Author: Payton R.
Editor: Sophia L.

Have you ever received money and been unsure of how to spend it?

After earning money, many people use it without considering whether they need the items they buy. When you get paid, you should think about what you are buying and if you will use it. In this article, I'll teach you what to do and what not to do after earning money.

The Do’s:

When you get paid and want to buy something, the first thing you should do is stop and ask yourself two questions: do you need or want this? and will you use it once bought? These are important questions you should ask yourself when you are about to make a purchase. If you answer yes to both questions, then it’s most likely worth buying. If not, consider buying something else that you could use instead. 

Some expert advice for saving money is to open a savings account at your local bank. This is beneficial because it can help you develop good saving habits. It will help you learn how to track your spending, how fast money can be spent, and how to make wise financial choices. Asking a parent or caretaker to assist you with this would be helpful, as they can help you make informed choices to ensure your financial stability; some banks also require consent from an adult for those under the age of 18.

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Author: Ileah P.
Editor: Dreia D.

Summer is approaching, and with it comes the need for your mind, body, and soul to indulge in self-care.

We’ve made it to the end of another awesome school year! Give yourself a pat on the back for all your hard work and dedication. Now that school is finally over, it’s time to relax and recharge over the summer break, and luckily for you, I'm here to help you prepare for a #SelfCareSummer!

So, what is self-care? Self-care involves tending to your emotional, mental, and physical health in a way that is fulfilling to you. This may be getting your hair and nails done, listening to your favorite music, spending time in nature, or practicing mindfulness. Whatever it may be, ensure that you prioritize it this summer to maintain your physical and mental well-being. Now, let's get into it!

I’d like to begin with our class of 2024. Congratulations! You've officially conquered high school, and that's a huge accomplishment. Whether or not you’ve developed a case of senioritis this school year (I feel your pain), take some well-deserved time for yourself before you launch into your next chapter. This summer is all about you. Utilize this extra time to relax and focus on wellness. If you haven't already planned a trip or activity, now is the perfect time. You can unwind and recharge through a weekend getaway, a beach trip, or learning how to play pickleball. Nevertheless, you can always enjoy a staycation.

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Author: Shyann R.
Editor: Sophia L.

According to Theresa Schempp from the University of Maryland, “…many students find that one of the best ways to stay focused no matter where they are is through listening to music.” Studies have shown that incorporating music into one’s study sessions can improve memory by providing a beneficial cognitive environment, thus making it easier to manage complex study concepts.

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Author: Jasmine S.
Editor: Shyanne C.

Have you ever wanted to try skateboarding, but never knew how to choose the right skateboard?

Skateboarding is a sport that requires a great deal of skill, practice, and dedication. When getting started with skateboarding, one of the most important things to consider is choosing the right skateboard for yourself. There are numerous types of skateboards on the market, each designed for specific styles of skating.

The first thing you should consider when choosing a skateboard is your skill level. If you're a beginner, it’s important to choose a board that is easy to control and maneuver. A wider deck and softer wheels will provide more stability and a smoother ride. As you start to progress, you can switch to a narrower deck and harder wheels for more speed and control.

Another important factor to consider is the type of skating you would like to do. If you're interested in street skating, a smaller deck and harder wheels is more suitable. If you prefer cruising or longboarding, a longer deck and softer wheels would be more comfortable for longer rides.

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Author: Kina B.
Editor: Mrs. Dragoo

February is a month brimming with excitement and significance, as we delve into a myriad of celebrations. From cherished traditions, to historical remembrances and exhilarating sports events, this month offers a rich tapestry of experiences worth exploring.

Let's embark on a journey through the notable observances of February: Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day, Black History Month, Lunar New Year, Super Bowl Sunday, and President's Day.

Groundhog Day, observed annually on February 2nd, holds a special place in American folklore. According to tradition, if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, winter will endure for six more weeks. This quirky custom, celebrated notably in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and captivating communities across North America, offers a playful glimpse into the whimsical world of weather prediction.

Following Groundhog Day, February 14th brings Valentine's Day, a beloved occasion celebrating love and affection! Couples exchange heartfelt sentiments through gestures ranging from handwritten notes to gifts of flowers and chocolates. Beyond romantic love, Valentine's Day serves as an opportunity to express appreciation for friends and family members, fostering bonds of kindness and camaraderie.

February also marks Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history. Originating as "Negro History Week" in 1926, this observance expanded into a month-long celebration in 1976. It provides an invaluable opportunity for students to explore the rich tapestry of Black history, highlighting the resilience, creativity, and perseverance of individuals who have shaped our nation's story.

The Lunar New Year is also celebrated among many Asian cultures during the month of February. Beginning February 10 this year, people all around the world will celebrate the year of the dragon. According to Asia Society Texas, the dragon is "...a symbol of power, nobility, and success that also represents honor, courage, and tenacity."

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Author: Angela H.
Editor: Josephine B.S.

Dear Reader,

Did you know that at least 20% of middle and high school students have experienced bullying? I am sorry if you are reading this and are part of that 20%. Nobody deserves to be treated like that, whether it is by someone younger than you, older than you, or even someone the same age as you.

Bullying is a subject that has always been around, and it's not going away anytime soon. Just because it is here though, does not mean that it happens to everyone. I personally have never been bullied, but I have helped and been there for people that have been bullied. So, in this letter, I am going to teach you some ways to deal with bullying.

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Author: Joshua P.
Editor: Dreia D.

Many books, each important to specific historical eras of American history, are disappearing from public shelves due to their “offensive language.”

What books are being banned? According to Reggie Jackson, an author for the Milwaukee Independent, some of the books being banned include: Who was Maya Angelou?, Who is Barack Obama?, Who are Venus and Serena Williams?, What Were the Negro Leagues?, An Indigenous People’s History of the United States, An African American and Latinx History of the United States, How to Be an Antiracist, Faces at the Bottom of the Well: The Permanence of Racism, and The Diary of Anne Frank.

Most of these books are related to minority groups in America and nonracist principles of teaching. They’re now gone from the shelves because a few empowered people have prejudices on this topic. Supposedly, banning books was developed to protect kids from harmful content. However, in modern times, it has slowly removed history from the shelves. Though book banning can be effective in some cases, biased people are still utilizing it to erase history.

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Author: Nick Z.
Editor: Sh'kayla J.

An exploration of pop icons, how and why they were loved and hated at their peak, and simply loved now.

The Carpenters are one of the most fascinating groups of the 1970s. Loved for their clean-cut image and easy listening style, they had multiple chart successes, but weren’t necessarily appreciated until the 1990s. Despite their image as relics from different times, they can help us explore the shifting tides of the seventies, both culturally and musically. Let’s examine the Carpenters and their changing reputation.

The appeal of a musical group is often difficult to understand, as “good music” is subjective. It’s been said that the Carpenters were victims of timing. The early 1970s were a turbulent time for culture—a time of change and of chaos; amidst all this, music audiences gravitated toward a certain sound. With their clean-cut image and soothing music, they managed to appeal to all ages.

This made them commercially successful, but to critics, their distinct image and sound weren't appealing. Their image was a creation of their record label, A&M. A 1971 press release described them as “wholesome and natural, with unpretentious personalities” and critics went along with it—not always kindly. “I would say they have the most disconcerting collective stage presence of any band I’ve ever seen,” said Lester Bangs, reviewing a recent San Diego concert.

For decades, music and culture have been used as tools to rebel against the status quo, but the Carpenters made music not intended to be revolutionary. They were advertised as mirroring traditional American middle-class values. “Their problems with reviewers had to do with the music coverage in journals, whose writers got their jobs because they knew something about the current scene, which at the time was largely countercultural,” said journalist Tom Nolan.

Beyond their “uncool-ness”, the Carpenters’ critical reception is reflective of the separation of pop and rock that was happening at the time. In the early decades of popular music, pop and rock meant the same thing; in the late sixties, the genres started to have different connotations. The Carpenters wrote in a genre of MOR (middle-of-the-road)—much softer than rock. MOR intention was to entertain and soothe more than to mean something; it was easy for critics to ridicule.

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Author: Xiamely M.
Editor: Bianca G.

Do you know what you're going to do after you graduate?

There are numerous options available to you—whether you want to take a gap year, jump straight into a career, or apply to a 4-year university. There are plenty of different careers you could pursue. I’m considering learning about psychology and human behavior, along with game development and coding. Furthermore, I hope to get married and have children in the future. My plans for the future are not completely clear, but I asked other students at Connections Academy about their plans as well. The responses varied quite a bit, but a few were similar career-wise.

Autumn, a freshman, responded by describing her plans and hopes for the future. After high school, she hopes to find a good job and possibly attend college for cosmetology. She stated, “I like to be creative and most of my childhood I was doing hair, which led to me being good at it.” Autumn plans on finding a college that she can benefit from, but would like it to be close to where she currently lives, so she doesn’t have to move far.

Tyler, a junior at Connections Academy, plans to go straight to a 4-year college (in-state so that it’s more affordable) to earn a bachelor’s degree in English. As someone who has always loved writing, including poetry, songs, and stories, he’d like to become a creative writer. Tyler is considering moving to Colorado with his girlfriend after graduation.

Tomás, another junior, has dreamed of becoming a writer since he was young, and has recently developed a love for psychology. Although he’s considered multiple states to eventually move to, the one that caught his eye is Massachusetts. He believes that the state is beautiful, and he’s fond of its educational system.

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By: Elijah J.
Editor: Leydi B.

“Video games are bad for you?
THAT’S WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT ROCK AND ROLL.”
—Shigeru Miyamoto, developer of Mario Bros.

Gaming has changed through the ages, starting with the earliest Nintendo and Sega games, to the PSP and Wii, to futuristic PSVR and the Meta Quest. Who here remembers going to their friend’s house to play some Mario Bros. or Sonic the Hedgehog? Those are two of the most iconic games of all time. However, Nintendo didn’t start with that. Originally, Nintendo was famous for its Game & Watch series. Mr. Game & Watch would be a Chef, a Judge, or a Circus performer. Those are three of the games you could play. Mr. Game & Watch is even older than Mario! The maker of Mario believed in making kids happy. Shigeru Miyamoto once said, “Video games are bad for you? That’s what they said about rock and roll.”

Now to Sega. Originally, Sega had its own line of consoles, including the Genesis and the Dreamcast. You might remember Sega from an iconic tune that plays in one of their games. This tune is from the Sonic the Hedgehog series. After a big drop in demand for Sega consoles, Nintendo bought Sega out. Now you can play Sega games, but you can’t buy a console.

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