February 2020 - Issue #2

2 Feature | The Prowl

Table Crossing
Of The Line:
By: Jenna Blask
Contents
The school office, a place it seems are not given to students who pose
Feature..................................2 at least ten or more students possibly threatening behavior. In a
Perspective........................4 get called to everyday. At the survey sent to the Belleville High
News......................................9 beginning of the day everyone can School student body, 57.1 percent
Academics........................13 recognize the same list of people. of students have felt threatened by
Lifestyle..............................15 Although most infamously, it’s another student but only 36 percent
Entertainment.................18 where conflicts are diffused between thought that proper discipline was
classmates. given.
Staff
But is the way these situations are “They made us sit in a room together
Skyler Beyer handled varied amongst students due and try to talk about it, but it really
Ella Blask to favor or bias? didn’t make it better. It made it worse,”
said an anonymous student who
Hayden Boyce According to the students of Belleville responded to the survey at Belleville
Rachel Carl High School, the proper consequences High School.

Alexis Lamboley
Madeline Miller
Taylor Morgan

Kylie Rauh
Jordyn Roberts
Vanessa Sarbacker
Kaitlyn Schoenike
Houston Vande Berg
Jordan Wilder
Lainey Winkers

Editors Alison Erskine and Daniel Judd sitting in the office chairs. Photo by: Jenna Blask
Amy Lewis
Jenna Blask
Alexandra Steckelis
Nicole Steele
Mya Enerson

3The Prowl | Feature

I sc otnhseer eq uaebnicaess ?i n

Alison Zimmerman, a freshman at “Everybody “Being in such a small school,
Belleville High School, was involved alwaysgetsfavored administration has a very close
with a threatening student earlier or unfavored at relationship with all of the students,”
this year. said Zimmerman. “I think, either
some point” consciously or subconsciously, this
“This situation wasn’t directly at factors into discipline decisions quite
me, but I was very involved with Lance Varney, a junior at Belleville often.”
the process. It happened with High School, however, does not The solution to this, as described by
another classmate of mine and an believe there is a bias. “I think that the Zimmerman, may be consistency of
upperclassman, who tends to be people that say the school doesn’t give policy. “I think that if you were to look
someone that doesn’t care about out proper consequences just simply into the student handbook and look at
punishments,” said Zimmerman. “It disagree,” said Varney. “There has the policies that are written out in the
happened over social media outside of really been no point in my high school school, they are very fair and work
school hours, but it seriously affected career where I didn’t see proper universally,” said Zimmerman. “I think
this person’s mental state at school.” consequences follow when somebody there just needs to be more follow
said a racist or offensive slur.” through on them.”
Zimmerman later stated that, in her
opinion, the situation wasn’t handled Varney later stated that though he (Insert charts from survey. I
appropriately and could have been due believes the school gives proper and don’ t know how to do that)
to a biased favor towards the aggressor. fair consequences, he admits to see
“This person has a high spot on a sports some underlying bias. Do you think the school gives the proper
team at school. From what I saw, it consequences for possibly threatening
would have been a loss for the team
to ask this person not to play, so they students?
were eligible for the entire season,’’
said Zimmerman.

Although the student did not follow “Everybody always gets favored or
through with their threats, the mental unfavored at some point,” said Varney.
health and overall well being of the “I think that some kids are let off the
victim was greatly impacted. hook because the school administrators
are afraid of hurting somebody’s
“The person that got threatened did feelings.”
not feel safe leaving their house, much
less coming to school, and it was really Zimmerman, in contrast, believes
tough for them,” said Zimmerman. the bias may be due to an outside
“This person got a talking to with no influence.
other serious penalties.”

4 Perspective | The Prowl

Got To Go...

By: Hayden Boyce

Bathrooms. The topic of whether will take advantage of this to be
Belleville High School should in the same restroom as someone
have a unisex bathroom of a different gender. I also feel

in place of the boy’s bathroom that bad things could just happen,“

near the auditorium is extremely stated an anonymous source.

controversial. Boys don’t want to
“lose” their bathroom, and girls want A large amount of discussion rather be in class and learning than out
a bathroom closer to their classes. revolved around the budget and if of the class for a 6-minute long trip.”

Students mostly agree with 71.9 this was an pressing agenda item Several more students came
percent against the unisex bathrooms, that needed the school’s resources. out in support of the idea.
and 28.1 percent were for them. “We have a building budget, but I’m “Unisex bathrooms might also
not sure if converting a bathroom make any transgender students feel
Some students have concerns about would fall under that category,” more comfortable and welcome in
who could use the bathroom if it said Nathan Perry, principal of the school,” suggests a freshman
were to be unisex, although there Belleville’s Middle and High Schools. at Belleville High School.
is no need for concern. The point “Transgender people feel awkward and
of a unisex bathroom is so that Benefits that BHS students can uncomfortable going into the restroom
anyone can use it. This relates to see are that the girls will not have for their sex assigned at birth.”
to walk around the auditorium

men, women, transgender students to get to a bathroom, and some
and people that are non-binary. students will be more comfortable. This ongoing debate has been a large

topic of discussion at Belleville High

Students that say no, worry about A senior at Belleville High School School. There are many pros and cons
sexual harassment and people of the stated, “It takes a long time to get to to this idea, but students should always
opposite sex looking in on them. The any girl’s bathrooms from the art be open-minded and considerate
majority of unisex bathrooms have room or Spanish room, and I would towards the other students around us.

stalls that go from ceiling “Unisex bathrooms might It would be a minor speed
to floor, making it so that also make any transgender bump for some, but this type
no one can look under or of bathroom would make all
through the stalls, also students feel included and
making it so that they can comfortable in their skin.
not go underneath the stall.
students feel welcome int he
“I do not feel that this is school.” At time of publication, there
necessary for school, but were no plans to renovate any
in public, I can understand. bathroom at the high school
I feel like certain people into a unisex bathroom.

5The Prowl | Perspective

Photo By: Mya Enerson

Arts VS. Athletics
By: Taylor Morgan
Family. That word is commonly students think, like Fell, it is equal
used to describe the bond Meanwhile, the arts department has when you look at it as several athletic
amongst teams and casts. But many aspects that people seem to events compared to few arts events.
even so, there is a clear divide between forget about, such as the musical, art
the athletic departments and the arts club, and fall theatre festival. These “If you were to
departments. activities differ from each other take seven athletic
dramatically, and it is hard to compare events compared to
Many them. two theatre events,
participants that would be fair
in both of Thankfully,
these activities feel the auditorium funding.”
that one deserves more had some recent
recognition than the renovations to improve Although there is this debate, both
other. But in reality, performance quality. The gym floors departments are still extremely
both departments are were also refurbished over the summer supportive towards each other and
extremely different and as well as the track got resurfaced. strive for perfection. In the end, that
do not need comparison. Therefore, both departments is what they do, regardless of funding
received improvements. rates or representation to the public.
The athletics department
has different sports, such “If you were to take seven athletic
as basketball, soccer, events compared to two theatres
baseball, volleyball, and events, that would be fair funding,”
many more.
said Wayne Fell, Athletic Director
at Belleville High School.
“Besides the auditorium upgrades
you’re always going to have

needed improvements. But the
auditorium is not nearly used
as much as the gymnasium is,”
said Fell

Students have very passionate
thoughts about the topic as

well. Many students in the arts
department feel that their work

is not being appreciated as
it should. But many athletic

Photo By: Linda Shrader

6 Perspective | The Prowl

Was Sex Ed-ucational

?enough
By: Kylie Rauh teach students about what their taught next to
supposed to do and how to be safe
Students at Belleville High School while doing it,” said Belleville nothing about
are weighing in on their sex High School senior, Cierra
education class. For sophomores, Hayes. contraceptives. I feel
juniors, and seniors, 53.6 percent said
that they feel the sex education they Most students agree. In fact, that if I had, maybe I
recieved during their freshman year 76.8 percent of students said
health class was not enough. With that they do not think abstinence only wouldn’t have been pregnant
these statistics, should Belleville be sex-ed has helped then to make better,
making a change? more educated desicions. with my daughter at sixteen. I

Sex-ed is an important part of a high “I believe it (abstinence emphasized wouldn’t change what happened, but
schoolers education, but most students sex-ed) contributed to poor decisions I
at Belleville High School believe that have made. Instead of being abstinent, I definitely think different decisions
they have not learned enough. students just become unsafe,” said an
anonymous student from Belleville would’ve been made leading up to that
Sex-ed helps to reduce teen pregnancy, High School.
STD and STI rates, and helps to teach point,” said an anonymous parent from
and prepare students about their bodies Students are not practicing safe sex
and future situations. Since 2012, because they do not know how to well Cottage Grove.
Wisconsin’s laws have required public enough.
schools to enphasize abstinence only Contraceptives such as condoms and
sex-ed in their health classes. In the survey given to upperclassmen, birth control pills are used to help
62.5 percent of students said that prevent pregnancy. They can also be
Abstinence is the fact or practice of they only learned a little about used to sometimes prevent STI’s and
restraining oneself from indulging in contraceptives in health, 16.1 percent STD’s, which are a big problem among
something, in this case sex. In theory said they learned nothing at all, and teens.
abstinence works but when it is put 21.4 percent said they learned a lot.
into practice it fails. According to NCSL.org, people aged
“As a teenager in health class, I was 15 to 24 represent only 25 percent of
“I think it (abstinence emphasized sex- the sexually active population, but
ed) doesn’t work. They don’t properly acquire half of all new STI’s,which
amounts to approximatley 9.8 million
cases a year.

“I’m lucky that I didn’t get any STD’s.
I wasn’t very careful of what I was
doing, who I was doing it with, or what
they may or may not have had,” said
the anonymous parent.

7The Prowl | Perspective

The OVERREACTION

of the Oval Office

By: Maddie Miller President Trump on Twitter and liked a Social media is a quick and easy way
post that spelled out Trump with guns. for people to spread false information.
According to Business and For example, Presdient Trump Tweets,
Marketing teacher Erik He had access to read President Trump’s “We are not even into February and
Farrar, “Words can make demeaning words about immigrant, the cost of illegal immigration so
or break wars.” And unfortunately, and one could argue that this fueled far this year is $18,959,495,168.
intense words are currently being his fire to commit a mass shooting. Cost Friday was $603,331,392.
overused in our society. The There are at least 25,772,342 illegal
finger can be pointed directly at I was able to meet a 13 year old girl, aliens, not the 11,000,000 that
President Trump. He is dramatizing named Alejandra, who has immigrated have been reported for years, in
situations, causing stress and hatred. from El Salvador to Wisconsin where our Country. So ridiculous! DHS”
she attends school in the Madison area.
Ever since the election in 2016, there These statistics are incorrect, because
has been an uprise of urgent words She came to the U.S with a there is no way of telling how
being used by our president. “We have green card five years ago and many undocumented immgrants
a National Emergency at our Southern has been in America while both their are in the United States.
Border…amend our immigration Obama and Trump were in office. Therefore, it is impossible to
laws… Mexico, with the strongest come up with a set number of U.S
immigration laws in the World, refuses “Right now I see and hear a lot of dollars spent on illegal immigrants.
to help with illegal immigration & racism towards me and others because
drugs!” President Trump tweeted. Does of Trump. It wasn’t as bad when “I think that social media in itself is
this tweet by our president ring a bell? Obama was in office,” said Alejandra, a public form to let people express
“I don’t act any different than how they are feeling. There’s
President Trump is putting a others, but I get treated differently. many cases where leaders have
negative light on immigrants and I bet if people knew what it is like misspoke or said things that could
with quick access to social media immigrating, they would not say be interpreted in a negative way,
today, he is causing hatred towards the bad things they say about us.” which would lead to the break
immigrants. An example of the down in relationships,” said Farrar.
effects of his words happens to “You have to travel a lot. You have to
be the mass shooting in El Paso. walk a lot. Especially in Mexico, there A solution to these issues is that the
are a lot of people and you think your national leaders have to think about
The shooting killed 22 people going to get killed or kidnapped. So that what they are saying and how words
and left two dozen injured. This is the scariest part, but the hardest part impact others. Overall, our leaders need
hate crime was committed by is how long they make you wait to be to find a way to come together to make
Patrick Crusius, a 21 years old. a citizen. Even if I am filed to become a better world and set a good example
a citizen and have a green card, I could for the citizens of the United States.
According to an interview with Crusius, still be deported.” Alejandra stated.
his motive was to stop a Hispanic
takeover of Texas. He followed

8 Perspective | The Prowl

Pay... or Die

By: Alexandra Steckelis

Greed, one of the seven deadly Clark has worked with prescription The final option is calling around to
sins, is causing people to die; medicines everyday for three years. different pharmacies. She mentioned
pharmaceutical companies are She states, “Healthcare in general is too that prices can vary from pharmacy to
the possessors of this excessive greed. expensive in this country, especially pharmacy, and that calling around in
prescription medications.” your area might reduce the bill.
The prices charged by these companies
are so outrageously high that people “Healthcare in James Gustafson, a sophomore at
with prescriptions such as insulin or general is too Belleville High School, has had a
epinephrine are forced to ration their expensive in this peanut allergy his whole life. For this
life saving drugs to survive. country, especially allergy, Gustafson was prescribed an
prescription Epi-Pen, an automatic injector of the
Currently, there are no regulations medications.” life-saving drug, epinephrine. The
on the prices of drugs in the United price of these injectors has jumped 500
States. Due to this lack of supervision, According to Clark, there are a few percent since 2009, raising the prices
companies with a patent or no different options available to these from $37 to upwards of $600.
competitors can charge whatever they underprivileged families. The first
would like. option is a program organized through Gustafson’s allergy is quite severe.
the county that Clark, and other school “When I come in contact with peanuts,
People are still going to need to nurses, can offer to their students. I get puffy around my airways, leading
purchase these items, no matter how to me suffocating and dying.” Having
high the price is. The second option is an online resource his very expensive Epi-Pen on him at
called “GoodRx.” This program gives all times is obviously very necessary.
6.5 percent of kids in Belleville High free coupons to help reduce the high
School need an EpiPen, 1.6 percent prices of prescription Chuck Grassely, a senator from Iowa,
need insulin prescriptions, and 29 medicines. It also can list has a bill written on this matter. The
percent need an inhaler. Out of the alternative drugs for bill is intended to increase government
62 kids who responded, 40 percent pricier medications. regulation of the pharmaceutical
of the students cannot afford their industry and reduce patients out-of-
prescriptions. pocket costs for their life saving drugs.

Becky Clark, the district nurse and However, this bill hasn’t left the
wellness coordinator at the Belleville Senate Finance Committee
School District, has been in the and hasn’t been acted on
unfortunate situation of assisting since September. Steps on
students who are not able to afford furthering this bill are
their medications. yet to be taken.

“I do think that the government needs to
do more to regulate the pharmaceutical
industry… there are so many people in
this country going without medications
that they need to be healthy… I would
like to see government regulations put
in place,” said Clark.

9The Prowl | News

Insurance Rates
at All Time High
By: Jordan Wilder

Colleagues are packed in a room, “We moved to a high deductible plan, Schulz, like Brown, has noticed an
trying their hardest to come up where the family will have to pay the increase in rates while working with
with the best solution they can first $6,000 before the insurance starts the school board.
regarding the staff’s health insurance to pay for anything,” said Brown.
that will make both the staff and the “Rates have increased almost every
school board happy. Not an easy task For a single staff member, the year,” said Schulz. “This year’s rate
with the changes to insurance rates. deductible would be $3,000.Since this increase is 7.5 percent for the 2020
is such a high deductible, the school year.”
Monika Brown, German teacher district helps the teachers pay for it by
at Belleville High School, is the putting money into a health savings While Schulz has noticed an increase
president of the Belleville Education account, which helps pay for a large in insurance rates throughout the
Association. She worked with a team of portion of the deductible. past year, she is also recognizing that
individuals that were trying to come up Belleville is not the only school district
with insurance plans for the employees “For a family, it is $6,000, which is a experiencing this increase, but so is the
of the Belleville School District. Pam lot of money,” said Brown. “They are entire country.
Yoder, the Superintendent for the willing to give us $4,000 to put into
Belleville School District, is a part of that account so we only have to pay “Belleville is not the only district with
this team. $2,000 towards the deductible.” an increase, the increases ranged from
4 percent to 10 percent,” said Schulz.
“Health care is continually rising One of the biggest concerns when “Health care costs are increasing
throughout the country,” said Brown. it comes to high deductibles is not dramatically all across the country.”
“So insurance companies are trying to meeting the amount put forward in
come up with different plans to keep medical bills and knowing where that Not only has Schulz seen the changes
the costs down.” money goes. throughout the country, she has
recognized the causes of the increase.
Brown works with her colleagues to “If you do not need to use the money
make sure the health insurance that is towards medical bills, the nice thing is “[The increase] is due to largely in
being offered to teachers is effective that you can save it, said Brown. “You part to the high cost of prescriptions,
and affordable. can let it build up from year to year and treatments, and administrative costs,”
it is not taxed.” said Schulz.
“Around 2011, the state of Wisconsin
and the governor introduced a bill that Kelly Schulz, Belleville School District As a part of her job discussing benefits,
would take away the right to negotiate Executive Assistant for 20 years, and with real life cases, Schulz knows
insurance,” said Brown. “Now the and has been involved with Human the importance of health insurance.
district has the right to impose or Resources for 10 years, works as a She feels as if all school staff deserve
purchase any insurance benefits they part of her job discussing employee’s an affordable and beneficial insurance
want.” benefits. plan because of how important it truly
is.
In January of 2019, there was a change “The school board makes the decisions
in insurance plans for the staff, called with regards to employee benefits,” “Our self or one of our family members
a high deductible plan. The deductible said Schulz. “The board members can suffer from a horrible accident
on the insurance plan before was a feel very strongly in providing good or illness,” said Schulz. “That is why
$500 out-of-pocket charge, and it has benefits to all staff.” health insurance exists, and why we
risen with the new plan. need it.”

10 News | The Prowl

Bringing Out Belleville’s

BeautyNew Committee In Town By:MyaEnerson

Making Belleville a town of “When I first moved to Belleville Belleville students from all different
community, visual interest, almost two years ago, I struggled to clubs came out on Sunday, Oct 6 to
and opportunities are the find how I could get involved. When I show their spirit and artistic talent by
main goals of a new committee in saw the flyer at a local business about lining Main Street with Wildcat and
the town called Beautify Downtown beautifying Belleville, I thought this Homecoming drawings.
Belleville [BDB]. could be a great opportunity to be a
part of a new group. The openness of “Lastly, when Friends of the Public
Beautify Downtown Belleville was the people in the group is what made Library had the idea to bring back the
created by Debi Boul, a resident of me so passionate about BDB!” Said tree lighting, BDB decided to add on a
Belleville for over 25 years. Koch. cookie walk. This gave the community
an opportunity to meet downtown
“I chose to start BDB because we Over the past few months, Beautify business owners while enjoying some
have a very lovely downtown area Downtown Belleville has hosted many sweet treats,” said Koch.
that needed a little TLC. I want our new events to the town, along with
community to partake in our quaint bringing back old traditions. If anyone wants to join Beautify
downtown area with fun events they Downtown Belleville all you have
can enjoy as a family,” said Boul. “We were thrilled to debut our Farmers to do is message BeautifulBDB19@
Market during UFO Day and plan to gmail.com to join the mailing list along
With her goal in mind, Boul knew she bring back the recurring market in with liking and following the Beautify
could not take on this new committee June 2020. With all the farmers and Downtown Belleville Facebook page
all by herself, so she reached out to gardeners in the area, we love to give to find out when the next meeting or
the public and found a small group, them the opportunity to sell their goods event is.“We are always welcoming
including Lindsay Koch who is now and give locals more fresh produce new members and volunteers,” said
the Vice President. options.” Said Koch Boul.

Cookie Walk Event Cross Country Team Decorating BDB Members Enjoys Fudge
for Homecoming from the Local Farmers Market

Tattered clothes, worn-away a family enters a state of poverty, it is 11The Prowl | News
shoes, dirty face. These are some extremely difficult to get out of that
stereotypical things you think cycle. This cycle can lead to a bad have heard] ‘they deserve it.’ ‘Our
of when you hear the word homeless. home life for everyone in the house, country will take care of the homeless.’
Although this may seem ordinary, most especially the children and teens. [and] ‘There are plenty of shelters,
people that are homeless live with even in the Madison area, to take care
extended family until they get back on “I knew many kids who were homeless of the homeless,’” said Gentilli.
their feet. as I worked in La Crosse at a minimum
security juvenile shelter. Several of According to a poll taken by 56
Tami Fleming, the executive director these kids were homeless [because] Belleville High School students, 80.4
for Shelter from the Storm Ministries they ran away from home to seek percent think that drug abuse and
Inc. and founder of Friends of the State a better life for themselves,” said addiction can lead to homelessness.
Street Family, works to help homeless Gentilli. This is not always the case. An
people on a daily basis. She has anonymous student at Belleville High
explained that not all homelessness Many people do not realize how tough School said, “A lot of people assume
is the same. it is for the homeless. “An adult that is that homeless people are drug addicts
homeless only gets 90 days in a shelter
There are three types: transitional, [annually.]” Fleming stated, “When or alcoholics...However, I think
episodic and chronic. Both they can’t present themselves properly that there is some good in the
transitional and episodic are short- for work, it is harder to keep a job.” world, and some of the homeless
term and chronic is long-term. actually put [their money] towards
“The main cause for short term Fleming explained, “If you are lucky something beneficial to them.”
[homelessness] is poverty. It can enough to have a car, you don’t have
be caused by the loss of a child or any money to buy gas. If you take So how can we help them? Fleming
a sickness,” Fleming explained, public transportation, it takes too long explained, “The best way to help
“[Chronic homelessness] is mainly to get from point a to point b, so if they a person in need is to be kind to
caused from untreated mental have a job interview, they normally them. There is nothing different
illnesses.” won’t be able to get to it on time, so about them. Donate your extra
they walk instead and are, in result, not food to the food pantry or give an
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) presentable.” extra pair of gloves to them if their
is extremely common in all homeless hands are cold. Don’t make a big
people. “Besides all the trauma, they When a homeless person does not look deal out of helping. Treat them with
face illness, and lack of healthcare,” presentable, many misconceptions are the same respect and dignity you want
said Fleming, “They normally find out automatically forced onto them. “[I to be treated with.”
about their diseases too late, so that
leads to depression and suicide.” Even though many people stereotype
homeless people as being addicts, the
Although most people think that main causes are actually untreated
homelessness is only a big-city illnesses, escaping dangerous
problem, Fleming said, “ I know situations, and having a poor-paying
Belleville has dealt with kids being job. They are no different than we are.
homeless. The police department has They all want to be treated with dignity
contacted me about it before.” and do not want to be singled out for
anything different about them.
Robert Gentilli, a middle school
social studies teacher has stated, “I Fleming stated, “Always be aware that
believe every town has a problem we all go through hard times. Be kind,
with poverty.” He explained that once compassionate and understanding
towards other people because you
never know what they are going
through.”

No Sweet Home
By: Kaitlyn Schoenike

12 News | The Prowl

Working on
Wellness

By: Ella Blask

Stress to me is when you’re “We talk about a topic around taking an association between gratitude and
overbooked, and you have too care of yourself in school and outside an individual’s well-being.”
much to do and not enough time of school. We try to have short activity
to do it,” said Susette Alsteens, an that staff can take with them and “Staff were given the option to present
English teacher at Belleville High continue to do throughout the year.” the thank you card to the person, or
School. said Webber. we would send the card via mail.
The majority, if not all of the staff,
She often finds herself stressed out like In November they learned about the participated in this activity, and it was
many other staff members do. That is benefits of gratitude and how they can awesome to experience.” Said Webber.
why the Student Services team decided be thankful every day. Their activity
to start a program dedicated to helping was writing a
staff members professionally, socially, thank you letter
and mentally. for someone they
know.
“The focus started this school year in
August and we are hoping to continue The idea behind
to provide learning opportunities this theme is
throughout the rest of the school year.” evident in an
said Webber, a Belleville guidance article published
counselor. by the Harvard
Medical School
The January theme will be nutrition titled “Giving
and physical movement, followed by Thanks Can Make
emotions in February and March. The You Happier.”
Wellness Program meetings take place
during the professional development The article stated A teacher writing a thank you letter to show gratitude.
meetings on Wednesdays once a that “... most of the
month. A typical meeting will last studies published
about ten to fifteen minutes. on this topic support

D 13The Prowl | Academic

By: Alexis Lamboley “My siblings had both “It is very rare these days to
scholarships and loans. They be able to pay college off as
Inevitable. In other words, used the scholarship money you go,” said Norton. “I paid
unavoidable. According
to debt.org, the average
r student debt in 2017 was and still did not have enough with grants, financial aid,
$37,172. This amount of debt money to cover the rest of scholarships, and worked all
usually takes around 20 years tuition and needed to get throughout college. My debt
to fully pay back. loans,” said a student on the was $25,000 after removing
survey. grants and scholarships for
But imagine trying to pay six and a half years of college.
almost $40,000 back in debt Rankin has been trying to Without grants, scholarships,

O while also trying to buy a figure out some ways to start and financial aid, my debt was
house or rent an apartment, saving for college. One way is probably more like $70,000.”
along with many bills, and selling her animals.
anything else you need just to According to the University of
live. “My sister is still in some Wisconsin-Whitewater official
debt currently and has not website, the average annual
“[My sister] paid for college graduated from college yet. I in-state cost without any

W by getting a little financial have been selling animals at financial aid, which includes
aid help, and she has gained the fair for years and sell my grants and scholarships, costs
money from selling animals non-fair turkeys to people. I about $17,676. After any aid,
at the fair just like me. [She] have a lot of money saved for the cost is about $15,069.
worked for a while to gain college,” Rankin said. However, if your household
money for college before income is less than $30,000,
she started going to college,” Melanie Norton, Belleville your average cost after aid is

N said Carol Rankin, junior at High Schools guidance roughly $9,769
Belleville High School. counselor, helps students with
many things when it comes to During my interview with
Rankin went on to discuss college. Mrs. Norton, she informed me
her own personal concerns. that there are many resources
“I worry a little about paying “Early in high school I help she and Belleville High School

I for college because it is so with encouraging exploration can provide for students who

expensive, and if I change my of college careers. Then, I need a little guidance.
major then I will gain a lot of guess, I push them to focus
debt,” Rankin said. through junior seminars. Many people are confused
Helping them plan,” said as to why college has gotten
According to a survey sent Norton. to be so expensive. “It’s
out to Belleville High Schools just the world we’re living

N freshman through seniors, of “Students who are thinking in right now,” said Norton.
the 60 students that responded, about a one year, two year, “Some colleges have more
44 said they worry about four year, military career control over making their
paying for college. Only 19 world, I help with next steps. prices. I think some have an
of which had older siblings Helping them with what to increase for that. It’s kind
who are in or have attended be ready for senior year. That of the unsteady income of
college. includes reviewing transcripts, funding they are getting from

G Ten students stated that their senior schedule, financial aid, the government. You hear a
siblings had scholarships and college applications, housing, lot about funding being taken
grants, while eight students and scholarships. Finding away.”
said they had lots of loans and the right fit. Senior year you
debt. Six students said they do all those things. Helping
had enough money. undecided students in their
path.” Norton said.
...in DEBT

14Academic | The Prowl

Cursive’s -Case of -

CONTROVERSYBy:RachelCarl
Acursive bill currently being William Johnson, a special education historical documents often written in
debated among Wisconsin teacher at the Belleville Elementary cursive will not be readable to students
Lawmakers will require all School, believes that cursive benefits a who do not know how to read cursive
schools to teach cursive writing from student’s concentration and attention to in history classes when they are asked
4k-fifth grade, and has been estimated detail. to read them. Adding to this, they
to cost as much as $6 million. believe that signing one’s name looks
“Writing in cursive is a skill that helps much better in cursive.
Not all teachers and students of the students slow down and focus on fine
Belleville School District support the motor skills,” said Johnson. “It is However, due to technological
proposed mandate, while some believe another sensory regulation strategy advancements taking place during
this way of writing is necessary to for students to use when they are our everyday lives, written signatures
learn. experiencing anxiety.” will not be required after making a

John Zillmer, Belleville’s School
District psychologist, believes
that cursive is a more complicated
handwriting to use than print.
Therefore, he does not support the
proposed mandate.

“When a student is not fluent in their Johnson’s thought can be proved by purchase. Instead, there are mobile
handwriting, they need to dedicate several studies, as the thinking level payment apps available, such as Apple
more of their cognitive resources to the is magnified in cursive. This is due Pay or Google Pay. “There is no
physical act of writing.” Zillmer said. to the specific hand-eye coordination legal requirement that your signature
In other words, focusing too much requirements being different for every is written, as it can be stamped [or]
on these resources will take away the letter in the alphabet. printed. It can be a nickname, much
content’s quality. less completed in cursive,” said
According to research published on Zillmer. “I cannot think of any other
“I think that as long as it is legible, a website called Newsroom Domtar, routine situation to write in cursive.”
it is fine. The content and grammar the movements are continuously
are more important than the actual fluctuating in handwriting, which Although there is some controversy
writing.” Stacey McKinely agreed, is much more mentally demanding among Belleville’s teachers and
a third grade teacher at Belleville than making single strokes. Even students, the teaching of cursive may
Elementary School. so, because cursive letters are more return to a reality for elementary
distinct than printed letters, children students depending on the decision of
Given if cursive writing instruction may learn to read more easily. Wisconsin lawmakers regarding the
were to be required for 4k-fifth grade cursive mandate bill.
teachers to teach their students, more Belleville High School students had
time available would be needed to add some thoughts on the new mandate “I remember my middle school teacher
it into the curriculum. as well. In a survey to students, one having me redo things, because it
student said, “Cursive connects the two wasn’t all in cursive, even though I
“We are already teaching keyboarding hemispheres of your brain: the creative probably had the neatest handwriting
that took the place of handwriting, side and the academic side.” in the class...let’s worry about more
[as] keyboarding will be much more Another student raised concern that important things!” said McKinely.
valuable for students in the future. Our
day is pretty full, but if it was put into
law, I would find the time to do it,”
McKinley admits.

Music is Therapy:15The Prowl | Lifestyle

Using Music to Make
Our Lives Better

By: Nicole Steele

It was a very stressful day. You just “I feel sometimes when we are really “Music has definitely changed me as
sat down to take your last final on top of our game [in band], I get a person. Before I liked music, I was
of the day, and you had tons of chills and goosebumps at certain really insecure about a lot of things in
homework to do. You took out your moments, and I think that’s a sign we my life,” Fahey said. “And when I got
headphones and turned on some music, are in the right direction because its into music and started doing musicals,
completely relaxed, and took your test. making an impact on me and the kids like singing in front of people, it has
too when they’re playing it,” Meir said. definitely made me more open and way
You finally got back your last final and “And the energy that the students bring more comfortable about myself and
smiled at the grade. You realized it was to it, it’s like the room comes alive.” who I am as a person.”
the music that truly helped to relax
you. Destressing is very hard to do, but Music can definitely make anyone’s
listening to music always helps. Meir life better. Whatever type you listen
Stephanie Meir, a band teacher at has found ways to destress herself. “It to, music is both soothing and very
Belleville High School, listens to definitely can change your mood, like helpful for anyone.
music frequently and has since she was if you have a long day at work, come
a child. “I’ve liked music since I was home, turn on Christmas toons and it’s “[Music has] pushed me to be this
a little kid. My mom was a singer, so like, ‘Yeah.’ Meir said. person I never thought I could be. It
I started taking piano lessons around pushed me beyond limits, like starting
age six, and ever since then there has Miles Fahey, a junior at Belleville to write my own songs,” Fahey said.
never been another thought in my mind High School, is a member in band and “It pushes me to think of the important
that I wouldn’t really be in band since loves listening to music. “I listen to all things in my life and makes me process
my mom was in band and choir.” Meir genres. My favorite is definitely R&B them in a great way rather than being
said. Soul. It has like a certain vibe to it.” irrational and taking my emotions out
Fahey said. on other people and just thinking not
Meir has been a band teacher for 19 logically but emotionally and how I’m
years, and she has really liked watching Fahey has been listening to music ever feeling. I guess music just opens up a
the kids play music and watching them since he can remember. It has helped third dimension.”
grow. him with his life and who he is now.

From piano, to drums, to guitars, music is one of the greatest things in the world. It makes us destress and our lives better.

16 Lifestyle | The Prowl

By: Skyler Beyer

Ahero is often thought of as Anderson teaches students for hours The competition team at Whitney’s
someone wearing a tight on end, and helps each child to express did many things. They did animal
spandex suit with super powers. themselves with dance. balloons at music in the park, and
Someone that is in the air flying around they have also done a silent auction
or shooting lasers out of their eyes. But “Dance builds up confidence in the for the town to attend.”
in Belleville, not all heroes wear capes. dancers,” Anderson said. “This is
getting to know what their bodies can Anderson also went on to say how her
Belleville’s many heroes do not go do. Dance is a way you can express favorite part of teaching students to
around stopping villains. They instead music.” dance, was learning that every child
are helping make our town a better is different, and that it is interesting
place. to learn about their different

One person that is admired personalities.
in Belleville is Tamora
Fleming. She mostly The last local hero of
helps with people with
homelessness, but is Belleville is Linda
also willing to help
anyone that asks Shrader. Linda
for help.
Shrader helps with

a lot of Bellevilles

High School

athletics.

Tamora Holly Flick,
a freshman
works at at Belleville
High School,
Shelter from stated that,
“Linda
the Storm Shrader
should be
Ministries. considered a
hero because
This is a she can always
be seen helping
volunteer out at nearly
every event.”
group
Flick also went on
working to say that, “Whether
it’s detailed organization
on helping or taking photographs, she
has assisted in some of the most
families who well run events. Her personality and
determination should be exhibited in
deal with everyone.”

homelessness. Shrader takes extra time out of her day
to volunteer and help the athletes with
Bella Miller, who is fundraising, working the events, and
Fleming’s oldest child, by taking pictures for each team.
had this to say about her
mother. “She gives people These heroes of Belleville may seem
hope in hopeless situations.” like they only do little things to help
out, but in reality, what they are doing
Fleming helps all around. She expands Kaitlyn Schoenike, a is impacting our community in a
her usefulness to not only Belleville, positive way.
but to other towns, such as Madison, student at Whitney’s Academy of
or just anyone who needs help.

Dance, had many positive things to say

Miller also stated, “To be helpful and a about Anderson.
good role model is a hard thing to do,
but she does it well.”

Another local hero of Belleville is “For Competition team, every
Whitney Anderson. Anderson is the month the whole team would try to
owner of Whitney’s Academy of do something to give back to the
Dance on Main Street. community,” said Schoenike.

Resolution 17The Prowl | Lifestyle

Revivals

TBy: Jordyn Roberts Theresa Schultz, a Middle School “Losing weight and getting the
he new year is a time of change English teacher, claimed that motivation to exercise can only happen
and growth. People often use resolutions were lies and trends. “The when you change your mindset,
this time to set goals called New media hypes up exercise and diet change your thinking about your state
Year’s Resolutions. so heavily in January and February, of being, not because it’s a new year,”
But the majority of the Belleville School that many people cave to the current said Schultz.
District staff when surveyed were equipment and diet trends by paying Ironically, most students of Belleville
found to not do New Year’s resolutions. exorbitant prices on these products, High School that were surveyed said
Since resolutions are a well known and in the end, they become dust their 2020 resolutions were to lose
activity, it was shocking to learn that collectors,” said Schultz. weight, eat healthier, or start working
82.4% of the surveyed staff admitted to Schultz makes her resolutions on her out.
not doing them. birthday in May. The same way many Instead of worrying about physical
“It is a foolish ritual that usually leads people make resolutions in January. attributes, some students have chosen
to nothing,” said an anonymous teacher But moving the time when you make to think more about their mental
at Belleville High School.This common resolutions can change the entire health. “[I want to] improve on not
conclusion leads to the fact that New meaning of them for the better. being too mean to myself and staying
Year’s resolutions do not mean much to positive,” said an anonymous student.
the staff of the Belleville District.

18 Entertainment | The Prowl

The Decade Rewind

By: Lainey Winkers

Happy New Year! It’s the end of fashion items that made a comeback shot by a police man. They fought for
the decade, and time to think within the decade. the men and women who were shot
back to all the movies, toys, music, because of color.
and many other memories. We can Surprisingly, the number one movie
all look back when we played with was actually “Frozen”, which was Who could forget the election between
Barbies or the Wii, when we watched made in 2013. Another was “Wonder Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
“Finding Nemo” and “Up”, or listened Women”, which was made in 2017. This was the first election that a woman
to the “Black Eyed Peas” and “One Movies were such a big part of this ran for president of the United States
Direction”. decade, full of joy, sadness, anger, etc of America, even though Hillary didn’t
and we all hope there’s many more to win, it was still a first for history and
Music was a big part of the decade, come. brought hopes for many more to come.
we danced to the macarena, threw
our hands up to Party in the USA, and The decade was more than just fashion, Within this decade, the environment
cried as Zane left the band. music, and movies. Their were some has changed dramatically. More
major historical events that happened animals have been becoming extinct,
In this decade, we have made some in the decade. One major event that Antarctica and other cold places have
fashion comebacks. Kids asking their happened was the #Blacklivesmatter been melting, and oceans are becoming
parents if they can get a pair of crocs, march, which was started by three trash bags. Before this decade, the
and getting the response of, “You want African American women activists world was safer, animals species were
what?” or “I used to wear those when who marched for Trayvon Martin, expanding, and the ocean was still
I was a kid.” Crocs were one of many an innocent unarmed boy who was clean and blue.

Top Songs Top Fashion Items

Uptown Funk Shape Of You Scrunchies
Crocs
Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars Ed Sheeran
Mom Jeans
Party Rock Anthem Closer Overalls

LMFAO Featuring The Chainsmokers Fanny Packs

Lauren Bennett & GoonRock Featuring Halsey

February
Aries Taurus Gemini

(March 21- April 19) (April 20- May 20) (May 21- June 20)

The stars know that you’ve The stars believe you will get Magical sparkles will fall from
been stirring up some an A on your next math test. the sky and love will flow
Or maybe it was an english
tea… A should add a bit of through the air… oh I didn’t see
peppermint for more flavor test. An art test? you there. Come back later

Libra Scorpio Sagittarius

(September 23- October 22) (October 23- November 21) (November 22- December 21)

You will grow a unicorn This path is yours to walk and Your shoes are
horn and wings to fly. yours alone. The cheese will untied

Please, fly safely soon be yours.

19The Prowl | Entertainment
Now??W?Oh?e?rbe?’?sa????m?????a?
?? ????? ??????????

?

By: Vanessa Sarbacker

We’ve all read “Where’s Waldo?” He is said to have stayed in Tahiti at
but now the real question is the private resort Brando.
“Where is Obama?” Since leaving the
presidency in 2017, many people who Later on in May 2017, he met up with
adore the Obamas are wondering what Prince Harry where they discussed
they are up to now. a variety of issues such as mental
health, conservation, and their support
Since Barack Obama left office, he for veterans. They met up again in
has received several awards such as September of 2017 to watch the
the John F. Kennedy Encouragement Invictus Games.
Award in 2017. He also received an
award for his work in healthcare, In September of 2018, Barack Obama
specifically the Affordable Care Act. both attended and gave a eulogy at
former senator John McCain’s funeral.
Obama also wrote a book called That year he and his wife Michelle
Dreams from My Father: a Story Obama closed a multi-year agreement
of Race and Inheritance. Which is to produce series and movies for
Netflix.
releasing in 2020 around election.
This book is a memoir from his Even though Obama is not president
election to his final term. anymore, people are still wondering
what he is up to. Most people that have
Obama had his first post White made an impact in the world are always
House trip to French Polynesia. followed, and Obama is one of them.
He traveled with stars such as Bruce
Springsteen, Oprah, and Tom Hanks.

Horoscopes
Cancer Leo Virgo

(May 21- June 20) (July 23- August 22) (August 23- September 22)

Tell me why. I never want Your significant other will How’s Rover? He told the
to hear you say I want it compose a love song in your stars that you gave him
bacon the other day and he
that way honor. Try not to cringe.
was very excited.

Capricon Aquarius Pisces

(December 22- January 19) (January 20- February 18) (February 19- March 20)

You are corn. Don’t eat chocolate cake on *Insert a coin for a
Everyone is corn. your birthday. It won’t be horoscope* The stars also
good…...trust the stars
take mastercard

Dear 20The Prowl | Editors Letter

Reader,

What’s up gang, Hello, Hey Everyone!

My name is Jenna Blask, I am a My name is Alex Steckelis, I am a My name is Nicole Steele. I am
junior and the managing editor of sophomore and the perspectives a sophomore and the academic,
The Prowl. I hope our upcoming and news section editor here at lifestyle, and entertainment
issues bring something fun and The Prowl. I’d describe myself section editor at The Prowl. To
interesting for students and as being a coffee addict and be honest, this issue I felt was
staff to read. Definitely expect loving school way too much. My the hardest ones of all. Coming
controversial topics and odd goals for The Prowl are to cover back from break and trying
views in the future from our the more taboo or controversial to keep things moving along
perspectives section. Outside of topics and streamlining the while having a deadline by the
The Prowl my whole personality processes behind the scenes. I’d end of the semester was tough.
can be summarized as coffee and like to give a huge thank you Alex, a section editor, and
theatre. You can always catch to Jenna Blask, Nicole Steele, Jenna, the Managing Editor,
me baristaing at the Lingonberry and Mya Enerson and Mrs. helped with everything to keep
Llama whipping up some sick Lewis for really helping this this issue going smoothly. I
lattes. Big thanks to the section issue come together and come would like to thank them for
editors/top dogs, Alex Steckelis to life. All of us here at The all their hard work to push this
and Nicole Steele, and of course Prowl put so much time on this issue out. Another big thanks
Mrs. Lewis who was able to issue, and I am very proud of it. to all our writers, who worked
conduct 18 wild reporters. We had a lot of struggles but hard to make great articles for
overall managed to pull through our second issue. Also a huge
- Jenna Blask and create something amazing. thanks to Mrs. Lewis for being
Please enjoy! a fun and great Newspaper
teacher! I really hope you all
- Alex Steckelis enjoy this issue of The Prowl,
which took a lot of hard work,
determination, and a little fun!

- Nicole Steele