E-talon is a new experience keeping you informed at everything at Paul for me, but I love it so far. It’s a lot of fun to VI. be able to write something that represents all

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TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

Interviewing: Mr. McGrath On What Has Inspired Him To Become A Teacher!

Julia Dorn

Developing Writing for Publications

at PVI, and fell in love with it here! Especially in

Question: What inspired you to become a my junior year at Georgetown, when I ended up teacher? learning a lot about the state of Catholic schools

Answer: During my college years at Georgetown since like the 1960s and just appreciating all that

I had first realized that I wanted to teach. I wanted my own Catholic education had given me, to teach in a Catholic school, particularly I want that really also helped spark my desire to serve to teach theology in a Catholic school. the Church, to serve Catholic education. Working

There were two things that prompted it: in the summer at the Prep, as I said steered me

In summers 2003-2006, my summer job was towards high school, and realized that I really working in the Admissions Office at my high loved Theology. My major was English and school, St Joe’s Prep which also tuns their pre-8th Theology was my minor, but I had almost as grade program, which is a huge thing with 500 many Theology courses as English, and then I students; it’s partly meant to be something that decided to get my Master of Theological Studies gets people interested in choosing the Prep, etc. in grad school at Norte Dame.

Being there and seeing the students, I could see myself in them and could see them in myself; it Question: How many years have you been was like I was a shadow of them, and they of me. teaching?

It was a wonderful feeling and I realized I wanted Answer: I have been teaching about 11.65 years. to teach. At the time, I wanted to teach there; but I This is my 11th year at PVI(I started in September never got hired there. I eventually got hired here 2010) but I also taught for a year at Father

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Judge High School in the 2008-2009 year, in Question: Do you think the students that are spring 2006. I was a long-term sub at Bishop remote are getting enough interaction in the

Shanahan High School. classroom?

Answer: I think the opportunity for the

Question: Has it been difficult and different interaction is there, but I think many remote teaching with this pandemic? students and also just students who have to be

Answer: Yes! Adjusting to the online stuff in the remote for a day or two, or for several days- I spring was very difficult, and now... well, I think I think they tend to be quieter, to not raise hands as have adjusted, but its still sad. I look forward to much etc. Sometimes I call on a student who are the day remote and they are just really out of it, or not when I can have my desks the way I always have paying attention. them, my filling cabinet and Smart board back, project on the Smart board rather than on the TV, and also have my own cart back, because the cart

I have now is someone else’s. I know I am trying to seek permanence in things of this world, when really permanence can only be found in

God.

Question: How do you feel your students are coping with this pandemic?

Answer: It’s sometimes difficult to tell but academically I think they are doing well, but I am sure everyone is going through all sorts of emotional, physical, social, familial, etc.

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PVI’s Dining Hall Adjusts to COVID-19 By: Erin DiSandro ‘22

Like many other aspects of Paul VI High In addition to adjusting the payment School, PVI’s dining hall had to adjust in method, the dining hall faculty also added a new response to the unprecedented circumstances. To way of ordering lunch. They created a method of ensure that the PVI students could enjoy the food pre-ordering online to prevent students from they all know and love while also staying safe, the waiting in long lines during their free period. With dining hall faculty spent endless hours discussing this new method of ordering, students can choose how they would adjust. After a lot of hard work what they want for lunch before 7 am and pick and deliberation, the dining hall staff decided to their order up during their free period. make changes to the payment and ordering Like many other aspects of PVI, the methods at PVI. dining hall has adjusted greatly to the new, During the first few weeks of school, as unfamiliar circumstances. The dining hall faculty an effort to limit person-to-person contact, the is working extremely hard to allow students to be dining hall decided to be cash free. This meant able to enjoy their lunches while also keeping that no student could pay for their lunch with them safe and healthy. Each PVI student is cash. Instead, each student had to scan their grateful for the dining hall faculty’s dedication to student ID which connected to an account on the make sure that, despite these changes, the quality app “My School Bucks.” With of the PVI food is still second to none. Toast Post this method of payment, no cash was exchanged is still the delicious corner of toasted sandwiches, between the dining hall cashier wraps, and quesadillas that all PVI students enjoy and the student, limiting the possibility of the and have greatly missed after six long months in spread of COVID-19. quarantine. However, the dining hall faculty recently decided to accept cash as well as online payment. Mr. Keith Walters, a member of the dining hall staff, mentioned that the dining hall’s change to online payment had negatively impacted sales, so they made the decision to also accept cash in hopes of bringing up the dining hall’s revenue. This decision to start accepting cash seems promising. As one PVI student (who would like to remain anonymous) mentioned, “with the online payment, I never bought lunch because my parents did not want to pay the fee for putting money into my account. I was so excited when I heard they [dining hall] were accepting cash and I bought toast post the next day!”

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Junior Year Madness by: Olivia McDaniel ’22 Publications last two years at Paul VI with as less stress Hi I’m Olivia McDaniel and like the as possible and with the most memories we rest of class of 2022 I was in for a big shock can make. There is also a special time when junior year rolled around and I management skill that comes with high expected it to be just like freshmen and school all in all, but especially junior year. sophomore year. Well... I was dead wrong! Earlier I said one thing to do in order to stay Even though Junior year seems to be stress free is to do an assignment when it is impossible, I’ve found some ways that we assigned and not the night before it is due; could cope with all the stress. First, you could sometimes this isn’t ideal because most of us stay on top of your work and do something do a sport and have other things for our like a project when it’s assigned instead of classes due. However, it is so helpful to get a the night before it’s due. Next, you could do jumpstart on doing that study guide or that something other than homework after school essay because it can help you a lot more like hangout with friends, go to the store, take than you think in the end and maybe you’ll a walk, or even read to get your mind off of even be left with some free time at the end of all the seriousness. Another thing you could the week. Class of 2022, say focused and do is a mental health day once a week, for stress free to stay out of junior year madness example you could watch Netﬂix, clean your for an even better stress free/fun senior year. room, or even FaceTime your friends all night. Lastly you could workout, I know this seems silly however it helps to relieve some stress when you’re running on a treadmill or even lifting weights. Just turn on your music and vibe instead of looking at a paper for Chem that you won’t even remember the material on in 2 weeks. I also know that SATs are very stressful, however if you do the things listed preciously then you’ll be in good shape! Also, in the mist of all the stress, we are still high school students and deserve to live out our www.pvihs.org Paul VI High School Fall Edition 2020

the pandemic closure, and coming back is so The Importance of important to them. They don’t want to risk los- Wearing a Mask ing more of this year. The protocols and new rules that are in place are made to protect us Madison Flynn ‘21 and our school Did summer break seem extra long to anyone year, and we else? On September 13th, we passed the six month mark of the official closure of schools WEAR YOUR MASK due to the Covid19 pandemic. On September 14th, Paul VI finally opened its doors for its SOCIAL DISTANCE first day of classes for the 2020-2021 school Masks reduce risk of in- year. In one day, the Paul VI building went from fection by 95%. Staying 6 feet apart is vacant and silent to alive and buzzing at last. important—protect your friends.

USE WIPES & HAND should all do SANITIZER our very best and follow them. Follow- ing these rules Clean your space for Although coming back looked a lot diﬀerent yourself and others! is vital to this year, returning eagles had a increased sense making sure of pride coming back to school in person. We that everyone are one of the very few schools that have an has a great option to come back in person, making us year full of sports seasons, dances, and in per- unique. The students are so happy to be a part son learning. of this unique community who is striving to make coming back to school in person possible and as normal as possible. Coming back, many didn’t realize how much they missed the little things: saying good morning to Mrs. Rossi at freshmen doors, waving to a classmate in the hallway, and especially toast post. This new sense of pride has united students in a great way and made them all even more excited than normal to be back at the place they love.

Because coming back to school in person is so rare, it makes it that more important to WEAR YOUR MASK. Many students lost a lot during www.pvihs.org Paul VI High School Fall Edition 2020

E-Talon wishes the school a great year—mask Saving Senior Year up! The class of 2021 has waited all summer in an- ticipation of the upcoming school year, the consummation of their high school career. However, many were nervous that they wouldn’t be able to spend this last year at Paul VI. The seniors are overjoyed to be back at school to ﬁnally do all the things they waited for—park in the lot, sit in senior section, and leave school early! Although things are a bit diﬀerent, they are savoring every moment.

Jenn Ogden ‘21 says her favorite thing about coming back is “being around everyone again,” because she missed the PVI community so much. She says some of the schedule changes due to the virus are diﬃcult to adjust to, but she’s overwhelmingly glad to be at school in person.

Lanie Smith ‘21 is missing giving her friends her world famous hugs! However, Lanie is so glad to be back, since she missed “being in a classroom and having teacher interaction.” She says it’s “weird not being able to see people’s smiles,” but she is happy to be able to be with everyone and learn with them, despite social distancing rules.

The upperclassmen are urging the underclass- men to follow every rule and regulation to the best of their ability—for the sake of their senior year. PVI is such a special community to be oﬀering in person classes—and everyone wants to keep it that way! They have high hopes to get a prom, a senior trip, and graduation.

A huge thank you to all the teachers and staﬀ for working so hard to bring us back to the place we love. That being said, everyone from www.pvihs.org Paul VI High School Fall Edition 2020

Control The Controllable Advanced Publication Alicia Gotts ‘20

Six months is a long time without being in a mask all day, the technology for the school, you start to think back to when students at home, and not being able to sit things were truly normal, and people didn’t where you want is just a few of the new have this uneasy feeling about what was rules that students will need to adapt to this going to happen next everyday. Guidelines school year. It took a few weeks to fully get were posted everywhere, new rules were back in the swing of things and to get used plastered on every door and notebook, but to all the changes around the building, but the only thing students could think about it wasn’t impossible. Even though no one is was if/when we were all coming back from looking forward to what the future may our not so normal summer vacation. Until bring, but all we can do is control the we finally got the news, we were going controllable and to do what we can to get back under new circumstances and back to normal as fast as we possible. guidelines no one ever thought would be in School may be different but it sure does place, and all of a sudden mask would feel good to be back for one last go round become the new fashion statement. As the and for the other grades to get the first day approached this anxious feeling opportunity to say they had all four years of started kicking in and everyone was trying their high school experience and not just 3 to figure out how different school was really or less. going to be. We all prepared as normal, packed our book bags and got ready for that first day in the “new normal.” The first day of school for everyone was stressful, but a lot of people were happy to be back and reunited with their long lost friends they haven’t seen since last school year. This wasn’t the normal year, but adapting as school goes on is what’s its going to take for us to stay open. Getting use to wearing www.pvihs.org Paul VI High School Fall Edition 2020 Handling The Pandemic In School By Sophia Viggiano ‘22

During this time, everything seems confusing and tentative. The fact we all have to keep in the back of our minds is that it’s not going to be this way forever. We just have to get through this rough period of mask-wearing and six feet distances so that one day soon, things will go back to normal. In the Be honest when ﬁlling out the symptom meantime, it’s imperative that we follow tracker before attending school. Every social distance guidelines and do day is a day where we have to protect everything we can to protect ourselves not just ourselves, but our classmates, and others. teachers, and everyone we see in school There are simple rules that everyone as well. must follow right now to keep everyone All any of us want to do right now is healthy. If you don’t feel well, stay home. hang out with our friends and have life No matter how tedious Zoom feels, feel normal again. It feels insane that staying safe outweighs being bored for a we’ve been living life this way for eight few hours. months, so what’s a little while longer? Soon, we’ll be able to see our friends and live under normal circumstances. But right now, it’s crucial to be responsible and keep everyone around us safe. Everyone is in the same boat right now, and everybody feels disconnected, so let’s stay in this together and all do our part.

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A Virtual Perspective by: Cara Colbert ’22 Publications

The unprecedented events of 2020 have and physically present”. Another virtual student, continue to impact many peoples’ lives. These McKendamin Champion ‘22, agrees that the events have changed the world in all aspects, zoom calls have not only improved, but have including businesses, schools, protocols, and also “improved communication” overall. The more. Fortunately, Paul VI has been diligently new cameras and speakers that have been working to keep our school open and provided for each room, and the PVI accessible to all of its students, through the teacher’s new understanding of the zoom app, development of in-person and online options allows for these great improvements of the for the 2020-2021 school year. They’ve virtual learning experience. In all, although improved and reﬂected on last year’s remote virtual students like McKendamin Champion experiment, and incorporate new learning ‘22 and Georgia DeFrank ‘22 prefer to be in- with each passing week’s events, to ensure person, PVI has made numerous adjustments that their plan continues to provide the best to the curriculum and community as a whole, for their students academically and socially. to better adjust to the virtual students as well Here’s a look into PVI’s virtual learning as the protocols for the in-person ones. environment. Similarly to students all over Hence, McKendamin Champion ‘22 can’t the world, the entire PVI community wait until she is able to be back in the experienced virtual schooling last year, and classroom, and until then Georgia DeFrank some have continued with this type of ‘22 ensures that “virtual learning is the next learning experience this year as well. When best thing”. asked how PVI has improved their virtual learning program, Georgia DeFrank ‘22 explains that “class is now on zoom, so it’s easier to get the same education as I would if I were in school”. She attributes these improvements to the establishment of “scheduled zooms each day, where I get the same explanation as my classmates who are www.pvihs.org Paul VI High School Fall Edition 2020

This School Year is checked and answer questions about how they Anything but Ordinary have been feeling. These questions and by: Nicole McHugh Publications getting your temperature checked can be Paul VI High School provides an education intimidating in the morning but it is only to that motivates students to succeed and reach keep everyone safe. Yourself or your peers their potential and part of the way there is might feel anxious about returning to school having a good relationship with fellow this year whether it’s in-person, remote, or students and staff. Back-to-school each year both. If you’re having trouble expressing how can be stressful and COVID-19 adds to that this school year is making you feel, talk to stress, we need to communicate with each your peers, they may be feeling the same way other even more now than ever. and you have no idea. If you feel like you Communication is key for everyone in the need some motivation while you’re stuck in Paul Vi community to strive. This school year the house there are many things you can do has been anything but ordinary. Social while staying safe at the same time: Go distancing is very important to keep yourself outside! You can get some fresh air while and others around you safe. In the cafeteria, keeping our distance from others, bike rides classrooms, outside, etc. we are social are a great way to enjoy the nice weather and distancing. This is hard because you catch yoga is very relaxing and you can do it right yourself wanting to sit right next to your at home. friends but you want to keep their health and yours in mind. When coming into school each morning everyone must get their temperature

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most fundamental reason as to why some Paul VI in 2020: students chose to stay at home this year.

Despite the health concerns of many, the Remote Learning majority of students of Paul VI returned to By: Anna Tran, 2023 school in person for the 2020-2021 school year. The most common reason for this is This past year has truly been a difficult one simply the learning aspect. Most students for everyone. The COVID-19 pandemic has find that it is easier to learn in person, with a significantly affected our lives almost every teacher physically teaching the information, way, including school. With the highly rather than through a screen. “I find remote contagious pandemic, Paul VI has come up learning a mixture of detrimental and with the plan to allow students to choose beneficial… It allows me to do more tasks between remote or in person learning. efficiently and is detrimental because Within the past year, remote learning has sometimes assignments can’t be heard,” proven to be both difficult and easy for Logan (‘23) recounts. Every student is certain people with advantages and different, with some preferring the format of disadvantages. This applies to all people in online learning and others being the school, whether it be students, teachers, accustomed to in person learning. administration, and faculty. Technology is also an issue that some When it comes to deciding whether to go teachers and students face during this time. online or not, a few factors are taken into “Every once in a while there is a technical consideration. First and foremost comes problem such as the audio is breaking up, health. When interviewing some students or the teacher gets kicked out which is very who decided to do remote learning for the disruptive not only for the remote kids but first marking period, health was very for the people physically present,” Rachel understandably the most common answer. recounts. “Plugging in the camera, speaker, “My family and I decided to do remote and wires takes time. Also making sure that learning because a few of my family everyone on zoom can see the work being members are at higher risk for the virus,” done on the whiteboard can limit the space I Rachel Haverly (‘23) states. Another factor use,” Ms. Costa states. Another concern that builds off of this is the sheer amount of that arises with online learning is the people that are in the Paul VI building capability to easily cheat on assessments. everyday. “I decided to remote learn However, teachers are ensuring that the because I feel it would be safer, considering students’ cameras are turned on and the amount of kids in the school,” Logan monitored at all times during assessments. Geyer (‘23) recounts. The COVID-19 pandemic affects those with underlying Another important benefit that is included in conditions and with older age. “I thought in person learning is the social aspect. remote learning would be safer for me. I School is not only a place for learning, but have an underlying condition and so does also a place for socializing with others. “I my mom, so I was definitely not going to don’t really like not being able to talk to my take any chances getting infected or friends throughout the day,” Logan infecting anyone else in my household,” acknowledged. Staying at home without Vaniece Washington (‘21) said. Health is the much social interaction during quarantine this past year has demonstrated how much www.pvihs.org Paul VI High School Fall Edition 2020 humans need contact with the outside teachers are implementing should be world. Because of this, the socializing appreciated and recognized as well as the aspect is a major reason as to why major changes are being adjusted in the numerous students returned to the school class. this year. Nonetheless, the Paul VI administration and teachers have been This new school year has been unlike any ensuring that all students are at least six other school year that America has ever feet apart when gathering and wearing encountered before. With these new masks at all times. The current system that changes, benefits and challenges are is being utilized at Paul VI is quite safe-- introduced on all sides. Paul VI staff, according to Mr. Cava, “...we are extremely administration, and students have been lucky to have a top notch administration working hard together to ensure a safe who truly cares about the wellbeing of the place for everyone during this arduous time. entire school… we are provided updates Hopefully, everyone will learn from this from the CDC and often are provided tips on period to work towards a future that includes how to keep our school safe.” “PVI a normal school and work experience. outshines other schools with its procedures to stay safe and its technology it utilizes. The social distancing and masks have been enforced in school and classrooms,” Ms. Costa says. With careful monitoring, all people in the school are working together to stay safe and healthy.

Some remote learners expressed that they were not receiving the full learning experience as normal. “I don‘t think I’m getting the same full learning experience because it just doesn’t give the same classroom atmosphere. Sometimes when we are allowed to work in partners the virtual people are stuck doing the assignments by themselves because we’re on a zoom,” Rachel said, “I do have to give credit to the teachers because I think that they are doing very well at trying to teach a hybrid class, and they do try their best to include the remote students which I really do appreciate.” Vaniece also said, “...some teachers cater more towards in person students.” This is natural, as the changes during this school year can be exceedingly strenuous for teachers. Mr. Cava states, “I am in constant communication and always ask the virtual students for feedback as often as I can to make this a great experience for all.” The amount of effort that www.pvihs.org Pandemic How To: Staying Happy and easier said than done, we have to keep an eye Healthy Evangelina Santos ‘21 out for the positivity in life. We have so much Advanced Publications to be grateful for, and by waking up every

A year ago today no one would morning, we get another chance to see the thought they would have to answer the good in life, no matter how small. question: How to Live Through a Pandemic. Not only do we have to keep ourselves

2020 has brought highs and lows, for some, safe and happy, but we cannot forget to look the latter more than others. As families and out for others. It’s important to remember that students, there isn’t much we can control at we truly are all in this together. By following this time. What we can do is, be as open as health guidelines like social distancing and we can to trying to see the good and making wearing masks, we are helping keep those sure that we can ensure the safety of both who may be very young, elderly or ill, stay ourselves and others. safe when the world seems anything but that.

Self care is one of the most important Across the globe, people are working things to work on during this time. Not only hard to provide for themselves and their is there worry amongst one self, but also the families as well as keep a healthy body and worry of the world entering our lives all at mind. By coming together, we can work to once. In order to filter these feelings, face and overcome any challenges we may journaling is a great way to put our thoughts face. on paper and work out how we can overcome our fears. Listening to music is also another outlet to express your feelings. Although it’s Paul VI High School Fall Edition 2020

Tricks to Stay in Tip-Top A: (a) Delicious is first. You won’t pick it if Shape coming back to School you don’t like it. Alaina Smith ‘21 (b) Choose something that will break your Advanced Publications fast and give you goof fuel. A donut may

The return to school can always be a sound great, but because it has minimal nutri- stressful time, and now that we have the tion, it won’t sustain you and won’t contribute adapted normalcy of the Coronavirus Pan- to your overall health. Try to choose a whole demic, there are a lot of important tasks for food like a fruit or berries, avocado, banana, the reopening on our parts we may neglect. etc., add a whole grain, and a protein like a That is why I talked our school nurse, Mrs. nut butter or cheese. Walter, and got her advice on ways to stay in (c) For lunch follow a similar plan. The more tip-top shape coming back to school. whole food you eat, the better will be your Q: What are some ways we can still stay ac- ability to fight colds and infection, strengthen tive, while following the state guidelines? your immune system improve your mental A: State guidelines have been put in place to function and increase your positive outlook. help us stay safe and decrease the spread of Q: And lastly, as a closing question, how do COVID-19 during this pandemic. They have you think we, as students, can improve our affected the ways many of us try to exercise. safety measures for the school due to the We can and should continue to stay active virus? everyday. Going for walks, jogs, or bike rides A: So far I really think we are doing well at in good weather are great ways to spend your PVI with getting used to wearing masks and time outdoors and get your heart rate elevat- practicing distancing. The challenge will be to ed. There are many fitness workouts on You- NOT get complacent. As humans, we are nat- Tube and other platforms that are free and urally drawn to get close to one another. I provide us with motivation we may need to think we need to keep reminding ourselves get moving and sweat. and others that keeping apart keeps us and our Q: What are some healthy breakfast and families safe. We have to remember that lunch options that could be beneficial in masks and distancing rules are not left at gaining fuel for the day? school!

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Stay Strong

From Publications Class

The year 2020 has deﬁnitely been one for the fall. However, there are lots of safety the books. Events such as the Australian and measures in place which after awhile can be

Californian wildﬁres, race riots, presidential taxing. But, masks, social distancing, debates and elections, and a worldwide contact tracing, and the Magnus app are in pandemic have all occurred in just a mere 9 use so that we can stay open and are able to months. With all of this chaos taking place, make the most out of the 2020-2021 school

I think the one in particular that currently year. Sports teams are also able to take affects us as students the most is place which means seniors can have their

COVID-19. The ﬁrst case of COVID-19 in senior season! This year may not be what the United States was presented in late we had hoped for but as a school

January of 2020 but started to affect us as a community, we are making the most of our school community on March 16th when the circumstances and this school year will virus forced Paul VI to shut down for the forever go down in history. Stay strong rest of the 2019-2020 school year. Luckily, Eagles! the Paul VI faculty worked extremely hard over the course of the summer to assure our safety if we opted to come back to school in

www.pvihs.org Paul VI High School Fall Edition 2020 Teaching During COVID-19

During this Covid-19 pandemic to keep herself and her family we’ve all had to learn adapt and healthy and Covid free. We’ve also improvise our daily lives. As had the chance to speak to one of students, we’ve learned to use PVI’s own Literature teachers, zoom, turn assignments into Mrs. Bisirri. Mrs. Bisirri is still PDFs, and use technology as our learning new ways every week to main source of learning. Even stay interactive with her students though students have had to make who are in school and remote. It many adjustments to the way we has been challenging finding a learn, teachers have had to make balance of commutation and major changes to the way they collaborative learning in her educate us. Teacher have had to classroom. Her favorite part about completely rearrange the way they teaching literature is seeing her were taught in order to give us all students interact and discuss with the most normal and safe one another. Although it's been experience that we can receive. hard having to teach under these Without their help we wouldn’t be situations, she has kept her head able to get through these tough up by relying on prayer, her family, times her friends, and her PVI family. She believes it’s important to Some have shared their “teachers surround yourself with people who point of view “ about the way this you care about and who care about pandemic has effected them and you and your health. Without the their teaching. Science teacher positive and encouraging attitudes Mrs. Zulli shared with us how she of Mrs. Zulli, Mrs. Bisirri, and so has been fighting through all this many other teachers in the PVI situation in order to educate her community, we wouldn’t be able to students the best way she can. survive this together. “Through COVID we have all adapted and adjusted.We provide individual lab set-ups and extra space in between lab groups and also more wipes to be sure that all equipment is properly cleaned.” Mrs Zulli advises her students on the daily to practice social distancing in her classroom and to wash their hands as often and necessary as possible.These methods are methods that she uses

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WORK FROM HOME by Eleanor Robinson Publications

As frustrating as it is working from employees back into a confined space home is the best option. The safety of with a deadly virus that’s still among us. your family and yourself should be the Positives about staying at home is main focus. It’s definitely a big change avoiding the virus, spending more time from being at work or in school. For me with your family, and you can explore virtual learning has been a huge new things in your home and expand on challenge and I know it’s been difficult for different hobbies. Overall you need to do the teachers as well. There are some whatever is best for you, if going back things you can’t control like the internet. into school learning is better please do

The WiFi at home or in school can one so. The main focus is to be aware that hundred percent interrupt your learning the coronavirus hasn’t gone anywhere. process. If you don’t have power you can’t join any classes, and if the internet is slow the computer lags and sometimes you can't hear anything. For parents working at home that type of stuﬀ can ruin their work day and aﬀect their jobs. With COVID 19 still being a huge problem companies still don’t feel comfortable with bringing in their

www.pvihs.org Paul VI High School Fall Edition 2020 Special Thanks

To: Miss Galanaugh and the Publications and Advanced Publications Class and all Spirit Week 2020 participants in this edition of the E-Talon!

E Talon Staff JUNIORS Erin DiSandro ’22 Sara Carrigan ’23 Brandon Colbert ’23 Matthew Dumele ’23 Madison Flynn ’21 Rachel Haverly ’23 Taylor Jentsch ’22 Monjama Kallon ‘22 Erin McCarrie ’23 Annabeth Sheridan ’22 Anna Tran ’23 Sophia Viggiano ’22 Vaniece Washington ’21 Jacob Woodruff ’24 SENIORS Moderator: Mr. Cava

FRESHMEN

SOPHOMORES