Americans Should Know History of Their Diverse Cultures District Passes 21-22 Calendar Camry Thomas on the Subject Makes It More Difficult for All People
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THEOur Vision: “Successful-LAKER Now and Beyond” REVIEWOur Mission: “Learners for Life” Volume 41 Calloway County High School Issue 4 2108 College Farm Road, Murray, Ky. 42071 February 26, 2021 Americans should know history of their diverse cultures District passes 21-22 calendar Camry Thomas on the subject makes it more difficult for all people. Staff Writer students to know their own history fully. It’s fundamental not only to be aware of Josie Verive The recent increase in social media ex- what is going on in today’s world, but also Staff Writer Black History Month gives the oppor- posure has led to more interest in Black pay respects and know what has occurred tunity to share, celebrate and understand History. With movements like Black Lives in the past. As for Black History Month, Calloway County Schools has decided on its school calendar for the impact of black heritage and culture. Matter, a lot of people want to understand there are thousands of lives that deserve to 2021-22. The month of February is cho- be honored and stories that need to be The school year will consist of 160 days as opposed to the typical sen for Black History month told. 170-177 days. The first day for students is Aug. 23, and the last day because it coincides with the Local resident Michael Mikhael of the school year will be May 12, 2022. birth months of former presi- said, “I believe Black History Month is Fall break will be Oct. 4-8; Thanksgiving break is Nov. 24-26, dent Abraham Lincoln and important for the history of this coun- and Christmas break will be Dec. 23 through Jan. 7, 2022. Spring social activist Fredrick Doug- try alone due to the history of oppres- break is April 4-8, 2022. las. Both of these men played sion African-Americans have endured Director of Pupil Personnel Josh McKeel said, “Over the course a significant role in helping over 150 years of settling in this country. of two meetings we [the calendar committee made up of representa- to end slavery. Black History Things such as the Civil Rights Move- tives from each school] work diligently to create two calendars that Month is a time for consid- ment are stepping stones that could would meet the legal requirements and be the best for the students ering how to create justice in pave a pathway for our world as a whole of Calloway County. Using data from previous years, stakeholder daily lives and institutions. to learn to come together for peace and feedback collected through an online survey, and the current cli- Local pastor of Greater prosperity. Although there is more prog- mate, the committee presented two calendars to the Board of Edu- Hope Missionary Baptist ress to be made, Black History Month is cation at the December meeting. One of the calendars was a tradi- Church Tim Davis grew up a prime example of how this country is tional 174-day calendar, and the other was a calendar that utilized in Henry County and says he attempting to unite step by step. That’s the variable instructional calendar format. At the January meeting, never fully understood Black a good step to take for the future of our the Board selected the 160-day variable instructional calendar.” History until college. children and grandchildren.” CCHS Calendar Committee Representative Sarah Loveless “Black History doesn’t be- Davis mentioned names such as said, “[The process was] not too difficult. There is not a ton of wiggle gin with slavery, and I think Carter G. Woodsen , W.E.B. Du Bois room when it comes to making the school calendar. Many parents, that’s where America does a and Sarah Baartman to name a few of students, and faculty feel strongly one way or another about fall great disservice, not only to the historical figures in Black History. break. It is always important to get feedback from the community.” black people, but everyone. These stories are all different, yet show Obviously, there is an elephant in the room, and her name is Catalina Long, a kindergartener at Southwest Elementary, writes her obser- There’s a whole line of history the discrimination and segregation that COVID-19. With this in mind, the calendar was carefully crafted vations about the eggs. The object lesson in Ms. Bybee’s class was on MLK there.” occurred. It’s important to know these in order to be easily amended with the pandemic’s erratic behavior. Day. Students noticed eggs look different on the outside, but the same on the Many students with a high things in order to prevent them from However, forming such a lengthy calendar around it was not exactly inside. King, Jr. wanted everyone to treat people the same because we are all school education and lower are occurring again. helpful. the same on the inside. not aware of the contributions As Americans, we should be more Loveless added, “As this year has shown us, there are things that from Black History, according educated on the people and cultures that we have to deal with as they come. I think flexibility and adaptability to tntp.org. It’s found on average that only and be educated. In short, Black History helped shape our country. Black History is key when it comes to education as we continue to deal with this about 9 percent of history class time is de- is American history, and students should isn’t just about racism and slavery, but its pandemic.” voted to Black History, and some schools learn history from every race and know innovations, culture, creations and people McKeel said, “As we look toward the future, the timetable in don’t cover it at all. The lack of education the accomplishments and perspectives of who have changed the world. which we will be able to return to more traditional activities is un- certain. We will continue to be optimistic and do our best to provide the students of Calloway County with the best possible education CCHS will have NTI Day while juniors take ACT and activities possible while doing our best to ensure the safety of Maddie Efinger will need to be at the high school at 7:50 preparation books for purchase and offers all.” Staff Writer so that you have time to find your test- an online self-paced class that students Juniors Chloe Hutson and Naomi Krug indicated concerns ing room. Fewer students will be in each can take to prepare. about a faster pace for learning content and completing work in March 9 is an NTI day for all CCHS classroom for social distancing purposes. Rydecki said, “If you are looking for a tighter time frame. The uncertainty of how the school year will students except juniors, who will take the Juniors should be done about 11:30. Ju- resources to help you in preparation for transpire is an added stress as well. ACT. niors who are in person may continue this test, the guidance office has practice The higher a student scores on the with their schedule for the rest of the day tests available for you to use. The ACT Governor’s Cup Champs ACT, the more options he has for attend- if they choose; those with transportation website is a great resource. It allows you ing and paying for college, according to may leave,” according to the letter. to register for the test and it also provides ACT.org. Also according to the letter, “Online many practice options if you are interested Guidance Counselor Kimberly testing will begin on March 9 at the high in additional preparation.” Rydecki said, “The ACT is a required test school. Juniors will be given a specific day Students should practice ACT ques- for all juniors across the state of Kentucky. to come to the high school to test so that tions before they take the ACT and be- Many colleges and universities use it as we can appropriately distance students. come familiar with the test. The ACT is a tool when considering enrollment and There are only six days in the online test- a timed test, so to prepare for that, take acceptance. This test looks at the areas of ing window (March 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18) timed ACT practice tests. One of the English, Math, Science and Reading.” so it is vital that you come in on the day main things students struggle with is not The test is two hours and 55 minutes you are scheduled. All online test days having enough time to finish the test. You long. will begin at 8 a.m.” can take the ACT 12 times, so students This year juniors chose between taking When it comes to test-taking, every- should re-take it to see if they can score the ACT online or paper and pencil. A one has different strategies and techniques better than the first time, or even first few survey was sent to students’ school email he uses to do his best on the test. times. where they could indicate their prefer- A few major things students can do Senior Madi McMillan said “It is all ence. to assure they are ready for the ACT is about time management. If you do not According to a letter sent to junior to get plenty of sleep, eat a good breakfast know a question, move on to one you do For the 11th straight year, the CCHS Academic Team took home the Dis- students and parents by the Guidance Of- the morning of, dress comfortably and be know and come back when you have an- trict 4 Governor’s Cup Championship.