Meet Your Teacher: Ms. Ostrander Jessie Ostrander knows that math isn’t for everyone, and she’s ok with that. By Ashley Crowell December 17, 2024 Jessie Ostrander has a teaching philosophy that may seem counterintuitive for a math teacher. “Math is not as important as I thought it was,” the first-year Grimsley teacher said. “I’ve learned a lot more about how there are so many different kinds of students in my classroom.” Ms. Ostrander has realized that some students will never love math or use it all the time, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be successful in life. “There are so many different kinds of success and ways to be successful, and that is just one tool in one kind of success,” she said. Ms. Ostrander is new to Grimsley; in fact, she is new to teaching. This is her first year ever teaching. She had previously worked in IT after majoring in computer science at college. “I just got tired of working a 9 to 5 job where I sat at a computer, and I didn’t talk to people, and I worked from home most of the time,” she said. Ms. Ostrander had wanted to be a teacher ever since she was 12 years old. Ms. Ostrander remembers being in middle school and thinking, “If I was a math teacher, I would do things this way…I’ve just always had that thought in my head, that I want to be a math teacher and I want to teach things this way.” While she may have had a clear idea of how she wanted to teach when she was 12 years old, Ms. Ostrander still struggled this fall finding her teaching style. “I want to get to the end of the year and have a really good idea how to set up my next school year,” she said. “Every day is a learning opportunity, and each time I teach something, it is the first time I’m teaching this. I’m kind of trying out a bunch of different things.” Though there have been many challenges in the transition, Ms. Ostrander has found unexpected joys along the way. She enjoys the conversations she has with students, learning about their interests and the ways they learn. “Finding something that I could talk to the student about that has nothing to do with math, it’s just so great to get to know people as people,” she said. “That makes it easier then to be a teacher when you have that kind of relationship built on human interaction.” “I’ve always known at least in theory that what works for one person doesn’t work for everybody, but knowing that and knowing it because you’ve experienced it and seen it are very different.” These student interactions have really changed Ms. Ostrander’s perspective on teaching. She is implementing this philosophy not just in her teaching style, but even in her classroom itself. By adding lamps, posters and other decorative touches, Ms. Ostrander hopes to create a better learning environment for her students. “I don’t want people to come in here and immediately have their mindset affected before they even have to do math,” she said. “I honestly think that having just a little bit of a different lighting and cozy touches here and there can completely reset your mind and the way you feel about a math class the moment you step into the door.” Ms. Ostrander has noticed that since she made the changes to her room, her students have been more present and engaged in class. Whether it is how to structure her lesson plan or how to decorate her room, Ms. Ostrander always keeps her students at the forefront of her mind. “They’re people who have so much going on outside of their classes,” she said. “And there’s something I can do as their teacher to help support them through that, no matter what kind of thing they’re going through.”

After a decade of silence, Grimsley's student voice returns. Reviving a century-old newspaper legacy, The Whirlie Post connects Grimsley's vibrant community. Through self-expression and camaraderie, we build our future upon the foundations of the past. What Happened to the School Newspaper? Join us as we dive into the history of the High Life. By Heidi White Jan. 29, 2024 Have you ever heard of family members getting school newspapers or have you seen them on TV shows? The high school newspaper is a popular fixture of American culture. “The newspaper is a greater treasure to the people than uncounted millions of gold,” said Henry Ward Beecher, an influential clergyman of the 19th century. Many students may not know that Grimsley once had a newspaper called High Life. It ran in the school from 1920 to 2013 and would include school events, sports, local news stories, stories about athletes, and the issues students cared about. Several editions featured letters to the editor concerning Vietnam War protests, illegal drug use, and even opinions on the student dress code. A special edition was dedicated to the graduating seniors and included popular features such as the senior class's will. Ms. Lynn Rozelman, a fixture at Grimsley from 1998 to 2021, taught Yearbook, Newspaper and English. Yet as Grimsley grew, more core classes were needed, and Ms. Rozelman was assigned to teach additional English classes. The elective newspaper class was cut, causing the High LIfe to cease publication in 2013. Ms. Rozelman attempted to bring back the High Life digitally with a creative writing class in 2015, but after that school year the creative writing class was cut as well. For many years, Grimsley was without a newspaper. Newspapers serve an essential role in communities, and have done so for hundreds of years. As Thomas Jefferson said, “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” School newspapers serve an important role by providing information about clubs and extracurricular activities, events happening at the school and building community among the students by sharing ideas and personal stories. After several years without this integral part of Grimsley, a new newspaper, The Whirlie Post, will take up the mantle of the High Life and continue providing the essential services of a school newspaper. Though it is not yet a class, The Post is a club that desires to grow more and more through new members and more influence, to truly embody the spirit and community of Grimsley. Participating in a school newspaper provides an outlet for self-expression, and a way to “be a part of history,” said Ms. Rozelman. She remembers “the camaraderie of the students” as one of her favorite parts about teaching the newspaper class. If you are interested in being a part of building a community at Grimsley High School, contact Ms. Hunt-Ward in room 217, or Mr. Sharpnack in room 200. Ashley Crowell contributed to this article.

Meet Nurse Stockton Keria Stockon is not just Grimsley’s school nurse, but a public health professional. By Sally Nagappan February 26, 2025 Have you ever had a question about one of your classes, needed help changing your schedule or needed to pick up a form? If you have, you have likely gone to the counseling office. When you were in the counseling you may have noticed a room in the very back of the office. This is the office of Grimsley’s school nurse. Nurse Keria Stockton is the school nurse at Grimley and has been working at the school for about three years. Before becoming a school nurse, Nurse Stockton worked as a nurse in a hospital, where she helped patients who were on life-sustaining care and medication. However, Nurse Stockton had an interest in working with a more consistent population. She felt being a school nurse would provide this. She also wanted to be able to prevent health issues in the first place. “I wanted to challenge myself to be a part of the care team that works more on the preventative front and that’s what school health offers,” Nurse Stockton said. Unfortunately, when you walked into the counseling office, you may have noticed that Nurse Stockton’s office was dark and empty. This is because Nurse Stockton travels to several different schools, middle and elementary included, so sometimes she is not available when day-to-day health issues come up. Because of this she must train other school staff to assist with these issues. “Between my assigned schools, I help take care of approximately 2,500 students…1 nurse,” Nurse Stockton said. In addition, Nurse Stockton explained that it is very challenging when there is a situation that she is not able to fix such as helping a student get the medication they need or eyeglasses. “Sometimes I wish I could hold the hands of the parents and students and walk them through the process so that the student’s needs can quickly be met,” Nurse Stockton said. However whenever she is able to help Nurse Stockton takes pride in being able to see the effect that her hard work has had in helping a student. As such since Nurse Stockton is involved in helping students in many ways so no two days look exactly alike. “There’s no such thing [as a typical day] in this specialty of nursing. While I am the school nurse at Grimsley, my primary role is a public health nurse, and public health is very fluid,” Nurse Stockton said. One common misconception about school nurses is that they are only there to help with minor injuries such as cuts or headaches. Being a school nurse actually, means a lot more than handing students ice or bandages for injuries. While school nurses are certainly able to help with those types of injuries, they mostly are there to provide education, community outreach and provide help to students' and their family so that individual health can be met.

Behind Grimsley's high achievement lurks a silent crisis - student anxiety. Counselors urge struggling teens to open up about panic attacks and pressure to succeed. With coping strategies and compassionate support, we can address these overlooked mental health issues. Anxiety Is Real I struggle with anxiety in high school. Do you? By Ashley Crowell Feb. 29, 2024 “Toughen up buttercup!” “Boys don’t cry!” Has anyone ever said something like this to you when you were feeling anxious? Often anxiety gets dismissed as unimportant or weak, when actually, anxiety is a real issue for many people. Most people feel slight anxiety every now and then, which is normal. Some people feel anxiety so acutely that they develop something called “panic attacks,” which are sudden and overwhelming feelings of anxiety. Anxiety can be debilitating and prevent people from participating in everyday activities to avoid triggering these feelings. When this happens, it’s time to ask for help. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concerns in the United States. More than 40 million adults in the U.S. (19.1% ) have an anxiety disorder, according to The National Alliance on Mental Illness. To many, these people are just statistics, far off numbers that don’t really affect their lives. But anxiety can affect all of us when we least expect it. It happened to me. I had just started a new year in high school, and everything seemed to be too much, but I was handling it. Then suddenly one morning, two things happened in quick succession that crumbled my careful facade of composure. I was so shaken, I couldn’t keep going. I sat in my car and breathed deeply for a few minutes, praying for peace. After calling to mind several of my favorite Bible verses, I was able to work through what I was feeling and return to the regular routine. Yet I was affected for the rest of the day. This is just a very small example of how debilitating anxiety can be. Anxiety can come in many forms, with a variety of symptoms ranging from emotional to physical. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, symptoms can include: Feelings of apprehension or dread. Feeling tense or jumpy. Pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath. Sweating, tremors and twitches. Headaches, fatigue and insomnia. Susan B. Marsh, a guidance counselor at Grimsley, notes that for many teens, anxiety can be caused by academic pressure to be successful, which can be from parents, or even from themselves. Yet not all anxiety has an obvious cause. “Sometimes people are anxious and they don’t know why they’re anxious,” Ms. Marsh said. How do teens cope with all of the anxiety in their daily lives? Along with spiritual practices like prayer, here are some additional coping strategies from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Take a break. Eat balanced meals. Exercise regularly. Breathe. Accept that you are not perfect. Set small, achievable goals instead of broad expectations. Yet sometimes these strategies are not enough. Sometimes you may reach a point where you need more—where anxiety continues to affect how you live your life on a daily basis. If you are struggling with severe anxiety, there are people at Grimsley, like the guidance counselors, who will walk beside you through this struggle, and resources that are available to help. Please remember this: you are not alone. Continue reading "Overwhelmed": Grimsley Senior Charlotte Williams overcomes her anxiety.

Opinion: Renovation Revolution We believe upgrades could transform Grimsley High School By Aissatou Coly and Heather Monge-Ceciliano February 11, 2025 Grimsley High School, founded in 1899, is one of the oldest schools in Guilford County. In 2005, it was established as a historic site in Greensboro. Grimsley has served thousands of students in Guilford County throughout the decades, but as the years go by, our campus is beginning to show the wear and tear of the many students who have walked the campus. Furthermore, the outdated structure can pose a safety hazard to students, faculty, and staff if not addressed. Grimsley is built upon a foundation of rich history; however, the school could use a facelift to continue to serve generations to come. In our opinion, the school can become even more competitive by modernizing the classrooms for comfort, the cafeteria for better flow of student traffic for better efficiency of lunchtime, and updating the classroom furniture & technology to keep students engaged. In addition, one nice touch to the facelift of the school could be to bring back a vintage touch of lockers. The school could readjust the scheduling of classes to allow students to take part in this tradition of enjoying a locker, which could help alleviate the strain put on students due to heavy book bags. While a majority of students, like Christian Burnett, think that “Grimsley is a pretty great school,” they also believe that there are many things that could be improved at the school. For example, students like Faith Burnett believe that “new bathrooms and better-smelling classrooms would make Grimsley a happy and better place.” Christian Burnett also believes that “by fixing the bathrooms and wall chippings, the school would feel safer and cleaner” and “more art presented throughout the school, especially in older buildings like Old Science, would help make the building happier.” Overall, while many students love Grimsley High School, a lot of students believe that Grimsley would be a much better place if things such as the bathrooms were fixed. These improvements would allow Grimsley to continue serving students for years to come.

After a century of educating Greensboro students, aging Swann Middle School closes its doors in 2024. Despite plans to reopen as a performing arts magnet in 2027, Swann's tight-knit community grapples with the redistricting of its devoted students and teachers. Swann Middle to Be Shut Down, Renovated Major changes to Swann Middle School bring mixed reactions from students and teachers. By Mila Pucilowski Jan. 29, 2024 Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina with 124 schools, many over 60 years old. Because of this many schools are in desperate need of repair, an issue the Guilford County School Board has been trying to resolve. With a new Kiser Middle building being rebuilt right next door and many more schools being closed entirely, it poses the question, what happens when a school is completely shut down? Well, this is happening right now at Swann Middle School. Swann Middle is a historic school that just celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022, making it the district's oldest school building. Therefore it had many problems such as mold, leaks, AC problems, and more. On November 7th, it was revealed that the school would be shut down after the 2023-2024 school year, abrupt news that shocked teachers and students. Mark Maltby, who has been teaching at Swann for 13 years, was with students when the news was first announced. He and the other teachers found out at the same time as the students. Instead of worrying for his job, and what problems it would cause for him, Maltby said, "The hardest part was watching the kids cry." After the initial shock, all agreed that it was best for the school, and many were excited for a new experience. Current seventh grade student Maye Kennerly said, "I'm kind of excited to move schools, to start a fresh year with new friends, new teachers, and a whole new environment.” As for teachers, most core teachers have already been redistricted to new schools. However some arts teachers, although guaranteed a job next year, still have not been told where they will be going. Swann has acted as a middle school for Spanish Immersion and STEM students since about the year 2000. But it is still a district school as well. In total there are about 542 students currently at Swann middle. Students will be redistricted to either Kiser or Mendenhall Middle Schools depending on whether they are in the Page or Grimsley district, according to the Greensboro News & Record. The Spanish immersion students are being redistricted to Kiser Middle, and STEM students to Hairston Middle. Swann's renovation is set to be done by the fall of 2027. The initial idea was for it to become a 6-12 magnet school. However, GCS Superintendent Dr. Whitney Oakley proposed that it should become the new performing arts school, replacing Weaver Academy as Greensboro's performing arts school. The school board approved Dr. Oakley's proposal, and Swann will reopen in 2027 as a performing arts school.

Grimsley High's Mock Trial Club gives aspiring attorneys a head start, practicing courtroom arguments under the guidance of legal mentors. Students face off in a fictional murder case, honing critical thinking and public speaking skills. This empowering club builds confidence and camaraderie for its future lawyers. Pictured: (Front Row Left) Dhruti Gite, Lia Mun, Maddie Testa, Renas Wigyealla, Jun Xi Tan (Top Row Left) Lucia Lomax, Evan Harbin, Nikhil Nataraju, Anish Nerella Photo provided by the Mock Trial Club. Objection Your Honor! Grimsley’s Mock Trial Club prepares students for the future. By Ava Lani Schmutzer Feb. 29, 2024 Grimsley students have big plans for the future, and many will tell you becoming a lawyer is their aspiration. However, some take it a step further and begin their career with a head start by literally practicing law. Students in the Mock Trial Club are given a fictional case, and they must form a prosecution and defense team to argue the case. The club is a challenging and engaging way for members to tap into their argumentative side. Students are handed an enormous packet of information to use for constructing a believable argument. Students are assigned to be on either prosecution or defense, usually in a make-believe case. Sponsored by social studies teacher Ms. Emily Quinn, Grimsley’s Mock Trial Club might be young, but it’s on fire. So far, multiple students have won awards, including sophomore Lia Mun for Best Witness from both the judge and the competition. Freshman Maddie Testa and Sophomore Nikhil Nataraju also received awards from other competing teams. Mock Trial is a seasonal sport, and each school year cases alternate between civil and criminal. This year, Grimsley’s team worked on a first-degree murder case, with two subteams advocating for prosecution and defense. Often, mock trial crosses over into the real world of law as students are mentored by lawyers, and legal professionals judge the event. “It was really cool getting to learn about how court proceedings work,” said Testa, who played a defendant and a prosecution witness. “And getting to practice our knowledge in an actual courtroom.” Members specialize in real aspects of a murder trial, with some focusing on cross-examination and others delivering the opening and closing arguments. Someone specializing in rebuttal needs to be quick on their feet, creating arguments in just a few short minutes! Mock Trial isn’t all about writing legal arguments and analyzing documents. Some students play witnesses and must hone their acting skills. Witnesses are called to testify and give their best performance as the character involved in the case. “In the beginning it seems like a lot of work, and I was stressed about the amount of improv and thinking on my feet that I had to do,” Testa said, “But once I got to know the case, it was basically like being in a play.” The students also have an excellent opportunity to improve their leadership skills. As president of Grimsley’s team, Dhruti Gite is responsible for leading the team toward victory, creating a cohesive force for defense or indictment. “I really like how organized and straightforward the club organization was,” Testa said. “Ms. Quinn, Dhruti, and Lia did a really good job!” For many students, Mock Trial is a brilliant way to spice up their college entries, as well as gain real-world experience with working on a team in law. The team also has big plans for the future with a field trip to Elon Law School. Being on the team feels “empowering,” said Nataraju, who played a prosecuting attorney. “You can ask your team members for help,” he said. “You’re not by yourself. Being there, overall, boosts your confidence, [improves] your speaking abilities, and benefits you in the field of law.” Grimsley’s Mock Trial team is, without objection, a true asset to our students.

Students of the Month The Whirlie Post would like to recognize certain students for their excellent character and the positive effect they have on their peers and their community. Read about these awesome individuals below! February Lydia Alexa Maksimov-9th Grade “Lydia is extremely remarkable. She finishes her projects early. She at times instructs in class. She is just helpful and positive.”-Ms.Luz Guevara Bigelow Katherine Medina-10th Grade “Kate is a kind student that makes anyone feel welcomed in the classroom. Kate is incredibly determined and hard working earning A's in all of her classes. She also is involved in many extracurriculars such as Battle of the Books and swimming.”-Ms. Madison Hall January Aiden Medlin-9th Grade “Aiden works so hard and is always willing and ready to help his classmates. He is kind to his classmates and I love seeing it!”-Ms. Sumia Mustafa Jasmine Clark-10th Grade “Jasmine is a strong leader within the classroom community. She works diligently at all tasks and puts her utmost into everything that she does. Jasmine is someone that not only displays a strong work ethic, but also maintains a high ethical standard.”-Ms. Joy Hunt-Ward Amos Ohene-12 Grade “This student exemplifies everything that is amazing about our school. Amos is a student leader, scholar and volunteer. Amos makes our school better and it is an honor being his Principal.”-Mr. Ged O'Donnell Zion Cunningham-11th Grade “Zion is a great young lady. She is respectful, responsible, and works well with peers. Zion has a strong work ethic and strives to meet the goals she has set for herself. She is not afraid to voice her opinion, even if it does not align with the majority. I enjoy having Zion in my class and look forward to witnessing her journey.”- Ms. Dannaya Sellars December RJ Johnson-10th “for displaying kindness to his peers. I saw him walking with one of the OCS students and this interaction truly warmed my heart!”-Ms. Sumia Mustafa Kendal Threewitt- 9th “Kendal is a focused and enthusiastic learner, and I really enjoy them in class, and I think they’re going to go far!”-Ms. Emily Burch Taiquan Yancy-11th “Taiquan has made major strides in his math class. He has improved his grade from 1st quarter to 2nd quarter and consistently works hard in class by completing his homework assignments. He is a very pleasant student and is always respectful and willing to put in the extra work. I am very proud of him!” -Ms. Way November Kroe Bryant-9th grade “Kroe is an exemplary student! He always strives to his best ability and goes above and beyond in his academics. Kroe also helps his peers whenever he can and is always a joy to have in class.”- Ms. Williams Regan Haverstock-10th grade “Regan should be Student of the Month for contributing to the success of the Grimsley Girls Volleyball team this year as a superb setter. She is also an excellent student!” -Ms. Desiree Acevedo Isabella Sherrick- 12th grade “This student has overcome MANY difficulties and hardships and is rocking French 3 this year. She has kept an amazingly positive attitude and is loving and respectful!” -Ms. Jennifer Johnston Kerns (Madame JJK) Brock Weston Brock Weston is a Student of the Month for November. The 11th grader is a football player and dedicatedly works out at the gym every day. His favorite class this year is Ap Earth and Environmental Science. Brock enjoys being at Grimsley saying that he really enjoys “the people, and that it's a good environment to be in.” When asked what he would like to say to his fellow students, Brock said, “Try your best.” “Brock is very engaged in the classroom, maintaining excellent scores throughout the football season. He is on the football team and uses his time wisely. He participates in class and works with his learning partner on a daily basis.” - Scott SanGeorge

Staff Directory 2024-25 Ashley Crowell, class of '26, Editor, Website Manager and Staff Writer Jake Acosta, class of '26, Photographer and Staff Writer Georgette Beaumont, class of '27, Staff Writer Vishruth Bhargava, class of '26, Staff Writer Lincoln Casey, class of '26, Staff Writer and Website Manager Aissatou Coly, class of '26, Staff Writer Andrew Crowell, class of '26, Copy Editor Juliet Fisher, class of '27, Staff Writer Kennedy Goree, class of '27, Staff Writer Collin Hicks, class of '26, Staff Writer Kevin Massey, class of '26, Photographer Heather Monge-Ceciliano, class of '26, Staff Writer Sarah "Sally" Nagappan, class of '27, Staff Writer Chance Phillips, class of '26, Social Media Manager and Website Manager Mila Pucilowski, class of '27, Staff Writer Ava Lani Schmutzer, class of '26, Staff Writer Savannah Singleton, class of '26, Social Media Manager Heidi White, class of '26, Staff Writer and Illustrator Evan Post, Teacher Advisor Dimon Kendrick-Holmes, Exec. Editor News & Record, Community Advisor Linn Crowell, Parent Advisor 2023-24 Ashley Crowell, class of '26, Editor Jake Acosta, class of '26, Photographer and Staff Writer Lincoln Casey, class of '26, Staff Writer and Website Manager Andrew Crowell, class of '26, Copy Editor Kennedy Goree, class of '27, Staff Writer Lana Illikkal, class of '27, Staff Writer Kevin Massey, class of '26, Photographer Katherine Medina, class of '26, Staff Writer Anish Nerella, class of '26, Staff Writer and Website Manager Ashley Pritchett, class of '26, Staff Writer Mila Pucilowski, class of '27, Staff Writer Ava Lani Schmutzer, class of '26, Staff Writer Savannah Singleton, class of '26, Social Media Manager Carter Watson, class of '26, Staff Writer Heidi White, class of '26, Staff Writer and Illustrator Joy Hunt-Ward, Advisor Emily Quinn, Advisor Adam Sharpnack, Advisor Dimon Kendrick-Holmes, Exec. Editor News & Record, Community Advisor Linn Crowell, Parent Advisor

Experience the delightful fusion of education and baking in Mr. Schoultz's seminar class at Grimsley High School. Join students in their weekly baking showdowns and unlock a unique and engaging learning experience. Discover homemade treats, creativity, and unconventional education at its finest. Seminar Cooks Up a Storm GHS seminar class finds its sweet spot with a weekly baking competition. By Anish Nerella Jan. 29, 2024 In an innovative twist to classroom dynamics, the students of Mr. John Schoultz’s seminar class at Grimsley High School have found a unique way to start their week. Every Monday, they engage in a friendly yet competitive baking showdown, sharing homemade delicacies with their peers. The tradition began serendipitously when Logan Witriol, one of the students, discussed his family’s challah recipe during class. Mr. Schoultz, known for his expertise in chemistry rather than culinary arts, expressed a desire to taste this homemade bread. Rising to the occasion, Logan brought his freshly baked challah the following Monday, setting the stage for what would soon become a weekly highlight. Embracing the spirit of homemade craftsmanship, Mr. Schoultz laid down the competition’s sole rule: everything must be from scratch—store-bought cake mixes and frostings are a clear no-go. The students only need to bring a dish to partake in the feast, an arrangement that has seen participation soar. Themes keep the competition vibrant, with recent events like the "Big Cookie" week where creativity in cookie-making was the delicious challenge at hand. Mr. Schoultz’s vision extends beyond the culinary realm; he believes that seminar classes should be grouped by common interests rather than traditional class or grade divisions. He advocates for a school environment where special interest teams, like sports teams, could share and develop their passions through these specialized seminars. “Such interactive class formats have the power to make seminar classes much more than just another block in a student's timetable,” Mr. Schoultz said. “They become a truly engaging and educational experience.” This baking competition is more than just a fun activity—it's a testament to Mr. Schoultz’s pedagogical approach that values student engagement and practical skill development. With flour-dusted aprons and ovens preheated, the students of GHS are proving that the recipe for educational success can be as diverse and unique as their culinary creations. Mr. Schoultz’s seminar class is a sweet example of how breaking the conventional mold can yield delightful results, both in learning and in baking.

Ramadan: My Perspective as a Grimsley Student Ramadan is a time for increased worship, charity, and prayer. Photo by Kevin Massey What does this holy month mean to Muslims and what is the purpose of fasting? By Lana Illikkal April 4, 2024 You might have Muslim friends who are fasting during this month called Ramadan, and you might ask the question: what is the actual reason for not eating from sunrise to sunset? I want to share with you my personal experience as a Muslim fasting during Ramadan and how significant it really is. First off, I see a lot of people answer the question above with the answer: Muslims fast to show compassion for the poor and less fortunate. And while gratitude is certainly something we can attain through fasting, that is not the central goal. Ramadan is the special month in which the Quran was revealed. It’s a time for increased worship, charity, and prayer. Muslims also observe fasting during Ramadan. According to the Quran, our holy scripture, fasting is prescribed to us so that we may acquire god consciousness. While fasting, I am constantly aware that I cannot eat and this in turn makes me more aware of my actions because consuming food is not the only way we can break our fast. Our fast can be invalid if we do things such as lying, backbiting, or being disrespectful to others. Fasting also grows our spiritual discipline by stopping ourselves before commiting a sin or doing something that may displease God. Ramadan shows Muslims that every extra step to better our faith, we can do it outside of Ramadan too. Magical powers aren’t sent upon us at the beginning of the month that suddenly give us the ability to go to the Masjid, our place of worship, every night, or finish the entire Quran, or to stay steadfast in our prayers. We prove to ourselves that we are capable. My favorite part of Ramadan, though, are the bonds I build and the oneness I feel among the other Muslims in my community. At my local Masjid there’s an Iftar, a meal that breaks the fast, every Friday. There are also group discussions and trivia nights that the Girls Youth Group hosts. All of this leads to show that Ramadan is a month for reflection. It’s a month for me to look back on myself, correct myself, and come out as a different better person who has strengthened her faith.

Grimsley High welcomes passionate first-year teachers Sarah Potts and Alecia Williams, who bonded with students over shared first-day nerves. With non-traditional paths to teaching, they're committed to inspiring young minds. Grimsley Math Teacher Ms. Sarah Potts, Photo by Jake Acosta and Kevin Massey Ms. Alicia Willliams, a social studies teacher at Grimsley Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Potts and Ms. Williams Meet two first-year teachers at Grimsley! By Mila Pucilowski Feb 29, 2024 The first day of school brings a whole new environment with new people and new expectations. This can generate feelings of excitement and nervousness, or a combination of both. Those feelings aren’t restricted to students. Ms. Sarah Potts and Ms. Alicia Williams are two first-year teachers at Grimsley high school. “It felt like being the new kid at a new school, but after the first week everything started to fall into place,” said Sarah Potts, a first-year math teacher at Grimsley. For Ms. Potts, it's not only her first year teaching at Grimsley, but her first year teaching at all. She has a degree in accounting and project managing. Before she began teaching she led a very eventful life, serving twelve years in the military as well as working at Honda Jet, Volvo and Mack Trucks. Ms. Potts has always loved math, so after her work in the military, she decided teaching math would be perfect. The best part for her is getting the students involved in math. “For her first year, she's doing an amazing job connecting with her students,” said Freshman Kennedy Goree. Ms. Williams also didn't plan to go into teaching. She originally went to school at UNCG for a degree in history. Then, she was offered a scholarship to join the Teacher Education Fellows, which required her to add education to her history major. “I always felt taken care of by my teachers,” Ms. Williams said.”So I wanted to be there for my students like my teachers were there for me.” She decided to take the scholarship and join the program. Throughout the program she was able to study abroad in Botswana, Africa. After finishing the program, she graduated UNCG with a History and Education degree. Ms. Williams went on to teach black history at Page High School for four years. But on her first day at Grimsley, she also experienced first day nerves. That morning, Ms. Williams decided she would stop at the welcome seminar for the freshman. While she was there, Principal O'Donnell talked about what to expect being new to the school, assuring them there was no need to worry. Soon, her nerves started to fade away. “Ms. Williams has always been there to help me achieve my academic goals,” said freshman Redas Wigyealla. Grimsley is fortunate to have first-year teachers like Ms. Potts and Ms. Williams who relate so well to their students, transforming first-day nerves into academic excellence.