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.

From Purple Whirlwinds to Navy Whirlies: The History of GHS Even before being named Grimsley, GHS has long been one of the premier high schools in North Carolina. By Georgette Beaumont December 17, 2024 In 1899, Grimsley–then called Greensboro High School–opened its doors for the first time as a separate entity from the elementary school. Today, it stands as one of the oldest high schools in the state, carrying over a century of history and pride. Greensboro High School was originally housed in the former St. Agnes Church, which was located near the Greensboro Public Library on Church Street. The inaugural school year saw only a handful of students being instructed by four teachers in seven courses. However, news spread quickly about GHS and the church soon became overcrowded. In the fall of 1911, the school moved to a new building at the site of Weaver Academy and underwent a name change–this time to Greensboro Central High School. While at the Spring Street campus, GHS flourished. Students participated in a multitude of extracurricular activities–including a strong band and chorus program, sports such as horseback riding and football, clubs, newspaper, and an all-male cheer team. The mascot “The Purple Whirlwinds” was also adopted during this time. Despite the success of GHS, a shocking study done by Drs. G.D. Strayer and N.L. Englehardt of Columbia University in 1920 found that all the Greensboro city schools, GHS included, were physically substandard. Greensboro residents, albeit surprised by the findings, took on the challenge and initiated a school-building program. In 1927, following significant delays due to a lawsuit, the school board purchased a 129-acre property on Westover Terrace and began construction on a revamped Greensboro High School. In the fall of 1929, three decades after its opening, GHS, now known as Greensboro Senior High School, welcomed 1,300 students in grades 9 to 11 to the Westover Terrace campus. Unfortunately, the Great Depression loomed on the horizon and GHS was by no means exempt from its challenges. In 1933, the school’s art, music, drama, and vocational programs were all discontinued, as well as many clubs and services. Teachers were forced to resign in droves, and the school year was reduced to 8 months. However, the GHS community was strong, and emerged from the 1930s and 40s with a distinguished music program, of which the band was headed by the renowned Mr. Hazelman, a wide range of extracurricular clubs, and numerous state championships. The 1950s and 60s are considered to be GHS’s second golden age, during which both academics and student life thrived. The first AP class at Grimsley, European History, was introduced during the 1964-65 school year. The football team continued to thrive under Coach Jamieson, and traditions such as May Day were at their peak. Also during this era, the student body voted to change the school colors from purple and gold to the current navy and white, and the mascot name was changed to be the “Whirlwinds,” more commonly referred to as the “Whirlies.” In 1962, GHS experienced its most recent significant change: a name change. On January 16th, 1962, Principal A.P. Routh was called by the county school officials and told that due to the opening of additional high schools in Greensboro, GHS had to change its name. They warned Routh that if a new name was not selected in three hours, the school board would choose one for them. Routh and his staff, scrambling for an alternative that would allow the GHS moniker to remain, settled upon Grimsley Senior High School, named for Superintendent George A. Grimsley, whose idea it was to establish GHS in the first place. Grimsley has remained the school's name ever since, a reminder of GHS’s long history that continues into the modern day. Special thanks to Mr. Peter Byrd ‘74, Grimsley’s historian, for his assistance in the creation of this article.

Mental health or Work: Do you have to choose? Time management can help you have a healthy balance of both. By Vishruth Bhargava December 17, 2024 High school is tough, and many students find themselves stressing and sacrificing their mental health in the name of good grades. In fact, some students report that when they feel overworked and decide to take it easy on the schoolwork and studying, their grade starts to drop, which makes them stress even more. All this seems to be a vicious cycle, so what can stop it? Time is key to a better balance. One student says that because of the amount of time they spend on school work and studying, they are unable to really pursue hobbies and interests that make them happy, thus ruining their mood. Because of this common occurrence, time management is one way to improve your mental health while still getting your work done, and there are some methods to manage your time well that I find work well. Set a to-do list to picture how much you have to do for the day and how long you have to finish it. I recently started to use this method and it has worked wonders for me, especially if you are one to overestimate how much work you have. Limit distraction during work. Excessive distractions during work are usually not mentally rewarding and they just extend the amount of time you need to get work done. If working time extends then the amount of downtime you have shrinks, therefore diminishing your mood and mental health. I did this a lot and found myself with little time to do the things I wanted, until I realized that my phone was a big issue to my productivity. Try not to procrastinate. Procrastination is a big problem with me and, reportedly, with many of my peers. Procrastination is logically redundant because you have to do that work eventually anyway, so why wait? The human brain prioritizes happiness now over more lasting happiness later, according to Solvingprocrastination.com. This is why many people, including myself, procrastinate a lot. Despite this human nature, I recently cut back on procrastination due to something I realized that was dragging my mood. When a person procrastinates, the fun they have in the moment is ruined by the looming feeling that they have work to do, and they feel bad the whole day, but if they do work first and then play, they feel accomplishment after finishing their work, and they can enjoy their hobbies without that looming feeling of unfinished work dragging them down. Increasing productivity when working is an important part of having more downtime, but what you do with downtime is equally as important to maximizing your mental state and your mood. Stressful activities and dangerous activities can lower your mental state even further which is why it is important to choose activities that are soothing, fun, or exciting. Some things that Psychology Today recommends that can calm you down are: Taking a hot bath or shower Painting or coloring Listening to your favorite song Play a game you enjoy like Monopoly or UNO Or doing any other things that bring you joy Like all things in life, balance is key when dealing with improving your mental health. Finding the right balance for yourself can be the difference between a happy high school experience and burnout, so find a balance to maximize academic success and the happiness in your everyday life. Please speak to your counselor if you have any more issues with your mental health or if you have any more questions. Continue reading "Overwhelmed": Grimsley Senior Charlotte Williams overcomes her anxiety.

MJ leads his students in a vocal exercise. Beloved Teacher Makes Musical Magic at Grimsley Marshall “MJ” Johnson celebrates his 20th anniversary leading vocal music at Grimsley. By Ashley Crowell May 23, 2024 In Marshall “MJ” Johnson’s classroom, there are many different flags, posters and memorabilia from years past that show the history and character of the Grimsley vocal music program. But one sign perfectly captures the spirit of the vocal music and modern band director. “NO- you may not draw on the board when I am not here or without my permission. EVER. Love, MJ,” the sign reads. MJ’s students know they can feel at home in his classroom and express themselves, but that there are limits. His classroom is a safe place, where they have a teacher who listens and will always be there for them. He’s also got a lot to teach them. “If a student believes that the person they are learning from truly cares that they learn that thing and they are going to benefit from it, that’s the magic sauce,” MJ said. He’s also a teacher who insists everyone, including staff and students alike, call him by his nickname. As he likes to say, “No one knows who Marshall Johnson is, but everyone knows MJ.” MJ has experience creating a culture where students can thrive. He first worked at Grimsley as a student teacher while studying at UNCG. After teaching music in schools in Myrtle Beach, Raleigh and Ohio, MJ returned to Grimsley 20 years ago to take over the vocal music program when the previous teacher retired. He was drawn back to Grimsley by the Madrigal program. “That was the thing I was most excited to come here for,” MJ said. “I specialized in early music as a professional singer, so I was singing a lot of medieval and renaissance music professionally in New York and in San Francisco.” The Madrigal Singers are a long tradition at Grimsley, beginning in 1966, and perform a cappella Renaissance music in period costumes. They are well known in the community and often perform at the NC Renaissance Festival, Biltmore House and many local events, including Greensboro’s Downtown Festival of Lights every December. Sophomore Bridget Schoultz has been in the vocal music department since freshman year, and this was her first year as a Madrigal. Schoultz described how her high school career wouldn’t be the same without MJ. “With MJ, I was able to find a loving community which he cherished and that made me feel comfortable,” Schoultz said. “Without MJ, my high school life so far would be so different and I am forever grateful for that.” Along with teaching the Madrigals and Concert Choir, MJ also leads IB music and two classes of Modern Band. These classes focus on teaching music students to perform on modern instruments together as well as operate sound and lighting equipment. Open mic nights are a popular part of the modern band curriculum. Several times a year, MJ’s classroom is transformed into a concert venue, complete with fog, professional lights and talented student performers. Not only does MJ teach a wide range of music at Grimsley, he also is involved in several different projects outside of school. One of his bands, Flash Jackman, released an album on Christmas day last year. MJ plays with another group, Bandemic, in the community and also leads the modern worship service at West Market Street United Methodist Church. From Renaissance music to modern rock, MJ cultivates a love of all kinds of music for his students. “I just have so many different interests and things and I am just so passionate about music and about teaching and learning,” MJ said. “Teaching is teaching. It’s all about relationships and how you convey information to other people in a way that is meaningful to them that they can connect with.” Freshman Kennedy Goree, a student in his concert choir, knows firsthand the magic of being in MJ’s classroom. She’s excited to have been tapped to join the Madrigals as an alto next school year and continue as his student. “MJ is always in a good mood!” Goree said. “His energy is contagious, and after a long day at school there is nothing better than to walk into his class and feel instantly welcomed!” By teaching a diversity of subjects, MJ has the opportunity to build relationships with students from all kinds of backgrounds. But they all find a place to belong in MJ’s classroom. “It’s a pretty simple formula,” MJ said. “It’s not complex. It’s just being kind and being open, and being authentic in every way that you can. People want to be known and people want to know you, and if you allow that, then there’s real magic that can happen in a classroom.”

“I listen to Snoop Dogg Affirmations, and my friends don’t let me get into my head about things,” Freshman Cammie Stoutz said. Seeing the Light When There’s No End In Sight Tips on how to combat burnout during the 3rd Quarter By Kennedy Goree February 11, 2025 Freshmen fever, sophomore slump, junior jam, and senioritis are all sayings that convey the same thing: burnout. Whether you are in your first or last year of high school, burnout can hit hard, especially in the second semester. With the third quarter upon us, certain strategies can help ease the stress and tension, while still motivating you to achieve your goals. Support from friends and family makes a world of difference when searching for motivation in the remaining months of the school year. Stepping back from your course load and spending time with the people who mean the most to you can help you put things into perspective. “My favorite thing to do when I am burnt out is take a break and hang out with friends,” Sophomore Catherine Bowers says. Showing yourself just how amazing you are can inspire you to finish the year strong. “I listen to Snoop Dogg Affirmations, and my friends don’t let me get into my head about things,” Freshman Cammie Stoutz said. Positive affirmations and friends that remind you how incredible you are ,while providing you with a refreshed sense of self-worth, can really make a positive impact on your second-semester success. Lastly, setting goals can remind you what you are working towards. “Reminding myself that if I don’t work hard to reach my goal of going on to college” helps “keep my goals in sight,” Junior Aubreigh Duckworth said. Goals can be a constant reminder and motivation of what you are working towards. Everyone’s goals are different, whether they are short-term or long-term, and visualizing your future will help you enjoy the present. As we approach the last quarter of the school year, keeping these tips in mind can improve your success for the rest of the year.

Donuts: A Perspective A look at producer J Dilla and his unmatched legacy. By Jake Acosta April 4, 2024 Hip-Hop has had many era-defining sounds and legendary producers. They have introduced sounds and energies that many have since tried to mimic. Very few have been able to master every recent sonic advancement with flying colors; however, the exception showcases perhaps the most legendary producer of all time. James Dewit Yancey, known professionally as J Dilla, was born on February 7, 1974 in Detroit, Michigan. From a young age, Dilla was surrounded by a widespread variety of music, such as soul, bossa nova, jazz, and RnB. His parents also influenced his musical development, as his mother, Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey, was an opera singer, and his father, Beverely Yancey, was a jazz bassist. These surroundings would provide an early education for Dilla in musical composition. He began making beats at the age of two after receiving a turntable for Christmas, his mother said in an interview with To The Best Of Our Knowledge magazine. Across his many years within the music scene, Dilla produced for many legendary artists, such as MF DOOM, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, D’Angelo, The Pharcyde, Slum Village, The Roots, and many others. Throughout his career, his signature style of production can be easily spotted due to its otherworldly essence and charisma. No one did it like Dilla, which is why so many wanted to work with him. While still relatively young, Dilla developed several diseases that would require frequent hospitalizations. He struggled with a rare blood disease called TTC, and the auto-immune disorder lupus, which eventually took his life at the age of 32. Throughout his hospitalizations, Dilla continued to work making the music he loved and the beats that drove him. According to Kelley L. Carter of Detroit Free Press, Dilla told his doctor he was proud of the work, and all he wanted to do was to finish the album. The record he completed while on his hospital bed was Donuts (2006). In the December 2006 issue of The Fader , a magazine known for its intricate dives into music and the voices around it, J Dilla's mother Maureen Yancey spoke of watching her son's daily routine during the making of Donuts: I saw him all day, everyday. I would go there for breakfast, go back to Detroit to check on the daycare business I was running, and then back to his house for lunch and dinner. He was on a special diet and he was a funny eater anyway. He had to take 15 different medications, we would split them up between meals, and every other day we would binge on a brownie sundae from Big Boys. That was his treat. Dilla completed and released Donuts on his 32nd birthday, 4 days before his death, making it his last release during his lifetime. Donuts gained universal acclaim from critics and quickly became a cult classic for devoted hip-hop fans. Dilla wanted to complete this album before his inevitable end, and through his dedication, one of the most amazing and deep instrumental albums of all time was produced, proving his capability and exceeding limits among fellow instrumentalists. Donuts is credited as Dilla’s most personal and honest record ever, as the beats that were featured on the record were some of the most descriptive of his career. Some beats blended classical music with an intense grit and loopy feeling that some would find in underground hip-hop at the time. He even utilized some samples to speak to his audience, most notably his mother. The track Don’t Cry is not only one of J Dilla’s greatest individual works, but was also made as a personal message to his mother after his death. To this day many praise this meaningful track as one of the best in the world. Donuts is an album of explosions and restraint, of precisely crafted balances and absurd breakdowns, displaying Dilla’s ability to contort samples and yet seamlessly thread his ideas into one cohesive song. Dilla uses this album as a “thank you” to hip-hop for showing him and his craft the respect they rightfully deserve.

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.”