Design by Ashley Ferrer and Dara Rosen Corona Emergence of COVID-19 as a pandemic transforms the lifestyles of Crisis people worldwide our months ago, the rapid spread of a pandemic on March 11. deadly virus all over the world was a However, despite the alarming rate of cases daunting plot limited to worldwide, many people in the United States did sci-fi movies. Now, it is a reality that affects not see the need to panic. Fevery and all aspects of our daily lives. “When it first started and school was still going on, my mom didn’t let me go out and see my Clearing Things Up friends, and I couldn’t go to school that last day The coronavirus consists of many related because of her. I was super pissed about it, and I viruses with differing symptoms. Coronaviruses are didn’t understand what difference it would make common in both people and animals such as cattle if I went to go see my friends,” senior Lily Cullen and bats. It is very rare that the viruses present in said. “It all happened so quickly, so after about the animals spread to humans; however, it is not three days I realized nobody in the world was going impossible. to school anymore. I remember thinking it’ll pass The initial virus being referred to on the news soon, and I stayed inside. I was one of the few of my is known as severe acute respiratory syndrome friends that’s been self-isolated for a little over a coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a betacoronavirus month now.” that originates in bats. Some of the initial patients in China who contracted this disease had recent Uncle Sam’s Stance contact with live animals and seafood, in which In regards to the rapid spread of COVID-19, the scientists believe led to an animal-person infection. US has taken various measures to contain the virus. However, the following cases of this Amidst the declaration of the virus as a coronavirus, which led to the creation of the new pandemic, President Donald Trump announced COVID-19 did not come into contact with these that travel from Europe, with the exclusion of the animals, causing uncertainty in the source of the United Kingdom and Ireland, would be suspended spread. for 30 days beginning on Friday, March 13. A COVID-19 is simply a newly identified strain presidential proclamation was also issued, stating of coronavirus that causes respiratory illness. that non-U.S. citizens who were in Europe within The symptoms of this strain consist of dry cough, two weeks of the ban would not be granted access fever, lethargy and difficulty breathing. High risk back into the country. patients include the elderly, diabetics and those “These restrictions will be adjusted subject to who suffer from respiratory and cardiovascular conditions on the ground. There will be exemptions issues, such as asthma and heart attacks. for Americans who have undergone appropriate screenings, and these prohibitions will not only Speedy Spread apply to the tremendous amount of trade and On Dec. 31, 2019, the first reports of COVID-19 cargo, but various other things as we get approval,” were discovered in Wuhan, China, a city housing Trump said during his press announcement with over 11 million people. the Department of Health on March 11. In response to the outbreak, the Chinese Senior Zoey Fox-Snider had recently embarked government placed Wuhan and its neighboring on a gap semester program to Peru and Bolivia cities in the Hubei province, with a population of when the coronavirus began rapidly spreading, 50 million people, under quarantine. and traveling had begun to see some restrictions The Wuhan seafood market, where animals worldwide. However, Fox-Snider and her such as bats, snakes and rabbits are traded, was companions were unaware of these developments shut down on Jan. 1, yet the virus had already due to lack of phone and internet access. seemed to spread. “I had heard about coronavirus before I had “There’s a lot being done on how Coronaviruses left America, but at that time it didn’t seem like a infect people from animals, because we’ve had a big deal at all. About two days before we left Peru few events where they’ve jumped from animals the group finally learned about how serious things into people, including from livestock,” president of were getting, but at that point it was safer to be in the nonprofit EcoHealth Alliance Peter Daszak said, South America than to travel back to the U.S.,” Fox- according to an article by ‘The Scientist’ released Snider said. “We traveled to Bolivia and the night on Jan. 24. “So if we share the same cell surface we got to La Paz, Peru closed its borders, restricting receptor that the virus uses in bats or in camels or all travel in and out of the country, so we got really in pigs, then there’s a risk of that virus invading lucky. Another group from the same program was us.” still in Peru and had to stay for two more weeks By Jan. 30, the International Health Regulations until the travel ban was lifted.” Emergency Committee of the World Health After making it safely to Bolivia, the program Organization labeled the outbreak as a “public was supposed to make its way to the city of health emergency of international concern.” Cochabamba; however, a case of the virus COVID-19 spread rapidly throughout China, had already been reported there, causing the causing a nationwide epidemic. Yet, the disease government to shut down travel to and from that didn’t stop there; countries such as South Korea, area. Italy and Spain began experiencing high numbers “At that point, we were told the program was of COVID-19 cases. Responsible for over 211,853 cut short and we would be flying out to Miami the identified cases in over 150 countries at the time, next morning. Flying home felt almost apocalyptic the spread of the disease was declared a global because the airport was not crowded, but everyone Story continued on page 06 COVID Chaos. COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. It is spread mainly from person to person mostly through respiratory droplets from an infected person coughing or sneezing. Photo courtesy of the CDC 04 Feature • Local Farms News • COVID-19 05 Design by Ashley Ferrer and Dara Rosen Story continued on page 05 was wearing masks and gloves and constantly using learning. Across the district, approximately 82,000 accounts, as attendance is being accounted for hand sanitizer,” Fox-Snider said. “I was expecting laptops were distributed by Broward County Public through Clever. On Canvas, teachers have the a really long and intense screening process once Schools. option of inviting students to their virtual lessons we landed in Miami, but there was nothing. It “Since we are requiring students to attend via video-chatting applications such as Zoom. felt really intense going through this because school virtually during the pandemic, we must In fact, some teachers have even used Zoom everything happened so fast; the span of us finding ensure that they have the tools necessary to be to stay connected with their students, outside of out about coronavirus to finding out the program successful,” Principal Michelle Kefford said. “So academics. AP Government Teacher Jeff Foster and was ending was maybe four days.” lending laptops to students in need was necessary.” AP Psychology teacher Ronit Reoven hosted a “Tea During spring break, teachers were given a week Talk” on Friday, April 17, where they informally Working from Home to familiarize themselves with the website, Canvas, spoke with students and discussed topics regarding Not only is U.S. travel being restricted, but the an online schooling platform, and prepare online quarantine. Keeping Fresh routines of its citizens are as well. As recommended lesson plans to begin the fourth quarter. “The call made me feel happy and kinda helped by the Center for Disease Control, shopping malls, “On a scale of one to five [on being familiar everything going on around us,” senior Andrea restaurants and other places of public gathering with Canvas], I was a two. All I had really done was Peña said. “[Foster and Reoven] always find a way around the nation have been shut down. put documents [there] for my students to print. to make me feel better and laugh, so it was super To keep their businesses intact, many I think I’ve learned a lot, but most importantly, fun.” restaurants have opted to remain open for delivery I learned that I would hate teaching online,” and pick-up options; however, many employees Advanced Placement Language and Composition Senior Sorrows have been able to take time off due to the teacher Donna Amelkin said. One of the topics mentioned during the video elimination of dine-in customers. Due to the sudden reliance on Canvas, Amelkin call was the cancellation of prom, which was “There is a significant drop in customers looks forward to using her newfound knowledge of announced by the 2020 class adviser, Dara Hass, on Tea Time coming into the store, which in turn is allowing the website next school year, which she hopes can Thursday, April 16. Many seniors were disappointed less employees to work,” senior Leah Golberg, who be in person, as she misses the human connection to hear that they would not be attending the So Close, Yet so Far. Seniors Brianna Fisher and Leni works at the local Bolay restaurant, said. “After with her students. prom they’ve been waiting all of high school for, Steinhardt celebrate college decision day on May 1, while weighing the pros and cons of working during this The shift to online learning drastically altered and have since tried to figure out alternatives to remaining 6 feet apart in order abide by social distancing time, I realized it wasn’t worth putting my family the daily schedules of students, evoking mixed attending their real prom. guidelines. Photo courtesy of Brianna Fisher or myself at risk for contracting the virus. While reactions from those at MSD. Some seniors plan to throw their own prom as working, I would be interacting with a multitude “Online school messes with my daily routine a soon as it is safe to do so, while others are dressing Keeping Fresh. A produce box from Mecca Farms in of people and didn’t want to be in fear the entire little bit, such as my sleep schedule,” sophomore up and taking pictures in their prom attire with Boynton Beach, Florida includes a variety of fresh fruits shift.” Ella Yaipen said. “I stay up later at night because friends or attending virtual proms. Senior Madison and vegetables for customers to enjoy. Photo by Melissa Local farms are also offering pickup for boxes of I know I won’t have to get up as early as I used to Schulter attended an online prom via Zoom with Falkowski produce. when we had school at MSD.” all of her friends in order to help fill the void of not Tea Time. AP government teacher Jeff Foster holds his dog Among the million COVID-19 cases in the US, On the other hand, some students believe that attending their real one. while on a “Tea Time” Zoom call. Various topics such as there are over 46,000 in Florida as of May 20, with the change in environment will benefit them in the “While the sadness of not being able to have a prom and television shows were discussed between Foster, approximately 50% from the counties of Broward future. normal senior year and do the things that every AP psychology teacher Ronit Reoven and their students. and Miami-Dade. The temporary closing of schools “I think the transition will help me next year senior dreams of getting to do will never be truly So Close, Yet so Far Photo by Leah Ronkin in the state was announced on March 13; however, with my time management and my planning skills. fulfilled, the Zoom prom was a good distraction as the schools adjusted to online learning, the state With this transition, I have started to use my from all the craziness going on in the world around revealed that campuses would remain closed for agenda more and tried to plot out my times of work us,” Schluter said. “It was as close to a prom as we the rest of the school year. more,” freshman Jason Choy said. “Overall, I believe were given.” On both Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March it will help me with self control and knowing that It was also announced on Wednesday, April 22 from each of the 33 high schools in order to discuss number and duration of our contacts with others.” protests; some agreeing with the president and 28, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s I need to dedicate a certain portion of my day to that Broward County schools will conduct their ideas on how to provide the class of 2020 with the Freshman Kate Becker is one of many MSD others criticizing him. administration handed out 700 laptops to assist academics.” graduations virtually. Broward County has gathered best graduation possible under these conditions. students who took quarantining seriously before it “I think that it’s pathetic. As our president, he their students in the transition to distance Every day, students must log into their a committee of two senior student representatives Senior Class President Nick Joseph and Student was mandated and limits her time outside. should realize how dangerous this virus is. This Government Association President Isaac Christian “The only people I was in contact with were my virus is killing so many people and the fact that he represented MSD on the committee. two cousins and my grandma and obviously my is “tired of the quarantine” makes him a joke as our “I, along with the rest of the representatives parents,” Becker said. “And we never left the house president,” freshman Manoela Ford said. from the other schools, each take turns expressing except to get groceries or gas or other essentials. ideas on what we feel would be the best alternative It started to hit me even more when that’s all the The Blame Game for a traditional graduation just in case it isn’t able news was covering and deaths were skyrocketing.” As cases of COVID-19 rise, the spread of this BCPS provides meals to students and to happen,” Christian said. “So as for the process In order to combat the boredom and loneliness disease has been accompanied by the emergence of Feeding frenzy families amid outbreak of COVID-19 being explained to me, it’s essentially an open floor of being self-isolated, many have turned to xenophobia and racism towards Asians. for questions and suggestions.” applications that allow users to communicate The unconfirmed origin story that the virus was ince the coronavirus outbreak, unemployment Students and their families have the option to In addition, the closing of Broward County with their friends while watching content such as caused by the consumption of a bat by a Chinese has had a prominent impact throughout walk, come by bus or pull up to the car loop of the schools, amongst other Florida counties, has led to Netflix and Youtube. citizen has created a negative stigma towards Broward County. Sudden job loss has led designated schools to receive their meals. The food S the cancellation of spring sports including track “My friends and I watch movies together on Asians, portraying them and their culture as to food insecurity for many families. In March is referred to as “grab-and-go” meals because of and field, flag football and water polo, leaving Rave,” MSD alumnus Giovanni Ferrer said. “It lets us carriers of the virus. unemployment rates rose to 4.2% from 2.9% in the efficient pickup and packaging. many athletes frustrated as well as disappointed. interact with each other while being entertained.” “I’ve gone to the grocery store a couple of times February. “For Broward County to give students the Senior and track and field captain William Winland Video chatting platforms such as Zoom and with my family and we received a lot of stares,” Broward County Public Schools is now utilizing opportunity to receive free meals, I think it’s a is one student athlete who was excited for this Houseparty have been quite popular as well. Due junior Melodie Vo said. “I’ve had many people their resources to feed food insecure students and really generous gesture…especially for the students upcoming season and planned to make it his best. to being separated from their extended family and insinuate that it’s my fault that the disease is here.” their families who are greatly affected financially that rely on their school lunches as their daily “I’d rather not talk about it,” Winland said. “I’ve friends, people have been utilizing these platforms This stigma has not only affected individuals, from this pandemic. meals,” senior Rebecca Toms said. had too many sad nights thinking that I can’t finish to stay connected with their loved ones. but Asian businesses as well. Local Japanese and “With the virus going around, a lot of people are According to the National Center for Education my senior season. I will miss the feeling of walking “I FaceTimed my family from all across the Chinese-run restaurants, such as Moon Thai, have being laid off, so it’s even harder for them to obtain Statistics, in the 2017-2018 school year, 3330 past my friends and teammates.” country, from New York to California to Florida, for been experiencing low turnout. money and feed their families, I really appreciate students were enrolled at MSD, 735 were eligible Passover,” junior Stephanie Horrowitz said. “It was “Some customers have been blaming the Asian what the county is doing to help,” senior Alexis for free lunch and 153 were eligible for reduced- Six Feet Apart great seeing their faces because I never get to see staff for the coronavirus, so that has impacted Doxey said. price lunch. In the current 2020-2021 school year, Although students are out of school, they are them in person anyways.” Moon Thai severely,” MSD alumnus Kareem Steele, Even before the virus, Broward County Public 22% of the MSD student body is eligible for free confined to their homes due to the mandatory On the other hand, some citizens have not who is a server at Moon Thai said. “I’ve been Schools provided low income families with either and/or reduced-price lunch, according to Principal Happy Meals. BCPS officials stand ready to hand stay-at-home orders that made their way across been so cooperative with the stay-at-home furloughed as a result of business being so slow.” free lunch or reduced lunch prices according Michelle Kefford. out free meals to those in need during this time of the country, beginning from late March to early orders. On April 17, protests in Texas, Maryland, Various tweets have even surfaced where to family income. BCPS also already provided “Sixty% of the students in Broward County crisis. Photo by Fenthon Aristomene April. California and Ohio broke out in retaliation to the Americans are refusing to eat Chinese food or drink breakfast to every student for free. Schools receive free or reduced lunch, so when Both the CDC and the Public Health Department government orders. Protesters gathered at their Corona beer due to the excessive fear of anything At the beginning of the county-wide school school is closed, it is a huge impact on our families p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and provides advised people to self-quarantine and practice state capitals to express their concern for their seemingly related. One tweet read, “If they eat bats, closure in March, over 31 elementary, middle that are already struggling,” Broward School Board families with multiple meals at a time. social distancing. businesses, income and overall rights. cats, dogs and other vermin, they definitely won’t and high schools across the school districts were Vice-Chair Dr. Rosalind Osgood said to Local 10 Once the distribution of grab-and-go meals ends “Social distancing will be the key phrase Trump sympathized with the protesters, hesitate to serve YOU some.” providing daily meals for those in need. Breakfast News. for the school year, the Summer Breakspot Program in the days and weeks to come,” University of mentioning how difficult it has been for the COVID-19 is not the first coronavirus to be was served from 8 a.m to 10 a.m. and lunch from 11 On Monday, April 27, Broward County Public will make it possible for students to continue California, San Francisco epidemiologist Jeff American people to stay quarantined. discovered, yet it is a newfound strain that experts a.m. to 1 p.m. Schools began a new food distribution schedule at receiving free meals. The program is funded by the Martin said according to a report by the University On Friday, April 17, the president tweeted, say may take up to 12-16 months to produce a “There are no questions asked—you show up. their expanded 51 district food distribution sites. Florida Department of Agriculture. Students and of California San Francisco on March 14. “We’re “LIBERATE MINNESOTA!” “LIBERATE MICHIGAN!” vaccination for. We’re not asking for IDs, driver’s licenses. We’re According to the BCPS website this was done, in parents can visit https://www.summerbreakspot. not at a stage to modify the first two factors–the and “LIBERATE VIRGINIA, and save your great 2nd Until then, quarantining and social distancing trying to be here for the entire community,” order to “reduce the number of weekly trips for org/ to locate a site near them. Any child 18 or biologic behavior of the virus or the susceptibility Amendment. It is under siege!” may become a normal aspect of Americans’ lives. Broward County Public Schools Superintendent, families and provide greater efficiency to staff.” under is eligible to receive free meals. Story by of individuals–but each of us can decrease the Students have had differing opinions on the Story by Ashley Ferrer Robert Runcie said to Local 10 News. Grab-and-go meal service opens from 10 a.m.–1 Amber Mader

News • COVID-19 07 Design by Dara Rosen Mixed Feelings Students express how they feel about Broward County starting to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic March 1 March 8 March 13 March 20 hroughout the month of May, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has opened Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announces that Local supermarkets limit the number All Florida public schools take an Gov. Ron DeSantis orders that all counties one by one, beginning the first phase of the state’s full eopeningr the first two Floridia residents test of certain items customers can additional week off after spring restaurants switch to take-out and process. The last two counties to open were Broward and Miami-Dade due to positive for COVID-19 break with the intent to resume T purchase at a time as some shoppers delivery to prevent guests from the high volume of COVID-19 cases in these areas. On Monday, May 18, Broward County begin hoarding essentials classes on March 30 dining inside reopened admist the continued spread of COVID-19. The county’s reopening granted March 2 Photo by Melissa Falkowski local businesses permission to open their doors to up to 50% capacity and opened March 15 The Florida Department of Health March 9 March 23 public parks for limited hours with the expectation of the proper practice of social Universal and Disney World distancing. At this time, public beaches in Broward remain close. issues guidelines to stop the spread Gov. Ron DeSantis declares a state Gov. Ron DeSantis orders that of COVID-19, asking residents not to announce temporary closures of all anyone flying back to Florida from travel to certain areas overseas of emergency to create a pathway to parks obtain funding and resources to stop New York, New Jersey or Connecticut I think that it is great that things are starting to reopen the spread of COVID-19 to self-isolate for 14 days March 5 because people are able to go back to work and the economy Photo courtesy of Alicia Devine/ can start up again. Staying at home has greatly hurt our First two COVID-19 patients die in Tallahassee Democrat/TNS Florida “economy because more people are choosing not to go out and spend money. Crissa Ruggiero, 9

Photo courtesy of David Santiago/Miami Herald/TNS I feel like it is too soon for businesses to start reopening, but I am starting to go outside for bike” rides and walks, making sure to keep my distance. I am not going to different businesses such as restaurants and movie theaters. I feel like it May 4 “ April 1 April 18 June 6 is too dangerous for them to start allowing the public in. Ally Yang, 11 Gov. Ron Desantis issues an Gov. Ron DeSantis announces Gov. Ron DeSantis announces that The Cities of Parkland and Coral Executive “Stay at Home” Order, that Florida students would not the ‘Stay at Home’ order will be Springs organize a parade for telling individuals to restrict their be returning to school for the lifted for the majority of the state Marjory Stoneman Douglas High remainder of the 2019-2020 school apart from the hardest-hit counties: I feel like things are reopening because they need to, not movements outside of their homes Broward, Miami-Dade and West School’s class of 2020 because it’s safe to. The virus has not been cured or reduced” year to only those necessary Palm Beach June 15 so to me, it’s just as scary as it was before. The little bit of April 22 May 18 normalcy is comforting, but everyone should still be taking April 11 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High “ Superintendent Robert Runcie Gov. Ron DeSantis announces that School holds virtual graduation precautionary measures to stay safe so that a second wave Broward County officials announce Florida will enter what he calls Madison Schluter, 12 that it is mandatory to wear face announces that all Broward ceremony doesn’t hit us again. County Public School class of 2020 “full phase one” of reopening that masks in all public places in Broward includes all counties and allows County graduations would be held virtually Photo by Brianna Jesionowski between the days of Monday, June 15 gyms and restaurants to operate at Personally I believe that we are reopening too soon, and and Sunday, June 28 50% capacity Graphic by Dara Rosen April 16 Photo courtesy of Damon Higgins/ it’s going to cause a rise in people infected with coronavirus. palmbeachdailynews.com/TNS ” Marjory Stoneman Douglas High Other counties have reopened too soon and are now seeing School’s prom was officially May 21 a rise in COVID-19 cases. I don’t think I’ll be going out more canceled amid concerns regarding “ Marjory Stoneman Douglas High since businesses are reopening, but I’d go to the park since it’s COVID-19. The College Board School holds virtual senior awards Sofia Cifuentes, 10 announces that the June SAT will be outside and not an enclosed area. canceled Photo courtesy of Beacon TV ” MSD students look to create healthier technology MSD students experience changes in their sleep Tech Take Over habits during quarantine Off The Clock schedules during quarantine uring this time of quarantine at have seen an uptick in their average daily that I get anxious when I’m not rom closing down shops and each night. Getting a full eight hours of a.m. to 2 a.m., then I would watch Netflix home, many teenagers resort to screen usage metrics. on it.” malls to making individuals wear sleep aids teenagers in building up their or Youtube until I fall asleep. I never try to spending a lot of time on their “I normally average about five to six The combination of screen time gloves and masks when they immune systems, maintaining a healthy force myself to stay up, I just wait until I phones. Whether it be TikTok, hours on my phone, but in the last week I from cell phones, television and leave the house, COVID-19 has weight, lowering stress, improving overall feel tired.” DInstagram or even Pinnacle or Canvas, averaged 8 hours and 33 minutes,” senior online Zoom lectures has caused Faffected society in various ways. For many mood and decreasing the possibility of Some students are attempting to follow many teenagers are increasing their time Tyler Hersch said. “Since I’m up about 15 some students to search for new students, the pandemic has allowed them developing future health problems. their normal school sleep schedules and in front of their phones and computers by hours a day and only have lectures for and innovative ways to reduce to catch up on their recommended eight According to a survey conducted at go to bed at an earlier time. an inordinate amount. one or two of those hours, I’m just always their screen time. hours of sleep. MSD of 100 students, 81% of the student “I usually go to sleep at around 11 “I often feel like I can’t escape scrolling through social media.” “If I’m watching Netflix on my Sleep is crucial and plays a large role in body reports they are getting more sleep in the night,” freshman Tilak Patel said. technology,” junior Jack Juliano said. “I According to a McGill University phone, and I’ve gotten through a person’s general health and well-being. while in quarantine “My sleep schedule depends on the time At MSD, the earliest a teacher wake up and I have to be on my laptop for report, excessive use of mobile phones too many episodes, I make sure to go for or going on walks with their family For many high schoolers, school work “Even though I still stay up late to do I wake up in the morning. If I wake up at can schedule a Zoom call is at 8 a.m.; classes. Then, I have to do homework on is bad for psychological health, and the a walk as long as the number of shows members. Setting screen time limits and and other activities hinder them from work, I seem to get more work done now around 10 a.m., I would usually go to sleep therefore, students are able to attain my computer, and in the midst, I use my constant over-use of mobile phones leads I’ve watched times 15 minutes,” senior creating tech-free bedrooms at night can obtaining the suggested amount of sleep. than while we were in school,” senior at midnight, but because of online school, more sleep than when they had to phone for a break from the stress. Before to increased anxiety, feelings of loneliness Hannah Levine said. “For example, if I also be beneficial. “When we had to physically go to Ashley Paris said. “I work at Mathnasium, I wake up at around 8 a.m. and I would go physically be at school at 7:40 a.m. I know it, it’s the middle of the afternoon and low self-esteem. Reliance on watch three shows, I go work out for 45 “One fun thing that has been a school, I only slept for four to six hours and they are making us work from home.” to sleep at 11 p.m. if I have nothing else “I am getting more sleep now, but I and I’ve already spent about six hours on mobile phones can also cause irritation, minutes. These little patterns keep me recurring event in my house is screen-free on an average,” junior Rahat Ali said. Although some students are obtaining to do.” still wake up early to attend my classes on my devices.” frustration and impatience when the from watching too long and staying active Saturday night, where after dinner we “When school was over for the day, I had more sleep due to the pandemic, many Some are still getting up relatively Zoom,” junior Alishba Hashmi said. As seen under the settings of a devices cannot be used. when I do.” have been finding activities to do for at to attend club meetings, complete my have been struggling with disarranged early to attend online classes as some Regardless of the time students now smartphone, the exact amount of time “Since I’m home all the time, I’ve been Being creative with methods to stay least two hours where we give ourselves a homework and study for tests. I wasn’t sleep schedules. teachers are now teaching their classes choose to go to sleep at, some students that an individual uses their phone is on social media so often that it’s almost active and healthy is helping many MSD break from screen time,” sophomore Eric able to achieve the recommended seven to “[During quarantine], I usually go to live on Zoom. Although the classes are are getting more sleep during quarantine tracked within “Screen Time.” making me attached to my phone 24/7,” students keep their mental and physical Hengber said. “This has included walking, nine hours of sleep because of school.” sleep from any time in between 3 a.m. to 5 held virtually, they still occur at scheduled in comparison to when they had to go to Many teenagers, including Marjory senior Sam Hendler said. “I guess you states healthy. Students can try spending fishing and biking.” Story and photo by As reported by MyHealthfinder, teens a.m.,” freshman Tehzib Philip said. “If I am times that students are expected to school and attend other activities. Story Stoneman Douglas High School students, could say I’ve gotten so dependent on it time playing in-person board games Charlie Goodman need at least eight to ten hours of sleep doing work, I would do it till around 1:30 attend. and photo by Elama Ali

08 News • COVID-19 News • COVID-19 09 Design by Dara Rosen

MSD students uplift health workers and Letters of Support senior citizens through letters Creations for Donations ven though the COVID-19 were taking in order to care for people as Florida Medical Center, so I gave the their desire to see the residents soon Senior Alexandra college-themed key and necklace holders. pandemic has canceled school for the biggest form of leadership someone letters to her to bring to her coworkers,” when this is all over and volunteer Sullivan is excited to try and make the remainder of the 2019-2020 could take,” NHS Vice President Kennedy junior Josie Sotter said. “I wrote the letter there again,” Key Club’s Aston Gardens Sullivan gives back to earrings out of epoxy resin. school year, honor societies and Cobb said. “Seeing as though we couldn’t to tell healthcare workers how amazing committee head Lindsey Salomone said. the community through “I plan on buying a Boston University Eclubs from Marjory Stoneman Douglas thank them face to face, we hope that the they are doing in this crazy time.” “I hope [the letters] will bring some joy “Creations for Donations” key hook because that’s the college I’m High School have found ways to support healthcare workers who are receiving the Several NHS members wrote multiple to the residents.” attending, and I really wanted to donate the community. Two of these groups letters can feel the gratefulness of the letters. Students were reminded through Letters written by Key Club members n Monday, March 30, Marjory too so it worked out,” senior Caitlynn include Key Club and National Honor community and that our letters will give this act of kindness that despite the are designed to put a smile on the faces of Stoneman Douglas High Tibbetts said. “[Sullivan] is definitely the Society. them the strength to keep doing what circumstances preventing them from Aston Garden residents during this time School senior Alexandra most selfless and talented person I know, Members of MSD’s National Honor they’re doing.” leaving their homes, they can still give of isolation and quarantine. The high Sullivan started “Creations for especially in art. It didn’t surprise me at Society were asked to handwrite letters NHS members were given the option back to the community with a pen and schoolers involved emailed Salomone ODonations,” a project created to raise all that she would do something like this for healthcare workers, recognizing to send their encouraging letters to any paper. their letters. money for youth and families negatively because it’s just in her nature to want to their hard work and sacrifices during hospital in Miami-Dade, Broward or “I hand wrote 15 letters and gave Salmomone then added an affected by COVID-19. help.” Crafty Creations this difficult time. Students were Palm Beach counties. While many of the them to my neighbor who works at Holy inspirational photo, printed them out and She chose to donate to the non-profit Along with the jewelry she focuses notified through text Remind group to upperclassmen mailed their handwritten Cross Hospital,” junior Connor Hagen delivered them outside the Aston Gardens organization ‘Feed the Children.’ Each on, Sullivan is selling paintings as well. participate. messages, others had direct access to a said. “I talked about how grateful I am for facility for minimal contact. donation of $1 provides $14 worth of food To further advertise her work, she has “One of the most important pillars of hospital through a parent, neighbor or all their hard work and bravery. I want “People in these places are especially and essentials to those in need. Sullivan created a logo and an Instagram account, NHS is leadership, and the officer board friend. the people who receive them to feel like isolated as their family and friends plans on selling handmade objects such as that she works on every day, to post new saw the steps that healthcare workers “My aunt is actually an ER nurse at heroes.” cannot visit, and they cannot leave [for] earrings and paintings. products and build her platform. Through NHS, students had the activities, so we hope to show them they “I knew I couldn’t make a ton of money, “I’ve told all of my friends about this, opportunity to motivate healthcare are being thought of and are cared for by and I felt that a little would go a long way but I’ve mostly been advertising it on professionals. Many expressed their us all,” Salomone said. “There are ways and help a lot of people,” Sullivan said. “I Instagram and Snapchat,” Sullivan said. appreciation and applauded the sacrifices clubs can still make a difference even in also really think it’s important to protect “Once I’m a little further into my brand, medical staff have made every day in quarantine. I also have written a letter our youth and their families in this time of I’ll probably start posting on Facebook to these past months. to a healthcare worker, and I believe need, and I know that ‘Feed the Children’ reach a bigger audience.” Key to Donations “I wrote letters by hand in fun colors everyone should do the same because is doing that.” As an only child, Sullivan grew up in in hopes of brightening the healthcare they are doing so much for us.” Sullivan was inspired while watching Parkland, Florida and was involved in all the Elton John iHeart Radio special workers’ day [and] sent a total of 10 to Aston Garden’s residents were different forms of art. She grew up doing Cheesing for Charity local hospitals,” junior Zachary Beer chosen as the recipients of the personal on Sunday, April 29. In the broadcast, dance and theatre, and would often take said. “I expressed that, given how letters because Key Club members have videos of people on the frontline of the painting and piano lessons after school. Cheesing for Charity. Senior Alexandra Sullivan wears one of the products she is irregular these times are, their duties built strong relationships with them coronavirus crisis were shown. The special During her junior year, she participated selling on her Instagram @creations.for.donations. keeping everyone well are exceptionally throughout the school year. Residents encouraged people to step up and do what in drama at MSD, but decided she wanted Photo courtesy of Alexandra admirable. I hope that the person who even know some of the members they can to help those impacted by the to focus on yearbook instead during her Sullivan receives it understands that their hard personally. serious pandemic. senior year. Sullivan has been a writer Crafty Creations. Senior Alexandra Sullivan has been experimenting with epoxy work does not go unnoticed, as, even with “Key Club is working to support our April 29 marked the day Sullivan on MSD’s Aerie yearbook for three years resin to create new products to sell. Many different pairs of earrings made this everything else around them changing elderly in nursing homes, since many realized she could help others through her and has been the profile editor for two way can be found and purchased on her Instagram @creations.for.donations. rapidly, they are committed to the health of them are alone during this time,” Key art. The very next day, Sullivan researched years. She also runs the social media for Photo courtesy of Alexandra Sullivan of society, which is truly a commendable Club President Rachel Nattis said. “I hope charities and chose “Feed the Children” as the Aerie yearbook using Instagram and Key to Donations. Senior Alexandra Sullivan has created jewelry and artwork to act.” that from these letters, the elderly realize the recipient of her donations. Twitter. raise money for the non-profit organization “Feed the Children.” Photo courtesy of Acts of Kindness MSD’s Key Club members, who are that they are not alone during this time “I’m selling anything I can think of to Sullivan hopes to acheive her goal of Alexandra Sullivan dedicated to service in the community and that even with the world being so create,” Sullivan said. “I had an earring spreading positivity through this project, also wrote letters. dark and gloomy, there are still many making kit and some keys from an old while also financially helping those in Acts of Kindness. Junior Connor Key Club focuses on assisted living positives to smile about.” project laying around, so I decided to need. world a happier place to live in,” Sullivan Following her creative interests, Hagen received a photo of medical and independent living facilities such as Although the coronavirus has limited create earrings. I had some pieces of wood Her hope is to make people feel said. “It’s so rewarding to help others, Sullivan is currently training to become staff at Holy Cross Hospital who Aston Gardens, where the club members contact between groups of people, MSD and some hooks, so I sanded down the comfortable in a time of such uncertainty and it makes me feel so fulfilled to know a certified makeup artist with Online received his letters. Photo courtesy of volunteer at regularly. The student- students are discovering ways to boost wood with sandpaper, hot glued a hook and chaos, as well as to encourage others that I’m helping people and making their Makeup Academy. Connor Hagen led group is also conducting a pen pal the spirits of community members. onto it and painted it to make a necklace to give back to their community. struggle a little easier. This time is rough She has always wanted to help people Happy Helper. Key Club’s Aston program at Allegro, another senior living Besides writing letters to healthcare or lanyard holder.” “With this charity project, I want to for everyone, but there are people clinging through art and is thrilled she has the Gardens committee head Lindsey center in Parkland. workers and senior citizens, high Sullivan also wanted to make share that every little bit counts. You onto the last bit of hope in the world and chance to give back to the community. Salomone delivers letters outside the “Members are writing about what schoolers continue to uplift each other something for seniors, like herself, who may think that you make no difference faith in humanity, and I hope that I can be Her products can be seen and bought facility. Photo courtesy of Lindsey they’ve been up to and what has helped through simple acts of kindness. Story by are going to college soon. She used in the world, but everyone has a place. the one to make them realize that they’re @creations.for.donations on Instagram. Salomone Happy Helper them get through isolation, as well as Ivy Lam command strips and wood circles to make Everyone can do something to make the going to be okay.” Story by Ivy Lam

Junior Rebecca Blanco-Bulhoes makes masks with her are in this together,” Jones said. “We’re shields, Blanco-Bulhoes and her younger family for frontline workers all trying to survive through this, and we brother personally have cut the fabric Making Masks don’t want disproportionate weight to for hundreds of the masks. Her mother, ith over a million COVID-19 and they were in need of more people “I noticed car drivers [didn’t have] a lot of work with her mom, she is also only be on health care workers.” Priscilla Bulhoes, has made over 250 cases in the United States, cutting and sewing,” Blanco-Bulhoes said. sufficient medical equipment to cover up. coordinating a large group of people The masks are made out of poly cotton masks. She says it takes approximately frontline workers are “Now, I administer the Instagram.” When this started happening, it really hit coming on as volunteers,” Jones said. fabric. The process of assembling them one hour to put together four masks. working every day to Cupid Covid originated in Parkland , us because it’s very hard to work being “She’s helping coordinate communication starts with purchasing the materials, “Through this project, my mom and Wlimit the spread of the virus. Since these Florida and has since expanded to other afraid that you’re gonna catch something,” and create spreadsheets. She plays a major which are then given to the helpers who I want to share that when a lot of people employees are essential to aiding those nearby cities, including Aventura and Marranzini said. “I reached out to my leadership role in the group.” cut the masks, such as Blanco-Bulhoes get together to help [each other], we affected by COVID-19, some families are Weston. It consists of 40 to 45 volunteers, friends who are very talented and said, Cupid Covid is fueled by donations herself. Once the fabric is cut, the sewers become an army. It makes me realize that helping them by providing necessary who are mostly women, although some ‘Guys, you’re bored. We need you. Let’s and depends on others donating money sew the whole mask together and include helping others is easier than we think,” items such as masks. of them have their partners or children start making masks, caps and face shields through fundraising websites such as a pocket in the center for a filter if Blanco-Bulhoes said. Masking COVID-19 Rebecca Blanco-Bulhoes, a junior at involved. for the staff.’” PayPal. After organizing the funds, needed. A wire on the bridge of the nose The volunteer group emerged out of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, The group was named Cupid Covid The organization assigns different someone then takes account of what allows them to fit the face properly, and extensive research, kind donations and Selfless Siblings. Junior Rebecca is making masks with her family. She because it emerged out of love and roles within the group. For instance, inventory is needed to put together a the two elastic bands on each side of the hard work. It has been ongoing for about Selfless Siblings Blanco-Bulhoes outlines and cuts works with Cupid Covid, a mask-making compassion towards everyone in these DeEtta Jones, one of the volunteers, list of needed materials. Next, those who mask finish them off. six weeks and continues to grow. fabric for the Cupid Covid masks with group initiated by Dr. Regina Marranzini, uncertain times. The mask-making updates the website and oversees are in charge of ordering the materials “Once they are done, all the masks go “I’m very lucky that my friends thousands of handmade masks have been her younger brother. Photo courtesy of a geriatric care provider, who notified the mission began after Marranzini and her activities with their Whatsapp group purchase them on Amazon or go to a store to Dr. Marranzini so she can distribute donated all the materials and all the distributed to frontline workers and Rebecca Blanco-Bulhoes group that frontline workers were not friends realized their shared desire to chat. Others manage donations when they in person to get what they need and drop them to her coworkers and their friends labor,” Marranzini said. “People are very healthcare professionals in need. More Masking COVID-19. Junior Rebecca safe because of the shortage of personal help those in need of facial protection. come in or maintain their social media it off on the volunteers’ doorsteps for who are also healthcare professionals,” tense during this time, they’re very information about Cupid Covid can be Blanco-Bulhoes makes masks for protective equipment. They are sewing masks, assembling presence, like Blanco-Bulhoes. minimal contact. Blanco-Bulhoes said. grateful for the encouragement and found on their website, cupidcovidmasks. frontline workers. Photo courtesy of Story by “I got into making these masks because surgical caps and making face shields for “[Rebecca is] wonderful. She’s not “We want to make sure that people While Cupid Covid as a whole has made support from the community.” com, or Instagram @cupid.covid. Rebecca Blanco-Bulhoes my mom is really good friends with Regina healthcare workers. only helping to make masks and doing know that we are here and that all of us over 1,000 masks and around 200 face With the help of Cupid Covid, Ivy Lam

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