The Paw Print
Novi Middle School's Student Newspaper
Volume 22 Issue 1 / November 10, 2021
NMS IN THE NEWS
Students are back; school is in full swing
By: Sanjana Ramesh and Sri Akshara Kanuparthi
Time flies! The first marking period back in school has concluded, and for the many of our students and teachers, this was also their first term back in school since March 2020. While virtual learning provided students a way to continue their education through the pandemic, it also rattled our lives quite a bit.
One eighth grade student mentioned that she prefers in-person learning over virtual schooling. “It has been a new experience that has been more enjoyable than staying at home and learning on a computer,” she stated. However, the student also shared some of her concerns with being back in person. Students are more likely to get COVID or sick in general. Also, students may be struggling to adjust to the new environment (masks, social distancing, etc.), and they may be needing help.
The eighth-grade student also stated that being back in person made it “easier to converse with the teacher/classmates and express your struggles in your academics.”
An eighth-grade ELA teacher said she agreed that being in person helps students demonstrate their progress. The teacher also claimed that this year was a bit more challenging for students than in previous years and that caused many students to need to submit assignments a second time. Her students found it very helpful that she allowed them to resubmit assignments. It was a great way to show their progress after they received guidance from their teacher and would like that opportunity in their other classes as well.
The first quarter was a new experience for many of us. And while the school year has been pleasant so far, there are some things we can learn from it as well. Making sure to keep your mask on properly and respecting others’ spaces would help keep everyone safe and comfortable. And don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Virtual schooling presents pros and cons
By: Samuel Xie
Virtual school has been a new way of learning and going to school due to special circumstances of this pandemic. During the beginning of the quarantine, everyone learned from home to prevent further spread of COVID-19, and learning proceeded, though maybe a little different than usual. But now, since people have started wearing masks, and vaccines are being distributed to middle school students, students are slowly going back to school, and pondering this question: Is virtual school better than in-person schooling?
First, let's take a look at the advantages of virtual schooling. It allows students to go to school without risk of getting or transmitting COVID, but it has more advantages than just that. You can have access to all the school resources without any restrictions, and it provides freedom for the students instead of the rigid class schedule at school.
But what does a regular school provide that a virtual school can’t? Well, unlike online schools, students are required to interact with their classmates and teachers, developing their ability to speak and collaborate with them. When in school, students need to memorize and embed material in their long-term memory.
In online school, students don't need to study as much because they can quickly look up answers. Also, in online classrooms, students are forced to work under pressure to build upon what they’ve learned. However, online schools have less restrictions with regard to interaction and time, even though they are what employers work for when they hire people.
A former virtual student, Neeraj Suraparaju, commented, “Virtual school was worse than in-person because I couldn’t interact with other people.”
This is similar to Ms. Barnauskas’s thinking when she said, “I like interacting with my students, and I get to see what they’re doing (in person).”
So, as the COVID pandemic is slowing down, only time will tell what is best for students in these strange and different times.
The infamous world of TikTok Challenges
By: Darek Wu and Kris Park
TikTok is a social media site that many outsiders struggle to understand. This is especially true when it comes to TikTok challenges. For example, the biggest one was the tide pod challenge, where people open and eat tide pods, leaving others to say how foolish the Tik Tok generation is. But a more recent TikTok challenge has created even more frustration: the devious lick challenge.
The trend was created by TikTok user jugg4elias on September 1st, where it essentially includes people either stealing or breaking something from a building (mostly schools), and then posting it on TikTok. Two students of Novi Middle School summed it up as “TikTok challenges are dangerous, but many people think it’s fun.”
Seventh grade teacher Ms. Evo states, “The reason this trend is popular is because of the lack of limit and peer pressure.” The objects and materials most often damaged or stolen in devious licks are soap dispensers, bathroom mirrors, paper towel holders, toilet paper dispensers, fire alarms, etc. Some of the devious licks are worse. Novi Middle School Assistant Principal Mrs.Dinkleman is trying as hard as she can to stop this horrible trend that includes destroying or stealing property.
A student states, “TikTok is a platform that puts strangers in power.” Influencing harmful trends can encourage gullible kids to do the same which will set off a chain reaction.”
If you ever see someone performing a devious lick, make sure to tell a trusted adult. Students doing these challenges simply leave everyone else with bathrooms in bad shape. Why damage our own school? We are the ones who will be here the rest of the year.
To Be or Not to Be--Updates on Theater Club
By: Lorelai Raudszus
Many students have been wondering if they would have the opportunity to participate in the Theater Club this year. Due to the recent and ongoing pandemic, it has proved to be a struggle toggling after school activities with academic classes within the Middle School. However, it seems there will be theater in the near future for NMS students.
Theater Club Administrator
Mrs. Burkhardt has been the theater club organizer for 12 years and has produced approximately 30 shows. She originally suggested a theater academic class at NMS and created the curriculum. Most commonly, the theater club has no relation with the theater class, for oftentimes the theater teacher chooses not to take part in the club. Mrs. Burkardt also supports theater as best she can within and outside the school.
Why the delay?
Curiosity has sparked in regards to the delay in the starting of the theater club this year. Mrs. Burkhardt explains there have been three layers of challenges preventing her from organizing a show yet this year.
The pandemic has caused the auditorium to be even more of a shared space than usual. Due to the need for social distancing last year and the recent construction on the building, the auditorium doubled as a stage and a classroom over the last school year. This has caused the auditorium to be a difficult space to work with for theater needs, while it has been battling for classroom needs, as not everything is properly working at this time. As of now, the auditorium is almost no longer used as a classroom- for the band, orchestra, and choir have returned to their own space. However, the auditorium is often used for in-class or afterschool practices and rehearsals. This includes setting up and removing the risers from the stage for the choir. Mrs. Burkhardt is now left to figure out how to again modify the stage (and backstage) for the theater's needs and investigate when the auditorium is open for the theater club; as she understands the academic classes take priority and the construction has caused complications.
Another struggle is the matter of auditorium managers. Mrs. Burkhardt explains over the summer the Middle School had one manager and, as of late, hired a new one. This means she now needs to reestablish and refine the details of auditorium management for the theater club. Mrs. Burkhardt also reveals, “The auditorium manager is not only responsible for the middle school, but also the high school so we're in competition for his time, and his expertise to be able to do a show.”
This year’s shows
Fall Play: The Fall Play has been postponed as of now, due to the complications expressed previously. But don’t fret, for Mrs. Burkhardt is still fighting to get students involved in theater.
December showcase: Because the traditional Fall Play may not occur, Mrs. Burkhardt will most likely replace it with a December showcase. Because a showcase requires less details to be finalized, it would be an easier feat to tackle with all the current obstacles.
Spring Musical: Mrs. Burkhardt’s goal would then be to begin organizing the Spring Musical soon thereafter the showcase, around January.
Theater Roles
It is important to note Mrs. Burkhardt values not only the actors, but the tech support as well. There are many opportunities for students to get involved in theater club, whether it be acting, lighting, set management, or more.
STAGE Boosters
The Supporting Theatre Arts Growth and Excellence (STAGE) Boosters is a Novi Theater Booster (support) Club, and a non profit organization for Novi Middle School and High School. Mrs. Burkhardt expresses, “I don't think they get enough recognition for what they're able to do to support the group...these are grownups who feel that theater is a worthwhile cause as much as football in our district.”
Final words of encouragement
“It's more than a skit. It's a show. And we're gonna show you that middle school students have a lot of talent.” -Mrs. Burkhardt
How to find theater updates
You can find theater club information within the Novi Middle School website.
Directions:
Click on the home icon in the upper left hand corner of your school account google homepage (this should automatically take you to the NMS page) or search https://www.novi.k12.mi.us/
Hover over Students and select Activities, not clubs
Scroll down and open the theater bar
Here you find information on the Fall Play & Spring Musical, including how to contact Mrs. Burkhardt
Mrs. Burkhardt also shares that she finds Peachjar is an effective way of providing information on the latest theater club updates. Peachjar is a digital flyer management surface; instructions on how to access this are to come.
Additionally, posters and signs will be posted around the school for students to discover more about the Theater Club.
Should NMS have a Tennis Club?
By: Aashmit Acharya & Aditya Ambarisha
Tennis is a revolutionary sport, with over 87 million players globally. And you can count some of your peers at NMS as part of that massive group of tennis players.
“Oh, but the school lacks the funding and supplies!” you may think. This problem can be easily resolved. According to booostr.co, Westwood High School in Austin, Texas hosted a series of tennis tournaments (with fees) to raise money for jerseys, courts, and other essentials that a team may need. Lake Travis High School had hosted ‘Saturday Night Lights’ with raffles, auctions, games and more, all to raise money to benefit the tennis team.
A Paw Print survey was sent out to peers and approximately 77% of respondents believe that NMS should have a tennis team. Some ideas that the respondents had for raising funds were bake sales, school fairs, car washes, school supply sales, tennis tournaments, and making a tennis club.
A question the respondents had about a tennis club at NMS was quite frank: How much will this all cost? To answer this, the typical middle school/high school sport would cost a few thousand dollars or more to maintain. They also wonder how NMS would organize this on a large scale. To do this, we have to apply to be an interest group. After meeting several requirements, we can apply to be a club and gain access to supplies like balls and even tennis courts! (Thanks to an anonymous respondent for the idea!)
Lastly, people ponder if we should open this opportunity up to virtual students. Of course! Just because students are virtual doesn’t mean we have to exclude them from this opportunity! Some might even take it as an incentive to reunite virtual and in-person students in a cohesive tennis club.
Many Wildcats believe that we should have a tennis club at NMS, and even have ideas for funding a club.
BEYOND THE BLUE ROOF
Novi residents re-elect Bob Gatt as Mayor
By: Henry Yim
As Novi Middle School students enjoyed their day off on Tuesday, November 2nd, 13,000 Novi residents elected the mayor and three city council members. Voters chose Bob Gatt as their mayor to serve a 2-year term, and they chose Brian Smith, Justin Fischer, and Erica Thomas to be city council members serving a 4-year term.
Bob Gatt, who has been mayor of Novi since 2011, won his 6th term in office by earning 54% (6,883 votes) of the vote. He defeated his challenger Ajay Raman by a 1,000 vote margin. Justin Fischer was reelected to the City Council, and newcomer Brian Smith recorded the most votes of all City Council candidates with 6,455 votes. Ericka Thomas is also serving her first term as a City Council member.
Bob Gatt’s campaign once accumulated a balance of $100,000, and he received $30,000 more in donations compared to Ajay Raman during the course of the 2021 campaign season. In summary, this year’s election was a close attempt by Ajay Raman as he nearly unseated Bob Gatt in the mayoral election.
Typos in time: Misnamed History
By: Anika Anand
You often take what’s in your history book to be fact. But have you ever wondered what details history books blunder, or sometimes, don’t recount at all? For example, the Hundred Years' War that lasted from 1337 CE to 1453 was actually 116 years. Some more examples are:
1. The Battle of Bunker Hill. The Battle of Bunker Hill was said to take place in modern day Charlestown atop a hill called “Bunker Hill”, but most of the actual war took place on an adjacent hill known as “Breed’s Hill.” Bunker Hill - Boston National Historical Park (US National Park Service)
2. Pythagoras’s Theorem. It’s name comes from the infamous Greek philosopher Pythagoras who is credited with discovering multiple mathematical principles, and was not the first to be using this mathematical formula. In fact, a 3,700 year old clay tablet revealed that the ancient Babylonians used the principle long before the Greeks ever did. 10 Things You Didn't Know Were Completely Misnamed
3. The Battle of Waterloo. Despite its namesake, neither side set foot in Waterloo. 7 Things You May Not Know About the Battle of Waterloo
So why exactly does history get rewritten? Why do these mistakes happen? One common explanation is various people authoring the same works. When records get passed down, either by mouth or from multiple editors, people add embellishments and new details that weren’t originally there.
Another issue is misinformation. Governments, especially old-fashioned ones, change around certain words and spread rumors to make their side seem like the “good one.” After all, winners write the history.
How can the spread of misinformation be prevented? Always check sources. A good way to see if something is reliable is to check for a “https://” domain, check good reviews, and crosscheck your sources to see if the information matches up. Avoid sites like Wikipedia that anyone can edit.
Into the mind: Phobias
By: Svetlana Ilinich
What is a Phobia?
According to helathline.com, a phobia is when you have an overwhelming fear of an object, area, species, feeling, or situation. It is more serious than a fear, and when you encounter your phobia, you experience an emphasized sense of danger.
What are Some of the Most Common Phobias?
Some of the most common phobias include arachnophobia (phobia of spiders or arachnids), ophidiophobia (Phobia of snakes), claustrophobia (Phobia of enclosed areas), entomophobia (Phobia of insects), and acrophobia (Phobia of heights).
What Causes a Phobia to Develop?
You can develop a phobia from past traumatic experiences or incidents. For example, negative encounters with the phobia can cause you to develop a fear of it. Another thing that may cause a phobia to develop is learned behavior such as things you have been taught, like what to stay away from or things that are okay. Your genetic factors can also cause a phobia to develop. Healthline states that studies show that people with close relatives who suffer from anxiety disorder or have phobias, have a higher chance of developing one.
How Severe or Minor can a Phobia Be?
Most people’s phobias are minor, and when they encounter their phobia, they panic. If a phobia becomes severe, then the person will begin to restrict themselves and will organize their life to avoid any possible situation that will make them encounter their phobia. A severe phobia can also cause a lot of distress and can interfere with other things in their life and make a great impact on them.
Can you Overcome a Phobia?
While phobias are hard to face, you can overcome almost every phobia. To overcome a simple phobia like nyctophobia (Phobia of the dark), the most common way to get rid of a phobia is to slowly expose yourself to it. This method is known as self-exposure therapy. This method makes you become more comfortable with the object, area, species, feeling, or situation. Overtime, you will develop the ability to control your phobia, and self-exposure therapy also decreases your level of fear. There are many other ways to help overcome your phobias. Two examples are talking to someone, or connecting your mind to happy things when encountering your fear.
What are Some of the Weirdest Phobias?
Some of the weirdest phobias include phobophobia (Phobia of phobias), plutophobia (Phobia of money), hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia (Phobia of long words), optophobia (Phobia of opening eyes), and deipnophobia (Phobia of dining with other people).
COVID-19 UPDATES
Getting used to the new normal
By: Anushka Atchutuni and Sri Medha Edpuganti
Why should we wear masks? Do I have to wear a mask? What’s the point in social distancing? When is this pandemic going to end?
People will never be able to totally get rid of COVID-19, but it is possible to keep cases low. Similar to other diseases, COVID-19 is probably never going to be completely eradicated off the face of our planet. Similar to the flu and cold, it will always mutate and change form; disease(s), and infections are just a part of nature, you can't get rid of them.
Wearing masks and social distancing can slow the spread of COVID-19, but it won’t prevent it affecting people. In order to keep everyone safe at school, it is important to wear masks so that it doesn’t impact education for kids.
As more vaccines and other ways to stop the spread of COVID get developed, the easier it will be to keep people safe and ease up on masks. If you got the vaccine, it is not required to wear your mask. However, at school some people may be unvaccinated due to cultural beliefs or age restrictions. They might contract COVID and spread it throughout the school. That’s why it’s important to do our part and wear our mask, wash our hands, and stay 6 feet apart from one another as much as you can.
“Masks keep you safe and other people who may not be vaccinated safe,” explains Sydney Hartke, a student from NMS.
It is always good to have extra masks in your backpack to use if something happens to yours or if someone else needs one. If your mask breaks, you can ask a teacher, the principal, your bus driver, or possibly your friend to get another one.
Vaccine myths: Striking fears in the hearts of people
By: Siddhani Singh and Shravya Dumbala
Only eight months after the coronavirus had bloomed, a vaccine was created, being one of the quickest to be opened to the public. Many vaccines usually take about 1 to 2 years to come out, so with this vaccine came many doubts and theories about it. Does the vaccine make you magnetic? Does it alter your DNA? Because this vaccine was rushed, does it mean its effectiveness is not trustworthy? This article will help you tell fact from fiction.
The biggest problem people have with the quickly developed vaccine is exactly that. It was made so quickly that many people don't trust it and say it's unsafe. This claim however has been proven wrong. According to muhealth.org, the vaccine has gone through a rigorous FDA (Food and Drug Administration) process, the same one that other vaccines have been through too. No steps were skipped, so it meets all safety standards.”
Another common belief is that the covid vaccine can actually alter your DNA. This is not true. According to hopkinsmedicine.org and muhealth.org, “The COVID vaccine is designed to help your immune system fight the virus. The mRNA (a component of the vaccines) included in the vaccine instructs cells to create a protein called ‘spike protein’. When your immune system recognizes this, it creates antibodies, ensuring that it can protect you from future diseases. The mRNA quickly breaks down after this, without affecting the DNA.” Therefore, the vaccine doesn’t actually affect or alter your DNA.
A local doctor, Dr. Pasham, was interviewed and was asked a few questions about how to educate ourselves and others about these false claims. She deals with a lot of COVID patients, and she says that most patients she sees are unvaccinated.
“They don't trust the safety of the vaccine, and they are unsure of the long-term effects,” she says, “However, the vaccine was tested on thousands of people of different age groups. They were all observed over a period of time for any side effects. The scientists had very strict criteria on the results that they were expecting.”
ENTERTAINMENT
Minecraft Live 2021 — What's new?
By: Mohammad Mqasqas
On October 16, Minecraft Live went underway. As the official video about it posted by Minecraft has over 8 million views, it was apparent that there was a lot of hype for the cast. So, what was announced during the 2-hour stream, and how will it affect the future of Minecraft?
Minecraft 1.18 — Caves and Cliffs Ⅱ
The second part of the caves and cliffs update will be released sometime in November or December of this year. This update will release a new world generation for caves and mountains. It will expand the build limit by 128 blocks, 64 blocks underneath, and 64 blocks above. The main thing that was important about this new update was the new biome generation.
The new cave generation includes two new underground biomes, the Lush Caves, and the Dripstone Caves. This will also bring three new types of caves, which provide both bigger and more claustrophobic spaces underground.
The Caves and Cliffs update wouldn’t be called that without the new mountain generation. There will be six new biomes added to the mountains. The Meadow, Grove, Snowy Slopes, Jagged Peaks, Frozen Peaks, and Stony Peaks.
Minecraft 1.19 — The Wild Update
The main highlight of the update was announced to be the Wild Update. This introduces many new features, including 5 new mobs, a new wood type, a new underground structure, and many more. It will be released sometime in the summer of 2022.
The first main thing to talk about is the Deep Dark, a new biome in caves that creates an eerie atmosphere. This is home to the Deep Dark Cities, a newly added structure, and the Warden, a mob with unique ability. It cannot see, but it will detect any vibrations made. This includes walking, (walking while sneaking negates this) any projectiles, block breaking and placing, and falling. The warden is also very fast, and very strong. In the video posted by Minecraft, the Warden can do six hearts of damage against a player wearing full netherite armor.
The next thing announced in the video was the new swamp overhaul. The generation of swamps was completely redone. With this comes new mobs — frogs! Frogs are unique in two ways because unlike the other mobs in the game, frogs are cold-blooded, and the baby version of the mob is not a smaller version of itself. The tadpole is the third animal released in this update. It is an aquatic animal that will grow into one of three types of frogs, depending on where it is located. It will become either a tropical, snowy, or swamp frog.
In addition to the swamp, there will be a new wood type, mangrove. These trees will spawn in swamps and will have the same uses as all other types of wood. There will also be fireflies, which will also spawn in swamps, an improvement to the Birch Forest biome, and mud blocks, which can be used to make mud bricks.
Finally, the last thing announced in this update is the mob vote, which is a way that Mojang lets the community have a voice in what is added to the game. This year, there were three mobs to choose from, the Glare, the Copper Golem, and the Allay. In the end, the Allay was victorious. According to Minecraft’s Twitter, the Allay received 51% of votes in the first round of voting, and 54% of votes in the second round, just barely beating the Copper Golem.
For more information, check out Minecraft's Twitter, the official Minecraft Youtube page, and the Minecraft Wiki.
Relationships, challenges, and heartache make these books must-reads
By: Sydney Hartke, Jyotsna Swaminathan, and Kaitlyn Chopra
When Stars are Scattered, by Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson, is a graphic novel and Newberry award-winning book about a boy’s dreams and life as a refugee. It’s a true story. As we follow Omar, it opens your eyes to how much people struggle around the world as refugees. It is a graphic novel and Newberry award-winning book. If you like realistic fiction books, you should read When Stars are Scattered. --Sydney Hartke
The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green, is an incredible book that will change your perspective on the world. This book is perfect for lovers of romance, or lovers of realistic fiction. In the story, the main character is a 16 year old girl named Hazel Grace, who has cancer. She believes that she isn’t going to survive cancer, so she distances herself from people, trying to avoid making bonds that will hurt others when she dies. That is, until she meets Augustus Waters, in her youth group. As they get to know each other, Hazel tries to ignore her feelings, but can’t help how she feels about the charming boy. The Fault in our Stars is beautifully written, and an incredibly moving love story about two teenagers, both struggling in their life, who fall in love, the love that changed their lives forever. --Kaitlyn Chopra
The Keeper of the Lost Cities, by Shannon Messenger, is a series revolving around a girl, Sophie Elizabeth Foster, who has always been unique. She has special talents that she keeps to herself, mostly because she fears the effect of this truth. Then she meets someone like her, someone who could potentially change her life. And that person does, taking her to a place where she can be herself. In this series, Sophie faces multiple dangers, ones that threaten the safety of her loved ones. She makes a lot of hard choices to get through these challenges, and the consequences are harsh. This is a perfect book for people who like fantasy. An NMS fan of this series, Anushka Ray says, "Keeper of the Lost Cities is an amazing series! Shannon Messenger does a great job of narrating Sophie's life, and she keeps her readers on the edge of their seats constantly making them wonder what will happen next." To know more about this story, check out the first book of Keeper of the Lost Cities in our school’s library! --Jyotsna Swaminathan
Quarantine increases video game popularity
By: Hashini Teegala and Bianca Hirai
On March 13th of 2020, quarantine began and even now, some people are still living in it, isolating themselves from everyone, while others are already not wearing masks and going to school, work, and events. However, over the course of the pandemic, one common thread has been the continued growth of video games.
Sitting at home with no human interaction for almost two years made people wonder what to do with the excessive time they had. Video games became the cure for people’s boredom and even helped people interact verbally with others on the internet.
The racing video game made by Nintendo in 2014 called Mario Kart 8 Deluxe soon became another popular video game at the start of quarantine. By 2020, more than 23 million copies were made, not counting mobile purchases. Multiple gameplays and modes were also recorded and posted online.
The video game called Fortnite created by Epic Games was released in 2017. Like Minecraft and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, it grew more and more popular around the time when it was released, before quarantine. As it grew more and more popular, the admired game’s popularity decreased after the end of 2020. With special moves and playthroughs, the game is still played and updated commonly, though it's not as popular compared to before quarantine and after a few months into it.
The action-role play video game known as Genishin impact developed by miHoYo in September of 2020 started with 3 million players in 2020, and with over 5 million as of mid-2021. Its popularity rate is only increasing since it’s arrival on the internet.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles is a new video game inspired by the popular Japanese Anime, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu-no Yaiba. Without airing yet, more than 1 million copies have been made and pre-ordered for sale.
The Darkside of Discord
By: Aamani Cherukuri and Mihika Ranjan
Discord is a popular chatting service where you can talk to friends, but Discord can also have a negative impact on your mental health.
Discord is great, but its servers can get out of hand. Since everything on discord is completely anonymous, people can say whatever they want, without taking any real blame. People can write hate messages or even threats without dealing with any consequences. If it happens once, you may think “whatever, I don't even know who this person is, I don't care." A mean message can come from anyone; your friend, or a stranger, and the first few you get don’t affect you. But when it becomes more frequent, problems start to happen. People will make fights, threaten you, and send vulgar or mean messages. This may lower your self esteem and other physical and mental problems. Finally ,it is meant for ages 13 and up, users sometimes violate this rule.
2) Bots
Discord also has a feature which allows you to add bots to your discord server. These bots can be used for things like setting up giveaways, or moderation. However, there are some bots that scam you. They can DM you with sketchy links that claim “click this to get free discord nitro,” just to mention one. If you click on this link, then the bot gains access to your account and sends that same link to everyone in your messages. These can get irritating and can risk a scam spreading across Discord.
3) Predators
Discord allows predators to get in contact with young children. It is important to not trust anyone you don't know, especially online. Predators can disguise themselves as a friend or someone who lives near you and ask to meet up. They can easily change their username and profile picture to the same as your friends. You may end up waiting for your friend at a meet up place, but surprise it's some shady dude you don't even know. This is a threat to your safety.
4.) Stealing Personal Information
Do you know what your IP address is? It's basically your virtual location. It will be seen as a set of coordinates that tell where your electronic device is. Hackers, using a third-party website, can find where your device is located, which is probably in your home, and then they have your address, just like that.
ADVICE & OPINIONS
I am freaking out!
By: Layan Ayad and Sophia Segars
Ooommmgggg! I am freaking out! Have you ever said this?
Anxiety is the feeling being referred to. It’s a word heard so frequently during these times, only made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Household Pulse Survey (HPS), “symptoms of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic rose from 36.4% to 41.5%.” This means that being locked up in the house 24/7 has taken its toll on the community.
Everyone gets some form of anxiety, from the richest billionaire to a toddler. Imagine the thought of losing a ton of money or for a toddler, a mother leaving the room, wondering when she will return. Anxiety is feeling worried or nervous about an imminent event. It is your body’s natural response to what you may think is a potential threat, even if it's not. When the feeling of anxiety comes, it's usually felt in your mind, your stomach, and your chest. You may feel like you are going to throw up, your chest is going to explode, or your brain is tired and stressed.
A Roman philosopher, Seneca, wrote “There are more things likely to frighten us than there are to crush us. We suffer more often in imagination than in reality. What I advise you to do is, not to be unhappy before the crisis comes, since it may be the dangers before which you paled as if they were threatening you, will never come upon you. “
Basically, when we worry ourselves before the event happens, we are only hurting ourselves more. A little anxiety is normal, but if it is too much, it may cause long term health issues, like high blood pressure. If it is paralyzing your daily activities, it may be time to talk to a parent or doctor. Otherwise it could develop into a disorder. Anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults in the US ages 18 and up, so anyone suffering is not alone. There are many anxiety disorders including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder), Generalized Anxiety Disorder, etc.
In order to prevent anxious feelings from becoming a bigger problem, doctors recommend biking, walking, exercising, baking, doing art, or even just taking a deep breath outside. If you are in a place that you can’t step away, like school, take deep breaths, and try a mindfulness exercise. In the Novi Community School District, parents are being offered a chance to allow their children to take a day off, a mental health day. We all need a break sometimes. Of course, finding a healthy outlet for dealing with your feelings is always most important.
Dear Wildcat
By: Aditi Jethri Kompally and Nihar Joshi
Dear Wildcat: Whenever I have an upcoming test, I study really hard. But right before the test is placed on my desk, even though I know all the answers, when I skim through the test, I freeze all up and forget all the information I have been practicing for so long. How can I prepare well enough so that whenever I have a test, I don’t freeze up and forget the information?
--Stressful Sarah
Dear Stressful Sarah: It can be frustrating sometimes when you know the answers but then you forget them right on the spot. I have some ideas that might help you retain information in your brain. You can rest your mind by listening to some calm music or something that suits you. Yoga and massages can help you remember information efficiently and can also help you to relax and stop worrying. Practice studying the questions on your own so you can get used to them and get familiar with the questions on the test. After you’re done with the practice test, you can check with an answer key or check with your family.
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Dear Wildcat: Lately, I’ve been having too much homework and that pressures me to finish faster. However, I am unable to finish because I have been forgetful, and I’ve been getting bad grades. I always try to remember the work I have for homework, but it has been a bit harder to remember. I am also distracted about what happens around me with my friends and others. What should I do to have less pressure on myself and have more time for homework, studying for tests, and extracurricular activities?
--Busy Belle
Dear Busy Belle: When you are finished with school, you could create a planner with all your subjects, homework and upcoming tests. If you have a phone, you can set up a reminder to prepare for the tests and also set reminders to finish your homework. That way you can check off all the work you have done both on the planner and on your phone. This will help you keep track of your homework/assignments and help you be less forgetful.
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Dear Wildcat: Lately, I’ve been having trouble paying attention in class. I sit near my friends in most of my classes and they can be really distracting. Also, I’m in the back of the room. I really want to focus more in school, but there are so many distractions, and I don’t know what to do!
--Distracted Declan
Dear Distracted Declan: Though you may feel trapped as of right now, there are many things you can do to focus more in school. First, try to politely inform your friends that you really want to focus on schoolwork, and that while you appreciate them, it would be nice of them to let you work. Next, if you are concerned about your seating in your classes, just ask your teacher if you could switch seats. Most teachers would understand, and if they don’t, you can always consult your parents for more help!
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Dear Wildcat: A few days ago, we got our new schedules for the next quarter. I was really excited, until I realized that I’ve been moved from C lunch to B lunch! I asked my friends what lunch they had, and I was informed that I was the only one in my friend group that was in B lunch! I am really dreading lunch now, and I don’t know what to do! I need advice, ASAP!
--Lonely Landon
Dear Lonely Landon: I understand that you need urgent help, but the problem is not as big as it may seem.This is a great opportunity to make new friends and see if you can sit at anybody’s table. There’s always room, and even if you can’t, there’s no reason to worry. Tell a lunch aid, since they are there to help you. They can find a place for you at a table. Even if you don’t like where you sit, remember, it’s only for this quarter. If you are being bullied at your table, tell a trusted adult.
Novi Middle School
Email: kenneth.fenchel@novik12.org
Website: https://ms.novi.k12.mi.us/
Location: 49000 West 11 Mile Road, Novi, MI, USA
Phone: (248)-449-1600