Assistant Principals help attendance problems
By Corrina Taylor Staff Writer A big problem at CHS is attendance issues; excused and unexcused absences and truancy are repeating problems in high schools as large as Coppell. According to an article in the New York Times, 30 percent of students miss a month of school every year. This problem is mirrored in Coppell. Since there is no single cure for absences, Coppell has taken a different direction. Coppell offers students the opportunity to make up their attendance issues. If a student has an issue with their attendance it is highly recommended that they talk to their Assistant Principal and see if it can be sorted out. The attendance committee will meet on Jan…
Cowlishaw follows in fathers footsteps
By Ben Cowlishaw Online Copy Editor This is the time in students’ lives when we begin to discover our independence. We explore what inspires and intrigues us as we get closer to leaving our parents’ massive influence. It is an outdated cliché to continue the “family business”, but as most try as hard as they can to exploit the differences between them and their parents, I’ve realized that following in my father’s footsteps might be where I belong. Instead of dreading the thought of “turning into my parents,” I have found myself running headfirst into my father’s wake. My father, Tim Cowlishaw, a well respected journalist of The Dallas Morning News and nine year panelist…
Andrew Brown Jr. deemed one of DFW’s best trails
Kimberly Del Angel Staff Writer As residents of Coppell, we sometimes grow accustomed to the wonderful locations and resorts that our city includes. Today special Dallas Morning News contributor, Debbie Fetterman listed Andrew Brown Jr. amongst the 8 prime running destinations in the DFW area. Acclaiming it for its segmented sidewalks marked every quarter of a mile, and the sections of the trail which allow runners with tender joints to jog on the packed dirt area. Fetterman said in her article, “The mile loop allows runners to keep a cooler with drinks and snacks by their car, since the path runs right by the parking lot. That way, you’re assured of a water stop at every mile. It’s helpful…
CHS academics soar above other local high schools
By Mary Whitfill Features Editor While new students tentatively walk the halls of unfamiliar schools and new policies are implemented into the interworking of administration, Pulitzer Prize winning public records website ProPublica released a school search database allowing community members to compare their school to others in the area. According to ProPublica, Coppell High School soars above local high schools in some areas, and falls below the bar in others. Coppell High School is currently home to around 2,680 students, more than any of the four closest high schools in surrounding areas. The ProPublica search engine allows users to compare things such as the percentage of Inexperienced Teachers, number of AP courses offered, and the…
Dallas Morning News gives top awards to The Sidekick
Mary Whitfill Features Editor The Sidekick was named ‘Best Website’ as well as ‘Best Newspaper’ at the 20th annual Dallas Morning News High School Journalism Day 2011. As well as the group awards, six Sidekick staff members were nominated for individual achievement in nine different categories, with Divya Kumar winning in ‘Editorial – Class A.’ This year marked the first time The Sidekick won ‘Best Newspaper,’ and the first time winning ‘Best Website’ since 2009. Making history, The Sidekick is the first paper to win both awards in the same year. In addition to Kumar, Brian Hwu was nominated in Cartoons/Illustrations, Peter Sblendorio was nominated in Sports Features and Sports News Reporting, Ashleigh Heaton was…
What I learned at Dallas Morning News Day
Rebecca Neumann Staff Writer On Wednesday, I traveled with seven other newspaper students to SMU in Dallas where we all attended Dallas Morning News Day. The event consisted of two sessions where we were able to choose different seminars to attend. The journalists who spoke at the seminars were extremely inspiring. Coming home, I felt like I now had all of the tools to become a successful journalist, even if I haven’t decided whether or not I will always want to pursue it. Jean-Jacques Taylor, a sports columnist for the Dallas Morning News, and his colleagues from the sports world gave the room of budding journalists, innumerable journalism tips. I learned three very important lessons…