The

Trojan Times Ja n ua ry 1 4 , 2 0 2 2
ms massiah photo needed

GETTING TO KNOW
SHS’S NEWEST
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Trying to adapt to a completely new work environment during
the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic is not an easy thing. Our
newest assistant principal, Ms. Massiah, has done a great job
doing so. We got the opportunity to learn a little bit more about
her and her stance on issues around the school.

FULL INTERVIEW: PAGE 2

ALL ABOUT THE NEW LOCAL BUSINESSES IN SIMSBURY

As most students enrolled in Simsbury High School are aware, the town
of Simsbury has bid farewell to quite a few places of interest, especially
those that served food in the town center. In the past year, the ice cream
hotspot J. Fosters, as well as Peachwave, the self-serve frozen yogurt shop,
have closed their locations within a mile of each other in our town. So
where are we supposed to get ice cream to cool off on a hot day?

FULL ARTICLE: PAGE 2

COME SEE THE SHS WINTER MUSICAL!

SHS Girls Basketball’S NEW SEASON
The Simsbury girls varsity basketball team has kicked off their
2022 season to a phenomenal start. Six games into their sched-
ule, the girls have remained undefeated with substantial wins.
CONTD. PAGE 3

OMICRON AND WHY IT’S SO CONTAGIOUS

Information and insights on the new variant of COVID-19 JANUARY 28, 29, 30 & FEB 4, 5, 6
which is the most contagious yet. PAGE 3
BUY TICKETS ON THE SHS WEBSITE
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Getting to Know Simsbury High

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2...
Another mindset that I had as a teacher was that we’re all Did you have any ideas of what it would be like to work

School’s Newest Assistant Principal

growing and learning together. As much as I teach stu- in Simsbury? Are they true? Is there anything different
dents, I have an ability to learn from them, and I think that about SHS than other schools?
mindset really has helped me to connect and build rela- I didn’t have any preconceived ideas about what it would
tionships with them, which is important for me. be like to work here. I knew I was going to be an admin-
By Ava Curtis & Ela Bansal istrator here, and I felt prepared because I was one at my
Grade 9 - Writers What are your thoughts on the new schedule this year? last school. I think that one of my concerns was that I was
Trying to adapt to a completely new work environment I know there are definitely mixed reactions to it. Do you going to a really big school, when traditionally I’ve worked
during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic is not an have any advice for those who are struggling with it? at smaller schools. At SHS there is a population of some-
easy thing. Our newest assistant principal, Ms. Massiah, I’ve been doing a lot of listening with the schedule, and I where in the thousands, and the schools I have previously
has done a great job doing so. We got the opportunity to think that the reactions have been pretty varied. The things worked at had no more than 500 students. I was worried
learn a little bit more about her and her stance on issues that teachers and students are saying is good about the about how I could build relationships with students, and
around the school. schedule is the one hour class time. Having it scaled back how I could get to know people in such a big place. But
from eight periods a day, which it was before COVID, has other than that, I didn’t really have any expectations other
Where did you attend high school or college? been helpful. A lot of the feedback about the flaws of the than that this is a school where students are going to learn,
I attended high school in Bridgeport, Connecticut, which schedule is about the varying days. For instance, I might teachers are going to teach, and I’m going to do everything
is where I’m from. I went to Central Magnet High School be free at this certain time on Monday, but I’m not free at I can to support that. I’m happy that I didn’t come in with
and I graduated in 2004. And for college, I went to CCSU. that time on Tuesday. If I need to schedule a meeting with any one particular idea of what it was going to be. Oth-
I got my Bachelor’s Degree there in secondary education someone else in the building, it gets really tricky. Again, er than that, I’ve worked in urban settings like Hartford,
and social studies, and then I went to the University of I’ve been doing a lot of listening and thinking about how Bloomfield, and Bridgeport. The population of students
Saint Joseph for my Master’s Degree. I got my Master’s in as we evolve the schedule, or don’t evolve the schedule, at my schools before were mostly students of color, so
curriculum and instruction, and I got my leadership, or what feedback we can take from students and teachers coming here there’s more diversity. There’s white students,
6 year degree, through a Residency program at the last to make it feel like a positive experience. One thing I do Black students, Hispanic students, and Asian students. It is
school that I worked at, Achievement First. They had a and find helpful is having the schedule of the month and amazing because it shows more of what students are going
program for leaders, and that led me to get my 092 certifi- the schedule of the day in my planner. It’s been helpful to experience when they go to college and the real world. It
cation which allowed me to be an administrator here! for me to carry around and have, at least until I get used also allows students to get to know different people. I think
to it. This schedule takes a little longer to get used to with that is a difference in the type of schools I have worked at,
What was your favorite subject in school? different periods of the day dropping, so you have to wrap but again, it’s been such an amazing experience because
My favorite subject in school was social studies, which is your head around that, but until I get used to it I have my you get to know different people, which is something I
why I decided to become a social studies teacher before I of behavior. And then you also get to collaborate with handy-dandy notebook! really care about.
was an administrator. During my sophomore year of high the adults in the building. You get to observe classes, you
school I met a teacher, Mr. Wade, and he ended up be- get to collaborate with teachers, and work with different What are your thoughts on the traffic flow issue? What is your favorite TV show or movie?
ing one of the most influential people in my high school departments. A lot of the work is observing teachers and I actually experienced being tardy today because of the Aaah! I watch a lot of reality TV, so don’t judge me! I
experience. He was paralyzed from the neck down. I think giving and getting feedback from them. There’s some traffic. For me, my organization, and because I am a very would say one of my favorite shows is Married at First
at first I was so nervous about going into his class, and he logistical stuff that just has to get done, such as lunch and reflective person, I am probably a bit hard on myself. I Sight. I like seeing the focus on marriage and relationships,
sensed that nervousness and immediately took me under bus duties. But my day really varies, and I think that’s the would like to avoid this by making sure that I am on the and how people react in really foreign settings. My favorite
his wing and really pushed me in social studies, developing exciting part of being an administrator. I really love the road by a certain time, so I can get here a bit earlier. As a movie… I have 2. I really love Love and Basketball, and the
my passion for that subject. We have a really good relation- fact that I get to work with both students and adults. leader, that’s not a big ask, but for a student or a teacher, original Karate Kid.
ship, and I went back to see him when I first started teach- that’s a whole other world facing different challenges. I’m
ing and I told him, “You inspired me to become a teacher!” What are some of your philosophies as a just hoping that as the year goes on, we get a better flow of If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
and he said, “I didn’t mean to do that!” He was such a great teacher/administrator? the traffic. We are trying to figure out an answer as to how I’ve traveled mostly to a lot of islands-- Puerto Rico, Ja-
person, and I decided to become a history teacher because One of my philosophies around being an administrator we can make it better. We are coming across a lot of road maica, Barbados… I think one place I would really want to
of him. is that every decision you make should be done with the blocks (literally) to get there. I just hope we find an answer go is Africa. I am both Black and Puerto Rican, and I have
thought, intention, and question of what’s best for the kids. sooner rather than later. Nobody wants to start their day been to Puerto Rico, but never anywhere in Africa. Part of
What is a day in the life of an administrator like? When we’re thinking about what the day should look like rushed and overwhelmed, but I think that students are do- my history and ancestry is there, and I want to first learn
What do you do? for students, when we’re thinking about the curriculum, ing a good job with making sure that they get here earlier. more about where in Africa I’m from. Maybe do one of
The day varies as an administrator, and part of the reason and when we’re thinking about extracurricular activities, The buses are also coming in earlier and on time so things those DNA tests? To visit where my ancestors are actually
why I love the job so much is because there is a lot to do we really need to be thinking about our students. I try to are progressing, just taking longer than we would like. from would be an amazing experience.
with students. You get to interact with them for both posi- approach every dilemma with that mindset of what is go-
tive things, and maybe not so positive things, in terms ing to be best for the students. CONTINUED PAGE 3...
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Peachwave, J. Fosters and Other Businesses are Gone. Encouraging Equity with
By Ava Dunn
Where Do We Go Now? Fosters, you can take a twenty minute delicious place nearby is Rush Bowls that Students of Color Alliance
ride to their Avon location. Otherwise, took over J. Fosters’ building. A selection Simsbury Public Schools’ equity state- Alliance has grown to include 32 people, was a Spanish teacher at Fairfield High
Grade 10 - Head of Community there are plenty of grocery stores (such as of themed smoothie bowls with fruit and ment describes the district as “an equi- some of which have taken on leadership School in Iowa. Their intention to involve
As most students enrolled in Simsbury Stop & Shop, Big Y, Fitzergeralds) scat- açaí attracts residents of all ages seeking table system [that] ensures all members roles within the club. Meetings are orga- the Simsbury High School community
High School are aware, the town of Sims- tered throughout town that provide pints something filling but sweet. There are of our community can reach their full nized through presentations intended to with gaining comprehension of racial
bury has bid farewell to quite a few places and gallons of various flavors and brands even bowls specifically made with extra potential. For us, equity is the disman- educate students on various cultures and and cultural circumstances locally and
of interest, especially those that served of ice cream to fulfill your cravings. Big Y protein for athletes. Switching things up, tling of racism and all forms of mar- relevant topics related to the status quo. internationally directly correlates with Dr.
food in the town center. In the past year, is another new addition to Simsbury, as Roux Cajun Eatery, located behind Joe’s ginalization that impede growth and Guest speakers have also been invited to Batchelor’s mission. During the forums,
the ice cream hotspot J. Fosters, as well as it opened at the end of 2020. It’s modern Pizza, brings a new taste into town. The harm our community.” First and newly attend. During the month of December, Students of Color Alliance and Dr. Batch-
Peachwave, the self-serve frozen yogurt touch of including new technology allows palette from Louisiana includes authentic hired Director of Equity and Access, Dr. meeting discussions included (but were elor composed profound conversations to
shop, have closed their locations with- new ways for families to shop. But, with New Orleans beignets, sliced king cake Tayarisha Batchelor, hopes to uphold this not limited to) the effects of generational give her more information on the engage-
in a mile of each other in our town. So business departures comes opportuni- (which is traditionally consumed during statement and bring successful mindful- poverty and the racial wealth gap. Chide- ment levels in the Simsbury High School
where are we supposed to get ice cream ties for new ones to move in. The new Mardi Gras), shrimp and grits, bread ness of equity to each and every school ra and Alanys showed videos and shared community. It is proposed that they will
to cool off on a hot day? There is always town craze, Jersey Mikes, which took pudding, and many more sweet and in town. She is described as a “passionate knowledge on the complex subject. They continue their collaboration to bring an
the highly praised Grassroots in Gran- over Peachwave, has remained busy since savory items. The variety of baked goods educator devoted to educational equali- also brought attention to the murder of equitable environment to Simsbury High
by for those in northern Simsbury, for its late summer opening. It’s healthier and meals (many of which are gluten free ty and community renewal”. Her efforts Nohema Graber, a Mexican woman who School.
those willing to take a drive for a creamy variety of sandwich options has become or can be requested to be made so) Roux to abide and exceed this vignette have
treat with unique flavors. In addition to a popular lunch and dinner spot. Many serves allows options for all while visiting already proved triumphant. She offered
Grassroots, there is Tulmeadow in West classmates and students have seized the (or taking it to go!). So, the next time you four sessions of forums for high school
Simsbury and Carvel and Friendly’s in opportunity of the new business to take find yourself craving something different, and middle school students to share their
Avon. If you are a loyal customer to J. responsibility and work there, often support these new businesses in town! grievances and concerns about engage-
serving their peers. Another healthy yet ment in the school district. The forums
occurred for two high school groups

OMICRON AND WHY ITS SO CONTAGIOUS now many vaccinated people (along threatening than other variants like Delta.
on December 13th and December 16th,
while the middle school groups met on
December 15th and December 17th. In
addition, Dr. Batchelor also shared her
By Kate McNair with unvaccinated) are being targeted by Experts have learned that this variant is plan in cooperation with the Board of
Grade 10 - Writer COVID-19, and picking up the infection. not striking at the lung tissue as combat- Education. It discusses the standards
In our two years of the pandemic, mil- Whereas, before unvaccinated individuals ively, suggesting that the infection is less of reducing the achievement gap, guar-
lions of individuals have tested positive were more prone to getting the disease, life-threatening and serious. Nevertheless, anteeing that students’ needs are being
for COVID-19. But just recently, the and fewer vaccinated people would experts need to keep researching, and met, adopting applications of ensuring
United States has broken their record catch the virus. Again, Leifers speaks monitoring this information since this is an inclusive school culture, and more.
with having over 1 million COVID-19 on this topic, and says that this variant all fairly new. The co-presidents of Students of Color
cases per day. This positivity rate is higher has transmuted in a way that allows the Alliance, Chidera Aligwara and Alanys
than anything we’ve seen before in the disease to be better at “locking into” our Rivera, brought the club to participate in
pandemic, and has left us astounded. So, cells. Therefore, it can affect people who the equity forums. Last June, The Trojan
why is this happening? Well, there is a have taken the vaccine with less difficulty. Times published an exploratory article of
new variant of the coronavirus known Along with that, symptoms and positive the newly formulated club. Since then, the
as Omicron, which is proven to be the test results are proven to show up sooner members have made remarkable progress
most contagious form of COVID-19. with Omicron, which is a good thing. in devising ambitious goals and work-
Cynthia Leifer, a professor of immunol- Leifer remarks that the variant allows you ing to complete them. Students of Color
ogy at Cornell University, claims that to have less time “...walking around like
the Omicron variant is the most easily nothing is wrong, shedding and infecting To contact Dr. Batchelor: Email tbatchelor@simsburypublicschools.net.
transmissible variant of COVID-19. others”. Patterns noticed with Omicron You can access a link to her equity plan here.
Leifer states that with each new variant are not as many vaccinated people are
that has emerged, the transmissibility has getting symptomatic, less people are To join Students of Color Alliance: Email Chidera at 22aligwac@simsburypublicschools.net
increased. For example, with the Alpha, getting critically ill, and there are less or Alanys Rivera at 22riveraa@simsburypublicschools.net.
the original strand, the transmissibility people in the hospital. Although Omi- You can also contact advisor Mrs. Hogan - thogan@simsburyschools.net
was low. While, Delta, a newer strand, the cron has been the most contagious form
transmissibility increased. Unlike before, of the coronavirus we’ve faced, it’s less Google Classroom Code: 6vtaikm
January 1, 2021
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Bringing Back the Woolly Mammoth

By Dylan Grossman
Park. Co-founded by geneticist George to convert the tundra back to grassland,
RECENT EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
By Raymond Zhang
Church and technology entrepreneur Ben the way it used to be. But Dr. Church
Grade 10 - Writer/Artist Lamm, the company maintains an odd states that it may in fact be more effi- Grade 9 - Writer
goal: fabricating their own woolly mam- cient to achieve this with the help of the While it is evident that climate change
moths to help support the environment of mammoths. These extinct creatures are is prevalent among us, it is crucial to
the Siberian tundra. often dubbed as ‘economic engineers’ in understand what exactly the recent effects
After recently receiving 15 million the ways that they were able to maintain are of climate change on our world. Due
dollars in private funding, this back- the grasslands. The mammoths did things to climate change and global warming,
burner project has become a very real like break up the moss, topple down trees, the sea levels and oceans are rapidly
possibility. Proponents say that bringing and use their droppings as fertilizer. With increasing in temperature. The rising sea
back an altered form of the woolly mam- the restored grassland, the soil could then levels present a large threat to marine
moth would help combat climate issues, be prevented from eroding or melting, life. Rising temperatures can lead to coral
restore the Arctic tundra ecosystem, as which could possibly lock away heat trap- bleaching and a decrease in breeding
well as help to preserve the endangered ping carbon dioxide. grounds for marine and coastal
Asian elephant. Colossal has stated that Although it’s definitely not a con- ecosystems all around the world (Conser-
Bringing extinct creatures from the past the creature wouldn’t necessarily be a ventional experiment, Colossal’s woolly vation.org). survive in their ecosystems. WWF also best thing we can do is reduce carbon
back to life is abundantly present within clone, but rather a sort of living elephant mammoth projects have caught the atten- Climate change has also recently suspects that climate change will pose a pollution and prepare for the conse-
science fiction, and has become quite the and mammoth hybrid animal. However, tion of the entire scientific community. proven to impart intense droughts. These fundamental threat to the places, species quences of global warming. As you can
mainstay within the genre. With modern this does bring about some larger eth- Whether or not it is ethical, or if bringing intense droughts are harmful to crops, and people’s livelihood. To address this see, the effects of climate change are real
and more recent advances in genetics, sci- ical issues. Questions have been raised back the mammoths would actually work, wildlife, and freshwater supplies in all issue, it is crucial that everyone plays and prevalent; so it is critical that we try
entists have already been able to do things towards the company on whether or not is still under constant debate among pro- oceans. Without sufficient water supplies, their part in saving the planet. According to stop it as soon as possible.
like cloning endangered animals, as well they should be able to decide to let these fessionals. It’s fascinating how the human all animals and plants will struggle to to the World Wildlife Organization, the
as extracting DNA from the remains or creatures loose, possibly seriously affect- race could even contemplate having such
bones of animals. Although those are ing the ecosystems of tundras. power as renewing a lost species, which

Medical Breakthrough in Malaria Vaccine

both impressive feats, the bioscience Russian ecologists have already im- brings about the question; should these
company Colossal may be the group that’s ported animals like bison into Pleistocene extinct giants be messed with?
coming the closest to replicating Jurassic Park, a preserve in Siberia. Their goal is
Malaria kills more people than any other spite the COVID-19 pandemic. In addi-
By Raymond Zhang

Zoo Animals Are Getting Vaccinated Against Covid

communicable disease in the world with tion, it is also very cost-effective and has
Grade 9 - Writer the exception of tuberculosis. In 2019, helped protect over ⅔ of the children in
there were about 229 million cases of Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. None of these
The first ever dose of the animal approved have administered almost 11,000 doses of malaria, about 410,000 of which were children had any other form of protection
By Miriam Post COVID-19 vaccine, produced by an orga- the vaccine to large zoo animals as well as fatal. Malaria is mainly found in Africa, against malaria, and were thus particular-
Grade 11 - Writer/Editor nization called Zoetis, was administered pets. with 94% of cases found there. Children ly vulnerable to malaria. However, thanks
Zoo staff around the U.S. have begun to to a group of three orangutans and five Zoetis’s donation of vaccines will go on under 5 years old are most susceptible to to the dissemination of the vaccine, over
vaccinate animals who are members of bonobos, including an orangutan named to be administered to many more animals malaria, accounting for 67% of malaria 2.3 million doses have been administered
species prone to becoming afflicted with Karen, at San Diego Zoo in San Diego, in organizations across the U.S. “This is deaths in 2019. Malaria is transmitted by to date, and layering these precautionary
COVID-19. In February of 2021, the first California in February. Since then, more one way we can keep [animals] safe from mosquitoes, and can be easily prevented. interventions-- either insecticide treated
vaccine was administered to an orang- than 70 zoos and other organizations COVID.” However, in Africa, knowledge to count- bednets or malaria vaccine-- has provid-
utan named Karen at the San Diego Zoo, er malaria is not widespread, and many ed over 90% of children some sort of pro-
followed by many more throughout the places lack the resources to effectively tection against malaria. The World Health
last 8 months. counter malaria. However, all of this has Organization-recommended vaccine may
In zoos across the nation, including changed with the recent development of soon experience a broader rollout and
the Maryland Zoo, Zoo New England, a new vaccine formally known as RTS, become integrated into several coun-
the San Diego Zoo, the Oakland Zoo, S/ASO1, made by Mosquirix. The Mos- tries’ malaria control strategies. This new
the Audubon Zoo, and the Philadelphia quirix vaccine is to be given in 4 doses vaccine will save thousands of lives and
Zoo, large animals are getting vaccinated and may be given to those older than five potentially pave the way to develop new
to prevent illnesses and deaths caused by months. The vaccine has an approximate vaccines to combat other diseases.
COVID-19. Since the beginning of the 40% efficacy rate on malaria cases and
pandemic, zoo animals such as monkeys, 30% against severe and deadly cases.
tigers, lions, mink, snow leopards, and While it is far from perfect, this advance-
cougars have contracted COVID-19 and ment is still a revolutionary step in the
had complications such as heart disease, right direction. The vaccine is very feasi-
pneumonia, and even death. ble to deliver and easy to distribute, de-
January 1, 2021
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Alleged Identification of the Zodiac Killer

By Yilian Jiang
WHAT HAPPENED TO JAZZ?
By Matthew Picoult
eventually evolved into swing, and the able music took its place, which is why
previously mentioned big band, only to classic rock and so many other genres
Grade 9 - Writer Grade 10 - Writer be replaced by bebop, hard bop, free jazz, rose in popularity. In this way, jazz’s own
In the early to mid-twentieth century, jazz and fusion. There are countless other natural progression effectively under-
Up until early October, the man sub-genres, but these are some of the mined itself.
music was one of the most popular musi-
linked to the murders of at least five cal genres in America. Big band jazz was most important due to the fact that their It is sad that a music genre that filled
people in the late 1960s remained a phenomenon that launched stars like introduction actually aided in the decline the better part of the twentieth century
unidentified. Under the pseudonym Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Louis in popularity of most jazz. is now almost non-existent, but many
“Zodiac Killer”, he was notorious for Armstrong into national fame. However, Big band jazz was popular because people still believe that jazz is too messy,
his ominous and unsolvable ciphers, jazz’s popularity has since waned. In part, of its lively groove and catchy melodies. and they are too set in their ways to give
as well as the wave of terror he spread this is due to the more mainstream music People could hum or dance along to the it a chance. As someone who previous-
genres that emerged in the 70’s, such as music without much effort. But in the ly hated jazz, I understand the aversion
throughout the San Francisco Bay
disco and classic rock, but, the decline in 1940’s, bebop was invented. With figures to it. But frankly, this narrow-minded
Area. His solved ciphers have includ- like Charlie Parker and John Coltrane approach to music causes most of us to
ed terrifying messages, including the jazz’s popularity can be seen as mostly the
fault of jazz itself. at the forefront of this movement, jazz miss out on its great diversity. It can be
referral of his victims to “slaves he is became complicated. The intense and a struggle to remain open-minded and
To understand the downfall of jazz,
collecting for the afterlife”. wildly fast stream of notes that was a be- not block out the unfamiliar. But with
one must first understand what jazz is.
The Zodiac made his presence Jazz is generally considered to be a genre bop melody departed further and further streaming services like iTunes and Spoti-
well-known to the public through of music that originated as an Afri- from the “danceable” music previously fy, it is easy to explore new music. So give
publications of his message in news- can-American art form in southern states being produced by jazz musicians. The it a try. Add some Miles Davis to your
left to right: a side-by-side comparison of the Zodiac Killer’s police sketch from general public stopped listening to jazz next playlist. You might be pleasantly
papers, including the San Francisco like Louisiana. In the 1920’s, Dixieland
1969 and an old photo of Gary Francis Poste, the alleged Zodiac Killer because it was too hard to casually listen surprised by what you hear, and you’ll
Chronicle. The papers were forced to jazz became very popular in New Orleans
publish the Zodiac’s desired publica- used: name, revealing an alternate message. and developed the sound of what most to and required more effort to under- be helping to keep a great American art
people consider early jazz. This music stand. Without jazz as a mainstream form alive.
tions, as he threatened to harm more - military boot prints in Poste’s shoe Another important factor to their
genre, the simpler and more understand-
people if they did not comply. size at the scene of murders conclusion has been the link of the
After the Zodiac Killer’s commu- - similar forehead creases in police Zodiac Killer to the murder of col-
nication with authority figures and
the public died down around 1974,
sketches of the Zodiac Killer and pho-
tos of Poste
lege student Cheri Jo Bates in 1966. If
Bates had been killed by the Zodiac, SHS Girls BasketbalL Takes on a New Season
the killer had already claimed to have - the Facebook posts of Poste’s friend, then vital evidence, including a watch By Paris Albrecht grateful” and she thinks the team will extremely supportive of this achievement,
murdered 37 people, although only who sprinkled the word “Zodiac” and hair, could very well prove Poste Grade 10 - Editor In Chief “have challenges down the road, [but] with social media posts celebrating her
five murders had been directly related throughout all of his posts concerning to be the Zodiac Killer. are ready to step up and meet them”. Due accomplishment. It is important to note
to him. The case was closed in 2004 Poste The FBI and the San Francisco Po- The Simsbury girls varsity basketball to COVID-19, the 2021 season was very this team culture has made the program
team has kicked off their 2022 season to different. While the team still performed extraordinarily successful. With encour-
but was re-opened in 2007. Since - the testimonies of Poste’s close lice Department have not confirmed
a phenomenal start. Six games into their well, they were unable to complete tradi- aging teammates, coaches, and fans, the
then, all allegations and claims to the friends and family, who claimed he if the identification is accurate or not. schedule, the girls have remained unde- tional fundraisers like concession stands girls varsity team is sure to make a lasting
Zodiac Killer’s identity have been was “violent” and could “kill indis- On the same day the Case Breakers feated with substantial wins. Coached by and bake sales. In order to keep the team impact this season.
disproved continually. So, how did the criminately” came through with their claim, an FBI Sam Zullo in conjunction with assistant running smoothly, Coach Zullo started
Zodiac manage to elude the nation’s - the Timex Watch discovered at the spokesperson told CNN, “The Zodi- coaches Vinnie Cianfarani and Rick a fundraiser and raised 6,893 dollars to
best police officers and investigators crime scene of an alleged Zodiac ac killer case remains open. We have Bangs, the girls have a rigorous practice raise money for team events, tourna-
for so long, only to be identified half a victim, Cheri Jo Bates. Investigators no new information to share at the schedule to hone their skills. Their first ments, and apparel. However, each player
century later? believe the paint-splattered watch was moment.” game was played on December 14th has made incredible achievements so
Introducing the Case Breakers, a purchased at a military base in the against Conard High School, which was far, notably junior CCC All-Conference
group of private cold-cage investi- mid-’60s; coincidentally, Gary Francis won 47-19. Subsequently, each of their player Lauren Sabia. On December 21st,
gators who claim to have accurately Poste became a painter after serving games have been won with ease. During in the game against Berlin, she scored
a rivalry game against Avon, sophomore her 1,000th point for her Simsbury High
identified the Zodiac Killer. The in the military
Olivia Jarvis earned the play of the week School career. Lauren says “I have put
group, composed of over 40 former - brown hair found in Cheri Jo Bates’ on Connecticut Girls Basketball by in [so much work] for this achievement.
police officers, journalists, and mili- hand that the Case Breakers attest making a shot just as the buzzer began The endless hours I have spent in the gym
tary officers, used new forensic evi- match Poste’s DNA to count down to the second half. Junior with my dad paid off. I have an amazing
dence to identify the Zodiac as Gary The Case Breakers have also Faye Kaplinski also achieved a play of team as well that has had my back since I
Francis Poste, an Eastern Californian claimed that they have cracked one the week by performing an impressive met them”. She continued by saying “my
man who passed away in 2018. of the Zodiac’s unsolved ciphers by half-spin, shutting down her defender. dad is the reason I am the athlete I am”.
Some key clues the Case Breakers replacing symbols with Poste’s full Faye remarks that she has been “very The Simsbury Basketball community was
January 1, 2021
The Trojan Times Editor Copy 10 January 1, 2021
The Trojan Times Editor Copy 11

Your Valedictorians are Exhausted

By Amanda Kelly
Grade 10 - Writer
college so overwhelmingly long. One
junior explains, “It’s just not enough
to get good grades, colleges want
more-- everything”.
as these don’t cut into these children’s
homework time, they will get the
homework done regardless, instead, it
cuts into their sleep.
DUEL IN A MIRRORBy Anonymous
I interviewed six of the hardest work-
ing people I know, and when I say “I’m doing all of this to get into But what can be done? I asked one
college. Why can’t I get into a great student if they ever consider quitting I stare
hardworking, let it not be understated.
college and take care of my body and their sport to make time to sleep and Why do I stare?
Between these six students, 17 AP
mental health? Why would they make relax. They responded, “If I could It’s the same in every gaze
classes are taken this year alone, 28
clubs, and 11 sports. These students it so I can’t have both?” quit sports I would but it is my only
Pressure from home is an addition- exercise. I don’t think I would ever go Same ghastly flesh
are excelling, it can not be denied, but
al pressure for these high achievers. outside if I didn’t have practice”. Same blurred water line
at what cost?
Most of them are just doing as their Concluding each interview I Same hatred in your eye
The average hours a night these
students sleep is five. Five hours a parents did. Four out of six of these asked if they thought this draining
students have parents who attended system could ever change, and if so, I look at you like a stranger
night, each student ranging from
Ivy League Universities. That com- what they would propose. Half of the I look at you like I’ve never looked at you before
three hours to seven. None hit the
pletely ignores the hundreds of other students said no. They had little hope But I have
recommended 8 hours a night, most
not even close. These students are excellent and top rated universities in change, arguing, “even if Simsbury
that their parents also attended. The did something to help, it wouldn’t Oh, how I’ve looked at you before
exhausted. At only 14-17 years old,
stress put on by themselves is only change the way college applications Studied you
they are staying up so late not because
amplified by the example of their are wired”, another said, “It’s difficult Scrutinized you
they want to, but because they have
no other choice. highly successful parents. These chil- especially with AP classes because the
dren can not be expected to live up to College Board decides the work, not We standoff
“I’m always studying for at least
the pressure without consequence as really the teachers”. A western movie with myself
two quizzes a night. I end up doing
a result. Some of them, however, are more I, the hero and villain
homework for like 4-5 hours a night,”
one sophomore states. This lifestyle results in sacrificing optimistic. Many suggested putting in
time with family and friends, proper stricter homework limits for teachers. We narrow our retinas
As a result, falling asleep in class is
nutrition, and free time, in order to The Simsbury Highschool Student/ Ready your pistol
a shared practice between these six.
complete everything required of them. Parent Handbook states that, “stu- A duel once again
“In the morning I regret staying up so
late, and throughout the day I’m fall- Dinner is often eaten while working dents should expect approximately
through biology notes, calculus pack- two and one-half hours of homework When will we learn?
ing asleep, but then I do it all again, it
has to be done.” ets, or chapters of an assigned novel. per academic subject per week de-
One sophomore stated, “That’s really pending on the level, including Ad- This does no good for us
I asked if they ever dealt with
what it is, how far are you willing to vanced Placement (AP) courses”. This, The more I stare
breakdowns, if they ever felt like they
deprive yourself of basic human needs of course, is rarely obeyed in many Study
couldn’t do it all. One senior de-
for your GPA, that’s what highschool high level classes. One student argued, Scrutinize
scribed their experience with reaching
a breaking point. They depicted feel- is for me”. “there is no point in ‘suggesting’ if
This way of living is even more se- they are just going to assign me an The more the image of you distorts
ing, “mostly a fear of failure, but also
vere for the student athletes. “If it was hour or two a night, at that point just And distorts
anger at school for not realizing that
just school, I think I could do it all delete it from the handbook”. A few And distorts
kids can’t handle everything that gets
and be healthy, but I have sports. I’m of these students argued to make this And I hurt but I never learn
thrown at them”. Some students even
described dealing with anxiety, OCD, at school for like 10 hours a day.” The a policy instead of a suggestion. “And
reality is that colleges are not looking enforce it!” one student pleads. When I pass the reflection I stop, again
and other mental illnesses that they
for someone with just good grades. My point in writing this article I stop, again
associate with the pressure school
That is not good enough anymore, is not to largely complain or even And stare, again
brought on.
I was in shock at the uniformity and with such competitive application to change the system in its entirety.
pools, these students are doing every- Instead my hope is that these hard And I whisper to you,
of their responses. Every single one
thing they can to stand out. For many, working student’s valid struggles are We have to stop meeting like this
of them described feeling anger at
colleges for making the lists of re- that means playing up to three sports brought to the surface and discussed.
quirements necessary to get into their a year. Such large time commitments
January 1, 2021
The Trojan Times Editor Copy 12 January 1, 2021
The Trojan Times Editor Copy 13

Thank you!
BURNOUT: PENDING By Anonymous
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code: swpewda. We look forward to putting out more editions in the future!
I could blame society for the way it is Test(s) day aches
My parents for sending me into it
The school for being built on it
Scantron numbness
Editors in chief
I could blame the teachers for assigning the work
The work for being assigned
My leg shakes
My brain is fried
Paris Albrecht
I could blame anything, everything else We don’t have a choice do we? Jack Grossman
I could, but would be a lie Do we?

I am the sole face of fault

I know I am
Powerschool purgatory faculty advisor
I never liked waiting games Mr. Hunter
Me, and my cravings for achievement I never wanted this
Me, and my lethal work ethic I don’t want this
Me, alone and obsessed

1 AM and I am awake
I wait. CONTRIBUTORS
Grade update, silence ensues Momin Ali Lola Larsen
Studying, reading, calculating The pain, the aches, the vibration Ela Bansal Kate McNair
A symphony of scribbles and clacks All gone
The overture of my sleepless years to come All gone Jameson Bodenburg Aarushi Mohanty
All gone Clara Casabal Jolie Monier-Williams
Its pain and it hurts
Another hour passes The pain was worth it Audrey Chung Grace Myers
My permanent headache: a shredder in my skull The itch satiated Ava Curtis Molly Pane
Achievement soothes the shake in my leg
Its pain and it hurts The ever present headache quells to a hum Rebecca Diaz-Matos* Emma Pastor
But I let another pass Every moment of pain, forgotten in a single moment of Ava Dunn* Marina Perevozchikova
Think about the future, you’ll thank me later contentedness
Elijah Edwards* Miriam Post
Its pain and it hurts Temporarily Hannah Granger Rohan Rajappan
Just one page more
What am I chasing after? For here it repeats Alexa Green Jordan Sher
Its masochistic, I know Dylan Grossman Elle Sparacio
After 3 am, my eyelids begin to bob
“Very” is spelled with two ‘r’s Now the next chapter, next unit, next book Nate Grossman* Maggie Sullivan
The To-Do list doubles Colin Hamilton Christina Zhang
It’s gonna be a late night tonight.
College looms Yilian Jiang Rachel Zhang*
Amanda Kelly Raymond Zhang
*leadership role