The Redbird Word-September 22-23

Volume 95 Issue 1

Editorial Staff
E d i t o r - I n - C h i e f
T a y l o r L a w s o n
M a n a g i n g E d i t o r
A v e r y C l o s e
S o c i a l M e d i a M a n a g e r
A l l i s o n C o o k e
A s s i s t a n t S o c i a l M e d i a M a n a g e r
A d r i a n n a P a y n i c
B r o a d c a s t E d i t o r
T y S u l l i v a n
A s s i s t a n t B r o a d c a s t E d i t o r
J a m e s H u l l
N e w s E d i t o r
A u b r i e H a n c o c k
F e a t u r e s E d i t o r
L e l a H o w a r d
S p o r t s E d i t o r
E v a n D u g g e r
A s s i s t a n t S p o r t s E d i t o r
C h l o e P l o u g h
E n t e r t a i n m e n t E d i t o r
C o l e T a r r a n t
A s s i s t a n t E n t e r t a i n m e n t
A u d r e y W a t e r s
P h o t o / A r t E d i t o r
M i l e s W r i s c h n i k
D e s i g n E d i t o r
E d e n F i n g e r
A s s i s t a n t D e s i g n E d i t o r
G r a c e P h e l p s
A s s i s t a n t D e s i g n E d i t o r
C a l e i g h P l o u g h
W e b D e s i g n E d i t o r
P a r i s T h o m a s
B u s i n e s s M a n a g e r
B r a n d o n B r o w n
A d v i s e r
A p r i l G r a y
New Food Blues
By: Taylor Lawson
This past year, Alton High has gotten all new cafeteria staff and food.
From an outsider looking in, it may look like Alton High has it all
together, but there’s far more that needs to be improved behind the
scenes. You may notice that each line has a TV screen above it displaying
the choices of food for the day. The food seems to look more bougie than
any previous years; but is it really? Many students have complained
about the food that they have gotten has been worse than in previous
years. From the lettuce in the salads already browning, to the so-called
“chicken” which has been spongy and more like bread.
But poor food quality isn't the only issue. Students with later lunches
face a problem with fewer lunch choices. Some students tend to get the
same thing every day, as that choice is most appealing and tastes the
best. What happens when that one choice runs out? They go for the
second-best option. Well, what happens if that one is gone too? Most
students would choose to not eat at all. So, students go the rest of the day
starving not because of their own choice, but because the school has run
out of food. Ultimately it’s an underlying issue with food services by not
ordering and preparing enough food each day. Students notice a
principal is monitoring lunch lines, yet fail to notice students walking
out empty-handed. Something needs to be done to make sure every
student not only has more choices but makes sure that they are eating.
Editorial policy: The Redbird Word and The Daily Bird
operate as a public forum of expression. Readers can
email letters to the editor at
the.redbird.word@gmail.com. Expressions made in
these student-led publications are in no way an
expression of the district or the school board.
1
Featuring writers
G e n e v i e v e A h l i n
A v a B o l e y
R a e l y n B r a t c h e r
R y a n C a t e s
J a e l y n n D i e r k i n g
M i c h a e l F e l l i o n
R a y ' a u n n a h G o r d o n
L i l y H a r m o n
W i l l i a m H a r r i s I I
J a y m e s e T a y l o r
D a v e o n M o r g a n
G r a h a m M c A f o o s
M a d e l i n e L i p a r o t o
M a d i s o n P r u i e t t
K a t i e R i c h
V i n c e n t L u m e t t a

District Receives Grant Funding
For New Chromebooks
By: Michael Fellion
While school was out this summer, the state issued a federal grant for the district to buy 5,800 Chromebooks and upgrade their
old technology. The Chromebooks were ordered and distributed to students to keep for their entire Alton High School stay.
Freshman Aiden Smart said “I think they are pretty cool, and it is safer now with the new cases.” Senior Javier McFadden is
impressed with the new Chromebooks too. “The new Chromebooks are amazing. They run fast and don’t lag as much as the old ones,
and they are just right to hold, and I don’t see anyone dropping them as much as last year,” McFadden said.
“I have no problems with my new Chromebook besides having to relog into Google Classroom every few times I log in, but it isn’t
a problem,” Smart said. McFadden said he is having a good time with his Chromebook.. “No problems at all. I had some trouble with
my Chromebook last year but it is fixed now,” he added.
Smart also said, “I’m glad that the grant was used on new Chromebooks.”
Alton Faces Teacher Shortages
By: Katie Rich
Is it the students' fault that teachers are leaving in masses? The teacher shortage is a serious, growing issue in Illinois, and in our
country. While some believe that students are driving out the teachers, others believe that their salary is what draws the line.
Foreign Language teacher Michelle Bachman believes that a teacher’s average salary has to do with the number of years the
teacher has been working and the district they are in. “If you ask me how much they should be making, enough that they only have
to work one job,” said Bachman.
Health teacher Emily Mangi said, “I believe they make $35,000-$40,000 per year." When asked about why a teacher would resign,
Mangi also said, “I love teaching, and it would take a lot for me to leave the profession, however, if I thought I was not benefiting my
students I might consider it.” Michelle Bachman stated that her reasoning for leaving her profession would be retirement.
Another question was posed to both teachers about the support system that is offered, and if that could be a factor in the teacher
shortage across Illinois. “It’s my 28th year here. I don’t need as much support within the classroom as I needed when I was a newer
teacher,” said Bachman. Mangi shared something similar. “I do feel we have a supportive school. Everyone works well together and
is always trying and improving on what is best for the student body," she said.
Finally, a teacher outside of Alton High School was approached with these questions. “I believe that the average teacher makes
$40-45,000,” said Jessica Lebrun. LeBrun also believes that there is a lack of support from the administration and the parents of
students can be disrespectful or uninvolved.
The teachers in this story believe that the teacher shortage could be prevented if parents were more respectful to teachers,
teachers were offered more support in their classroom and their salaries increased to prevent them from having to work more
than one job to make a livable wage
2

Restroom Restrictions Prove
Challenging
By: Genevieve Ahlin
As many students have found, at the start of this school year, there are quite a few bathroom restrictions in place. Those
restrictions include things like the 10-minute wait time at the start and end of class, the locked restrooms throughout the
building, and teachers allowing a limited number of breaks per semester.
When asked the reasoning for these restrictions, Principal Mike Bellm answered, “We started last year to restrict passes in the
first and last 10 minutes of class. This helps students and teachers start and end the classes without disruptions. Doors are only
locked in restrooms when there is a maintenance issue and they are not working properly. We want students to access the
nearest restroom to their class.” Bellm also added that students have access to the restrooms before school, during passing
periods and the middle 30 minutes of each class.
Senior Billie Milford said, “It is a right to use the bathroom. Period.” They spoke about medical issues and concerns like
infections or disorders. They also added, “I think the 10-minute rule should be shortened to five minutes… I think the first ten
minutes is the best time to go.” Sophomore Elizabeth Sanders said she feels girls are more impacted by this restriction because of
needing to use the restroom frequently during their menstrual cycles.
Social studies teacher Sarah Thomas shared her opinion on the restrictions as well. “I understand why they’re doing what
they’re doing…they just have to come up with a better way than just not allowing kids to use the bathroom,” Thomas said. The 10-
minute restriction, and limiting usage, can help staff with monitoring the restrooms for students who might be vaping or
engaging in other prohibited behaviors “A lot of other schools do have those sensors were in the bathroom if it’s any vape smell,
marijuana or cigarette, that is an option to have a way of detecting those smells,” Thomas said. She also suggested putting the “See
Something, Say Something” signs in bathrooms.
In addition to the 10-minute restriction, some teachers are limiting restroom usage within their classrooms. Senior Ajiah
Terrel-Thompson said “Certain teacher’s one-semester rule is unreasonable. You cannot control when you have to use the
bathroom…Locking the bathroom is also dumb, but it depends on what happened inside.”
As students settle into the new school year, adjusting to these restrictions will take time and patience.
The restroom in the hallway of
C Building is frequently gated.
Students and staff in this area have
to walk to B building to use the
restroom.
Photo by Taylor Lawson
3

Live Music Comes to STL
By: Ryan Cates
Grab band shirts, cameras and friends. Bands are coming back to St. Louis. For rap fans, Post Malone performs at the Enterprise
Center with rapper Roddy Ricch on Sept. 17. Following Post Malone at the Enterprise Center, Pearl Jam will perform on Sept. 18. On Sept.
21, Alice in Chains and Breaking Benjamin perform at The Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in Maryland Heights with special guests
Bush and Plush.
On Sept. 24, country band Eli Young Band performs at Ballpark Village, and Pusha T headlines the Pageant on Sept. 29. Starting off
October, Five Finger Death Punch and Megadeth will be performing at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater Oct 8. The following night,
Panic! At The Disco, will be live at The Enterprise Center. On Oct. 11, Paramore performs live at The Factory in Chesterfield, Mo.
Students who love classic rock bands will be happy that The Who is at the Enterprise Center on Oct. 14. If you like country, Jake
Owens will perform the same night at The Family Arena, Saint Charles.
Kicking off the month of November, The Smashing Pumpkins and Jane's Addiction perform at the Enterprise Center on Nov. 1. Less
than a week after, Carrie Underwood and Jimmie Allen have a pit stop on Nov. 7. Celebrating their 50 years in the heavy metal
industry, Judas Priest stops at The Family Arena on Nov. 13. Last but not least, The Eagles perform at The Enterprise Center on Nov. 15.
For any more information on live shows visit Ticketmaster.com.
FCCLA Recruits For New Members
By: Raelyn Bratcher
When Regina Birch started working at AHS, she noticed there was a group of kids that were “low motivation and didn’t really feel
like they fit anywhere at the school." Having previous experience as an advisor made her realize that the school needed an FCCLA
program. Adding this program has “made a flip flop in the FACS program” Birch said.
FCCLA stands for Family Career and Community Leaders of America., and it ties into what is taught in the FACS program. They do
community projects either through the school or different groups contacting FCCLA asking them to participate, fundraise, promote,
have team spirit, team building, and help in acquiring leadership skills. While there is no direct goal for FCCLA in general,
Birch hopes the group can “win some awards at the state and would love to see a student achieve a personal goal they set for
themselves." They meet weekly, but it isn’t a requirement. The purpose is to keep kids up to date on activities. In order to join FCCLA,
you must have taken a FACS class in your high school career. For more information, visit Mrs. Austin's room (B165) or Mrs. Birch's
room (B164) to get a membership form. There are meetings after school on Tuesdays.
4
Photo by Summer Collman

Meet the New Faces of Alton High
By: Jaelynn Dierking
Leah Galbraith returned to Alton High School to teach choir. Galbraith
taught for 11 years, but took a year off when she had her daughter. After she
moved back to the area, she taught at West Elementary School before
returning to the high school to teach choir.
Galbraith has a four-year degree in vocal music education from Millikin
University. She said she likes working at Alton High because at previous
schools she wasn't really near other staff members that were in the music
department. "Alton High’s staff are very welcoming and helpful," Galbraith
said.
The choir is always something Galbraith has loved. She has been in choir
for as long as she can remember. She said her mother is the one that inspired
her to sing in the choir. What she likes most about teaching choir is “the kids
and the relationship." Galbraith said she thinks the students make the
experience so much more special.
By: Ray'aunnah Gordon
The new freshman principal, Mrs. Jennifer Root-Smith, came to Alton
High this year after 15 years in the Madison School District. There were
only about 300 kids in that school, so this has been a big change for her.
“It’s been a little overwhelming,” Root-Smith said. Since there were only
300 kids in her previous school, she was able to know the kids better and
have a close bond with them, almost as if they were family.
Her goal for the rest of the year is to be an advocate for others. Mrs.
Root-Smith said, “Being counted on and giving students the right guidance
throughout the school year will be the happiest things I could want for
the this year.”
By: Madison Pruiett
Mrs. Alina Scoggins is one of the newest members at Alton High
School. She is only 26-years-old but has a steady job as a counselor for
ninth and tenth graders. She works hard to help the new freshman in
the school and make sure they are doing okay. Scoggins was a former
student at Alton High and it inspired her to return. She said, “Once a
Redbird always a Redbird. So, I was inspired just to come back and be a
part of my home community." Scoggins has a husband and two dogs.
Her family and former education inspired her to become a
hardworking individual to get where she is now. She likes to live in
the moment she is in and go with the flow most of the time. She gets
through stressful situations in a healthy way by, “talking to friends
and coworkers, and chocolate.”
Mrs. Galbraith
Choir Teacher
Mrs. Root-Smith
Freshman Principal
Mrs. Scoggins
9th & 10th Grade Counselor
5

By: Madeline Liparoto
With the new school year starting off ,we see many familiar faces in the
halls, as well as some new ones. Mrs. Chelsea Anderson is not be new to the
Alton School District. Some of us know her from Alton Middle School.
Anderson would describe herself as,” bold, calming, comical, and
trustworthy, comforting, positive….” although she can also be seen as
intimidating. Teaching was not Anderson's first choice as a job. She
actually wanted to be a psychologist. Although, Anderson really enjoys
teaching. She said that her students, truly motivate her to continue as a
teacher. Anderson loves all her students and loves that she molds young
minds and motivate her students.
Mrs. Anderson
English Teacher
By: Vincent Lumetta
Lauren Fassler is a special education teacher who was recently hired at
Alton High. Before, she was a teacher at a behavioral disorder school. Fassler
was inspired by a friend who recommended her to become a special needs
teacher. She said that her favorite part about teaching at Alton High is
watching kids grow and develop as individuals “To watch kids progress and
reach their goals is what truly inspires me as a special needs teacher,"
Fassler said. Her favorite memory of being a special needs teacher is when
she was chosen by one of her students to walk her down the aisle at
graduation.
By: Daveon Morgan
Coach David Parker has had 30 years of experience coaching high school
football. “I started coaching at the age of 19. I've coached on the offensive and
defensive side of the ball,” Parker said. He explained he really would like to
work on the small details such as the Alton teams' blocking, tackling and
special teams.
Coach Parker talked about some of the highlights of his role. “I would say
some of the highlights are working with the young men and women I
coach. I strive to help them become better men and women in this crazy
world we live in.”
He also talked about some of the challenges in his role. “Challenges are
fighting the outside things that don't have anything to do with football.
Grades and behavior are also challenging,” Parker said.
Parker said that he was attracted to Alton High because of what he had
heard about the community and he felt that the school had "the scholarathletes
and numbers to become a powerhouse.
His daily routine as a high school football coach is writing the practice
script for the day. Another part of his daily routine is checking on the
scholar-athletes grades/behavior and making sure everyone is successful.
Mrs. Fassler
Special Education Teacher
Coach Parker
Head Football Coach
Check out more new teacher stories on the Daily Bird
https://thedailybird.org/
6

New Beginnings
By: William Harris ll
Photo by Taylor Lawson
In the last football season, the team had issues with coaching as well as discipline. From a stat perspective, the football team
had a low scoring and high penalty rate. At the end of the season, finishing with a 1 and 8 record Head Coach, Eric Dickerson,
resigned, as well as the other assistant coaches. Later on in the year, the School Board decided to hire Head Coach David Parker.
Parker decided to bring back half of the coaches from last year as well as some new coaches of his own. His whole mission
from day one was to “Change the Culture.” This was not only for the football team but for the entirety of Alton during the
summer. The football team worked out in the new auxiliary gym and also worked on weight lifting.
Then, they took the practices to the field. They also participated in 7-on-7 games. This encourages growth with the new
players as well as provides opportunities to get used to the new offense. The football team also went to a new D1 college camp in
Lindenwood in St. Charles, Mo., getting them familiar with coaches and pushing them to further their game.
On Aug. 26, the football team had the opportunity to show what they had been working on during the summer. During the
first half, it was a back-and-forth game, with a long run by senior running back Keith Gilchrese to the 10 and a 3-and-out stop by
the Cahokia Comanches. The game was starting way better than last year. Sadly, the football team did lose.
The coaching staff said to the players that they were proud of them. They also mentioned many things that they needed to fix.
A lot of the things they mentioned had no regard for how they played, but the mentality of how they played. Coach Parker said
to his team, “I was extremely pleased, but also frustrated at times with our play and effort on Friday. We came out strong with
two nice KOR or kick of return (1 for a TD) and were competitive on defense. We struggled at times on offense, effort, and in our
kicking game.” He also added,” The players and coaches feel as though we’re in a better place than we were last season at this
time.”
Parker also said the team needs to improve their kicking game, coverage on KO/Punts and the play in the trenches as well as
work on some small details on both sides of the ball and special teams. "When we correct the little things, I believe the sky's the
limit for us,” Parker said. The football team understood what happened and why. They replied with "Yes sirs" and high spirits for
the rest of the season.
For more information on Varsity and Junior Varsity games, visit the Football link on the Alton Athletics page at
www.altonathletics.org.
7

New Year, New Team
By: Graham McAfoos
With improved camaraderie and physical stamina, the redbirds soccer team is rolling into the 2022 season
hot and ready to take it all. The Redbirds have a larger upperclassmen body to represent them on the pitch
this season as well. In addition to that, they’ve got an impressive set of younger players which includes
Sophomore Dillian Cowen, Junior Cameron Belchick, and Junior Elek Steiner.
Senior players, Ashton Schepers and Jude Runyoun expressed that the team has put focus this past
summer on working harder in the late minutes of games to come out with a win. With senior goalkeeper
Aiden Belchick in the net accompanied by ample shooting talent, Jude Runyoun, showed great confidence in
his team coming out on top in penalty kick opportunities.
Both Schepers and Runyoun believe they can be competitive in conference matches in the 2022 season. The
team has won its first three games this season. All the while not letting in any goals. If the Redbirds can keep
up the momentum into conference play, they seem to have pretty good odds to knock off the toughest teams
the Southwestern conference has to offer.
After back-to-back rough seasons, the Redbirds have high hopes for the 2022 season. The Redbirds believe
they have improved overall roster talent. As well as improved leadership among upperclassmen. With
earlier success as well as a recent tournament win, the Redbirds feel they’ll be unstoppable in 2022.
8

The Nest Returns to Full
By:Lilly Harmon
Capacity
The popular Redbird Nest is back and ready to take on this new school season. In these past few years, obstacles have come faceto-face
with the Nest causing a decline in student members and attendance. But with the first normal school year since 2018-2019,
the nest has gone back to its regular attendance.
Furthermore, the Nest is a student-only club offering a spot for anyone from grades 9-12. There is a Nest offered at each and every
home sports game Redbirds play. By paying $20 you’ll get free admission, a t-shirt, and a spot in the student section. Most kids find
that the nest makes school games all the more fun with the themes and interactive cheers led by members of the leadership
committee.
Ever wonder how themes are made? Well, the nest leadership committee decides. Staff vote on upcoming seniors to fill the four
positions of the leadership committee. This is to have fun themes that everyone enjoys. For the most recent game on Aug. 26, the
theme was class colors. Members in the section said their favorite part of being in the Nest was their peers and the environment it
creates.
Coach Roberson, who sponsors the Redbird Nest, mentioned how other schools admire the Alton High student section. “Give us
what you do,” Roberson said, referring to the calls he has gotten from other schools asking how to create a student section like
Alton’s.
Overall, The Redbird nest is a student section club loved by all its members. This school club is perfect for anyone who loves
sports and spending time with peers.
9

Tips for Freshmen
-Do your homework!
-You will probably never use your locker.
-Stay on one side of the hall/stairways!!
-Don't just try to use the main stairwell!!!
There are other stairs you can take.
-No matter how hard your schoolwork may
be, ALWAYS get it done!
-Don't feel pressured to dress to impress...no
one is worried about what you look like.
-Don't stop and talk in the middle of the
hallway
-Enjoy every aspect of school, you will miss it!
-Try to make friends, they will be with you
throughout high school.
-Get all your required classes out of the way so
you can have more options and enjoy your
senior year!
-Don't disrespect your peers!!
-Take journalism, it counts as an English credit!!
110 10

What is your Zodiac?
Pisces
Scorpio
Virgo
februrary 19 - march 20 october 23 - november 21 july 23 - august 22
Aquarius
Gemini
Aries
january 20 - feburary 18 may 21 - june 20
Cancer
Sagittarius
march 21 - april 19
Libra
june 22 - july 22 november 22 - december 21 september 22 - october 23
Leo Capricorn
Taurus
july 23 - august 22 december 22 - january 19 april 20 - may 20