After using block schedule for several years, WHS recently switched to a seven period day. Many staff members were adamant about switching to a seven hour day, thinking it would be beneficial for students in ways, such as retaining information better from having classes daily, students staying on task with shorter class periods, and making it easier to get caught up when you miss class. Teachers also seem to be going through lesson plans more quickly compared to previous years.
Editorial: End of second breakfast frustrates some students
As of Monday, Second Breakfast is no longer available. There are a few reasons behind the change, principal Jan Hutley explained. “I just think it’s unnecessary since we already have a first breakfast in the morning.” Initial theories for the change revolved around students being tardy to class after getting second breakfast, but this is apparently not the case. Hutley explained that she has no intentions of bringing second breakfast back, but will alter first breakfast to make it more accessible to students. These changes include making first breakfast open longer along and adding more a la carte options that give students the chance to buy them in the morning and eat them whenever they want throughout the day.
Editorial: Returns to State Show Quality of Programs
Going to state in volleyball and cross country is a special occasion for most schools, but for Wabaunsee it has become routine. Volleyball defeated Rossville to capture the sub-state championship and return to state for the second straight year, and the sixth time in nine seasons. There isn’t much room for improvement on a second... Continue Reading →
Editorial: Parent/Teacher Conferences Need to Go
Parent-teacher conferences are unnecessary. Students should be held accountable for staying on top of school work and communicating with parents and/or teachers if they are having an issue in a class, without relying on parents to express certain concerns for them. This year, WHS administration endorsed a career readiness course called Xello, where all high school students were required to complete a series of lessons and construct a PowerPoint containing information about their results that they will present to parents during a student-led meeting.
Editorial: Sex trafficking presentation valuable for students
Terry Hund and Barry Feaker with the Topeka Rescue Mission spoke with students last Wednesday on the dangers and warning signs of sex trafficking. It was a worthwhile presentation for WHS students. The speakers began by explaining what sex trafficking is and how to identify it. Sex trafficking is the exploitation of children and young adults for a monetary gain. Some signs of this may include having an older boyfriend, skipping school, and suddenly having many expensive items that they didn’t have before. Then, they explained ways for young adults to avoid sex trafficking and signs to report. All of their information was included on a handout given to students before the presentation.
Opinion: Daily Pledge of Allegiance a waste of time
Every day we begin school with a moment of silence and the pledge of allegiance. Everyone stands, and places their right hand on their heart. We then recite the words that pledge our loyalty to the greatest country on earth. This is a giant waste of time.
Editorial | School faces challenges in enforcing vaping policies
After e-cigarette use became a widespread issue last year, which seemed to catch administrators, teachers and parents off guard, WHS worked to combat it by educating students about risks and clarifying the tobacco policy in the student handbook to include e-cigarettes. Possessing any type of electronic cigarette device is illegal on school grounds. The policy for use or possession of any tobacco or simulated tobacco (E-cigarette) product, as stated in the WHS handbook, for the first offense is one to three days of out-of-school suspension, contingent upon situation.
Opinion | New Taylor Swift album will please fans of Old Taylor
In April, Taylor Swift released her first single from her seventh album, “Lover.” When “ME!” was released, we reviewed the single along with looking back to our childhoods and how they were affected by Tay Tay. After the full album’s release on Friday, it’s time to see whether the old Taylor is back.
Editorial: Charger aims to serve students, community
The Charger is Wabaunsee High School’s student newspaper. Our goal as staff is to inform readers in the school and community about events in the district, advocate for students and entertain the readers. As an independent student publication, the Charger’s freedom of press is protected by the Kansas Student Publications Act. This means our views do not necessarily reflect those of USD 329. It also protects our rights to advocate for students, even when the topics may be controversial.
