Volume 1, Issue 5

Getcr8v hosted a virtual dance party on February 12, 2021 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Students had to register ahead of time and were then provided with a Zoom link. The goal of the dance was to engage students and families. Krate Digga was the live DJ. Approximately 70 students and staff members attended. They danced in their chairs as they communicated with each other in the Zoom chat. Some students who turned on their cameras were rewarded with food delivered by DoorDash.

English teacher Chad Novelli has gone to great lengths to motivate his students throughout online learning. His Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) rewards store has been used a lot by his classes. Novelli's students earn points for showing up on time for online classes and extra participation. Students can use their points to purchase items such as late passes, assignment points, extra credit, food delivery, or music in class.

One item that Novelli put in his PBIS store costs 250 points, so he did not think any student would buy it. However, freshman Delmarco Frazier saved up to buy the "One Chip Challenge," and Novelli followed through and purchased the Paqui Carolina Reaper Madness Tortilla Chip (currently $43.59 on Amazon). Then, Novelli ate it during a Zoom meeting.

When asked why he decided to spend so many points on this challenge, Frazier said, "I bought the One Chip Challenge because I've seen tons of reactions before, and I thought it'd be funny."

When describing the experience, Novelli said, "I love spicy food, so I thought even though I knew it was going to be hot, I ultimately found out I didn't know what I got myself into. I was doing okay until I rubbed my eyes. That is when the pain hit the most. It was a lot of fun, though. I just hope Delmarco, who has been great to have in class, and the other students enjoyed it." The students were amused. Frazier said, "I think that was the funniest thing that has happened the entire school year."

Reflecting on the experience, Novelli said, "It was absolutely worth it. You have to be able to laugh at yourself, even if that means headaches and stomach pain. But I enjoy doing things that my students will enjoy, even if it involves making a fool of myself."

By Khaleel Abdur-Razzaque, Olivia Simpson, and Davoni Williams

LMSA students indicated in a survey that some classes are better than others in a virtual environment. Out of 195 responses, 47.7% of students like English Language Arts classes more than any other type when learning online. For instance, one student said, "In my opinion, English is a better class than others because I feel like it's easier, and I don't have a lot of work piling up." Another student said, "English is the subject I'm strongest in. I feel like it is easier than other classes."

Many students explained why a particular class was better online:

• "I like English, especially Mr. Novelli's class, because he understands us. It can be tough sitting behind a screen all day. It's exhausting."

• "My favorite classes to take virtually are English and Math. Those classes are better because I'm able to take my time to understand the work at my own pace completely."

• "English, American Government, and psychology are my favorite, and they're better than others because the teachers try to make it fun for students while being virtual during this hard time."

• "I like science better than the other classes because Mr. Osborn is my grandpa."

• "I like the class social studies because it's more energizing for me."

• "Coding class because it's easier to do the program online."

• "Science virtual class is better than others because Ms. Dowling tries not to give us too much work or stress us out, and she makes it fun and interacts with us."

• "Biology is better because we do more in Ms. Perkin's class, and the work is fun also."

• "I'd say science because in school, I really never got a hold of it."

• "My yearbook class is fun and my gym class because we meditate a lot, and it would just get my mind off of school work."

• "My psychology and government classes with Bernhard are my favorites because they are so interesting to me and Mr. Bernhard is a good teacher; all my teachers are, but I like those classes best because everyone is talking and engaging in the class. It's just fun."

• "Math is better virtually because I can actually understand what the math I'm doing is about."

• "I like the classes where you don't have to understand everything as much, such as history. You don't have to know why people did what they did; you just need to know the who and the what. But in classes like math, it's hard to grasp concepts without a teacher physically present."

• "All of my classes are better because I don't have to get up early to catch the bus. Also, I get to lie in bed."

Disclosure of potential bias: Students completed this survey during English classes.

By Ayyanna Williams and Austin Tudor

According to over 124 student survey responses, the main reasons students don't turn their cameras on are: family interruptions, appearances, and simply not feeling the need to turn on their camera.

One student said it is awkward "when your mom yells at you to come and clean the dishes in between classes." Another student answered, "When a teacher asks for participation by sharing your video, but you notice you don't look good enough to show yourself," then the camera may stay off. Another student replied, "There are times when I'm not motivated to even care about turning the camera on." Students' main reasons were related to having problems with the camera or just being occupied with literally anything else. Here are some of the other responses:

• "I think my appearance isn't good in the morning, and I'm not yet comfortable."

• "Just don't want to turn it on."

• "I just don't like turning on my camera because sometimes my parents come in my room or my brother comes to mess with me."

• "I turn it on because it's easier for teachers to teach to faces and not black screens."

• "I don't have my camera on because my family is so busy you'll see them every time they walk past."

• "I feel embarrassed when my camera is on."

• "I don't turn my camera on because I feel like it's not their business to see what goes on in my house and because sometimes my family members forget I'm on zoom, and they are half-way dressed. That's embarrassing if my camera is on."

• "Because I focus better when it's not on."

• "Because I'm very shy, and when we're in quarantine, my hair looks a mess, and maybe I have to clean my room."

• "Sometimes, I'm not in the best environment to have my camera on."

• "Because other people look at me, and I don't like when I'm the only person with my camera on."

• "It would distract me because I would feel like people are staring at me."

Teachers Dawn Heideman and Carla Hegyi were on ABC 6 on Your Side news February 20, 2021 in a story about their partnership with Community for New Direction, "Non-profit group helping students make better life choices."

My staff and I are proud of our Linden-McKinley family's first-semester accomplishments. Several students earned honor roll and perfect attendance, and many students are demonstrating learning gains despite the challenges of learning from home.

Some students participated in fall and winter sports and other extracurricular activities such as football, cross country, basketball, wrestling, bowling, and band. Spring sports will be starting soon.

We are halfway through the third nine weeks now, so this is an excellent time for students to check with their teachers about their current grades. Staff members are using planning time and asynchronous days to reach out to families to check in and communicate progress. The third quarter ends March 23.

As we continue this new way of learning and living due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, I encourage students to:

1. attend online sessions (and in-person classes for the career center),
2. participate by sharing ideas and completing work,
3. and get to know each other to continue to build a positive school culture.

Remember when wearing a mask seemed difficult? Now the instructions of "wear mask, social distance, and sanitize" seem like no big deal. You will continue to face obstacles as you navigate our changing world. I challenge you to use your education as a tool to help you create a future you will be proud of.

Linden McKinley Girls & Boys Track begins practicing on Monday, February 22. Practice will continue Monday - Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Participants should meet in the main hallway of Linden-McKinley STEM Academy outside the weight room and transition from there.

All athletes are to wear masks and dress appropriately for outdoor weather. The team may practice indoors in cases of extreme weather conditions. Participants should come with workout clothes and good running shoes and bring a water bottle. Contact Coach Birchmore with questions at kbirchmore7744@columbus.k12.oh.us.

Up to $3,500 Scholarship

Available to eligible Columbus City Schools High School Seniors

The application for the 2021-2022 academic year is now open.

DEADLINE: March 1st, 2021

All IKIC Funding applications will be online as of this year.

Please note that all supporting documents must be uploaded in PDF format (https://www.wikihow.com/Save-a-PDF-File).

Please click the button below to apply for the Dream Big Scholarship.

APPLY

Apply Here

July 6 - July 23, 2021

This virtual program is for rising high school seniors. Health Science Summer Camp invites students to explore various careers in the health field. Students will also learn about pathways to a college education at Columbus State and partner four-year institutions and professional schools. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to receive a stipend.

Eligibility: To enroll, students must be entering their high school senior year.

Time: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: Free

Attention black artists: Click here to apply for an art exhibition, "Resilience in Nature: We Are The Roses that Grew from the Concrete is a juried Gallery Exhibition at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in collaboration with All People Arts, Creative Women of Color, Maroon Arts Group and TRANSIT ARTS."

Click here to enter.

-Entries should be 650 words or less.

-Students in 11th or 12th grades are eligible to enter.

-There is no entry fee.

-Though writers should use “You Will Be Found” as a guiding theme for their story, they are not required to reference or quote the song directly in their essays.

-Essays should be specific and have a clear narrative.

-Entries will be evaluated on originality, the quality of the writing, narrative, and clarity.

-Entries will be judged by a panel of writers and Broadway theater professionals. Previous contest judges include six-time Tony nominee Chad -Beguelin, Little Brown Books for Young Readers editorial director Farrin Jacobs, and Washington Post theater critic Peter Marks.

-Deadline: 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, April 19th, 2021.

The winner will receive a $10,000 college scholarship from Dear Evan Hansen Lead Producer Stacey Mindich and a free six-week Gotham Writers class.

Email attendance.lm@columbus.k12.oh

Panther Prep is City Year's after-school program at LMSA. They offer help on homework to students from all classes and grade levels. Panther Prep meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Students should see their teacher or Google Classroom pages for a Zoom link. Contact sreichert@columbus.k12.oh.us for more information.

Seth Reichert

Impact Manager | LMSA

Pronouns:They/Them/Theirs| Honorific: Mx.

ABLE is here to help students meet their learning goals. They have tutors and caseworkers on standby waiting to assist you. Ask your teachers or reach out to Sylvia Horton for more information at able.shorton@gmail.com.

Need a job? Interested in volunteering? Join the internship academy Google Classroom. The class code is: qzmmkes

Contact Mrs. Scott-Moxley for more information: ascott9488@columbus.k12.oh.us

The FAFSA is open! If you would like to schedule a time to meet with Tyrone Spencer to complete the FAFSA, please use the link in the Google Classroom or email him at tspencer@iknowican.org to set up a time. Also, FAFSA workshops are still happening virtually. If you would like to sign up for a workshop, please see the Google Classroom link. Remember, the FAFSA is not about only loans; it also makes you eligible for grants, work-study funds, and specific scholarships, which is money you don’t pay back!

LMSA Instagram

CLICK HERE to submit announcements or story ideas. Articles written without a byline were written collaboratively by the Panther Press staff.

October 19, 2020 Issue

November 13, 2020 Issue

December 16, 2020 Issue

January 18, 2021 Issue

February 22, 2021 Issue

May 10, 2021 Issue

June 3, 2021 Issue

Staff: K. Abdur-Razzaque, D. Armstrong, T. Battle-Gray, O. Brime, C. Brooks, Ca. Brown, Ch. Brown, K. Butts, D. Dean, M. Fitch, T. Gregory, J. Holloway-Giles, H. Ledbetter, B. Leisure, K. Love, N. Major, J. Miller, J. Omar, K. Pullen, J. Robinson, A. Scott, M. Smoot, C. Thornton, A. Tudor, J. Walker, A. Williams, Da. Williams, De. Williams, R. Wilson, S. Womack, M. Yisrael. Advisers: K. McQuate & R. Spector

Email: kmcquate8783@columbus.k12.oh.us
Website: https://www.ccsoh.us/lmsa
Location: 1320 Duxberry Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43211
Phone: (614) 365-5583
Facebook: facebook.com/Linden-McKinley-STEM-Academy-Community-Area-106971227822438/
Twitter: @lindenSTEM