Poppy Benwell - Staff Reporter
News: Updated gym rules implemented at OH
OH implemented new gym rules that reduce locker room changing time from five minutes to four minutes and relocated equipment rentals into the locker rooms. This change, made by the Kinetic Wellness Department, aims to improve efficiency, reduce tardiness, and limit hallway loitering during PE periods. The updated rules apply to all students enrolled in OH PE classes and change how students prepare for class before activities begin. School leaders say the changes are intended to increase instructional time and improve transitions between class periods. “We have gone from five minutes to four minutes in the locker room before the period,” said Nicholas Oraham, boys basketball coach, PE, and driver's ed teacher at OH. “Rentals are now being done in the locker room and not at the rental closet.”
Whisk, bake, repeat: New cooking club, founded by student, debuts at OH
When he was a freshman, now-sophomore Jacob Essick was looking for a club to join. His interest? Cooking. "I like cooking and I am passionate about it," Essick remembered. "And since there was [[no club like that,]] and I didn’t join any club my freshman year... this year I thought, well, why not try to make one? Because it could benefit everyone that goes here.” His new club, the Cooking Club, gives students an after-school opportunity to develop culinary skills, work collaboratively, and participate in fundraising and community events. The club meets once a week at OH and is open to all students, regardless of enrollment in culinary classes.
From utopia to Zootopia: The animated sequel now taking over Oswego screens
Fans at OH and across the Oswego community returned to the bustling, anthropomorphic city of Zootopia when Disney’s Zootopia 2, the long-awaited sequel to the 2016 blockbuster, released on Nov. 26, promising new adventures, fresh characters, and an expanded look at the city where anyone—from a timid bunny to a sly fox—can be anything. According to IMDB, the original Zootopia became a global phenomenon for its humor, stunning animation, and clever approach to social themes. Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, it paired rookie cop rabbit Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) with fox con‑artist Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) as they uncovered a city‑wide mystery. The original film was a hit: it grossed over $1 billion worldwide and earned Disney its 55th Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. For many local fans, the sequel represents a chance to revisit the dynamic duo. “It was way better in my opinion,” said Traughber Junior High eighth grader Jonathan Baker, reflecting the excitement among students preparing to see the film. The sequel is expected to explore Judy and Nick’s evolving roles as officers navigating a more complex and unpredictable Zootopia, introducing new districts, cultural zones, and mysteries.
OH attendance procedures and longer fall break raise questions among students, staff
As OH experiences its first year with a full week off for Thanksgiving and continued use of the “present survey” on special schedule days, students and staff are noticing how these changes affect attendance, stress, and classroom pacing. The extended break, approved as part of the district’s revised calendar, was designed to reduce the high absence rates that typically occur around the holiday. While many appreciate the extra time off, some say the shift has created new challenges in the classroom. “Getting the whole week off definitely helps students and staff recharge,” OH English teacher and yearbook adviser Ewa Tulak said. “But depending on where classes are in the unit, that timing can throw things off.”
Keller’s Farmstand: Fall fun and community connection in Oswego
Kellers Farmstand in Oswego offers many fall festivities for OH students and Oswego residents. The farm stand is a staple among Oswego residents, and many beloved activities are open again for fall. “I see OH students and their families visiting the farm pretty often because there are a lot of people from Oswego who work here,” said OH senior and Keller’s employee Rebecca Dutton. “It’s very family-friendly, [[and]] there’s something for everyone—apples, apple cider donuts, a big play area, pumpkins, and a corn maze,” Dutton added. For Dutton, the best part of working at Keller’s is watching those simple moments of joy unfold.