Beaverton HS Newspaper: The Hummer

12/10/2022

BHS rebuild update

The designers are planning on building a large courtyard in the front of the school for students to hang out, do homework and have chats with teachers outside under some trees and at tables. There are two options for the courtyard and after looking at the first one, we noticed a lot of trees. We liked the second one better since it had a covered area near the cafeteria. They said it will take a few years for all of the trees to grow in.

Read more about the new BHS building at the link below.

I am excited to be a member of the Design Team for the new Beaverton High School. I recently attended a meeting on November 16. At that meeting, we all received a packet of information with the plans that they were working on. We were asked to look at and think about the plans, and...

11/06/2022

Review of Taylor Swift’s “Midnights”

There is something dreamy and unreal when the clock strikes midnight, the moon hazily shines, and the wind howls outside. Everyone is asleep except for you. Kept awake by your thoughts and other sleepless nights, the only thing you can do is think– which is exactly what Taylor Swift’s Midnights album captures. Released on October 21st, Taylor Swift describes her album as “music written in the middle of the night, a journey through terrors and sweet dreams.”

Tap the link below to read more.

There is something dreamy and unreal when the clock strikes midnight, the moon hazily shines, and the wind howls outside. Everyone is asleep except for you. Kept awake by your thoughts and other sleepless nights, the only thing you can do is think– which is exactly what Taylor Swift’s Midnights ...

11/06/2022

Meet the new staff at BHS

Beaverton High School has hired over a dozen new staff this year. The Hummer was able to interview some of the new teachers. Tap the link below to read their stories and backgrounds.

Beaverton High School has hired over a dozen new staff this year. The Hummer was able to interview some of the new teachers. Listed below, you will hear their stories and backgrounds. Makaila Baron: Before teaching, Makaila Baron was a stay-at-home mom and whitewater rafting guide. Now as a grad men...

10/17/2022

The start of a new match: Boyer launches new Women’s Wrestling Team

A women's wrestling team is coming to Beaverton High School, beating a nationwide trend of male-dominated high school wrestling teams.

Almost every high school in the United States offers a wrestling team or program. According to a survey by College Wrestling Recruiting in 2016, around 259,000 high school students participated in the sport of wrestling. What you can’t tell by those numbers is that 94% of those students were men and only 6% were women.

To read more about plans for Beaverton's team, tap the link below.

Almost every high school in the United States offers a wrestling team or program. According to a survey by College Wrestling Recruiting in 2016, around 259,000 high school students participated in the sport of wrestling. What you can’t tell by those numbers is that 94% of those students were men a...

10/17/2022

Photos from Beaverton HS Newspaper: The Hummer's post

10/07/2022

Menstrual product dispensers take a new form at BHS

It’s a welcome change to see the shift in accessibility for menstrual products at school. Last year, you could walk into any girl’s bathroom and see a tiny basket with one pad or nothing in it. On the wall, you might see an old product dispenser that never worked and cost money to receive a menstrual product.

This year, Beaverton High School has implemented new menstrual product dispensers into all bathrooms that give access to free pads and tampons. In compliance with the Menstrual Dignity Act (HB 3294, 2021), schools are required to provide free menstrual products for all menstruating students in all public schools in Oregon.

To read more, tap the link below.

It’s a welcome change to see the shift in accessibility for menstrual products at school. Last year, you could walk into any girl’s bathroom and see a tiny basket with one pad or nothing in it. On the wall, you might see an old product dispenser that never worked and cost money to receive a...

10/07/2022

Hummer Highlight: WWE comes to Portland, new Mission Impossible movie

WWE recently came to Portland, and a new Mission Impossible movie is set to come out soon. Learn more details about the movie and a match-by-match description of the events at WWE by tapping the link below.

Mission Impossible There is a new Mission Impossible movie coming out next year on July 14th, 2023. The stars from the movie are Tom Cruise, Angela Bassett, Rob Delaney, Ving Rhames, Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, and Cary Elwes. The title of the new movie is Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning ...

09/08/2022

Comic: First day of school

Waking up on the first day of school can be difficult. Check out our latest comic at the link below.

09/08/2022

Minions: The rise of a controversy

If you go up to someone on the street and ask them if they like Minions the most likely answer would be yes. “Minions: The Rise of Gru” was released earlier this summer but it was an instant hit.

Corbin Doughty, a sophomore, believed that “the atmosphere and craft of the movie was truly on a different level,” though he would not disclose whether the level was high or lower compared to the other movies in the franchise.

When “Minions: The Rise of Gru” was released on July 1st, teenagers such as Doughty were more than excited to participate in one of the newest social media trends called “Gentleminions.” This fad was started to create an elegant viewing atmosphere for the movie, whether you were in formal wear or in costume as a minion. The nostalgia of the “Despicable Me” franchise combined with a fun idea to dress up seemed like a perfect way to hang out with friends over the summer.

To read the full story check out the link below!

If you go up to someone on the street and ask them if they like Minions the most likely answer would be yes. “Minions: The Rise of Gru” was released earlier this summer but it was an instant hit. Corbin Doughty, a sophomore, believed that “the atmosphere and craft of the movie was truly on...

09/08/2022

Meet Beaverton High School’s new principal

Meet Andrew Kearl, the new principal of Beaverton High School. He’s taking over from Dr. Anne Erwin, Beaverton’s longtime principal, who retired in June.

Before coming to Beaverton, Kearl worked in Tigard-Tualatin School District as principal of Twality Middle School for the last three years. Prior to that, he was an assistant principal at Tigard High School.

Originally from Southwest Portland, Kearl attended Ida. B. Wells High School, known then as Wilson High School. In his senior year, he was student-body president. After high school, Kearl attended University of Redlands, where he received a bachelor’s degree in English. He started his career teaching language arts in Brooklyn, New York, while studying for masters in English and education in 2006.

To read the full story check out the link below!

Meet Andrew Kearl, the new principal of Beaverton High School. He’s taking over from Dr. Anne Erwin, Beaverton’s longtime principal, who retired in June. Before coming to Beaverton, Kearl worked in Tigard-Tualatin School District as principal of Twality Middle School for the last three years. Pr...

08/09/2022

Artist explores emotional nourishment through papier-mâché

Hummer staffer Hannah's work from last week's High School Journalism Institute:

Agnes Barton-Sabo recreated comfort foods in papier-mâché because the materials were readily available during pandemic lockdowns.

08/04/2022

Student voices: Eager to keep learning

Student voices: Eager to keep learning

Hannah Kaufmann writes about the thrill of being in an environment where everyone is excited to learn.

06/11/2022

Photos from Beaverton HS Newspaper: The Hummer's post

06/11/2022

Photos from Beaverton HS Newspaper: The Hummer's post

06/11/2022

Dr. Erwin to retire, remain core part of community

Dr. Erwin is set to retire this June after ten years as principal of Beaverton High School. She exemplified Beaverton's core values: community, tradition, excellence, and learning, particularly connecting with the community, and she will be missed around the Beaverton School District.

“It’s the students, staff, it’s the everyday. It’s being with people, watching people do what they love, whether it’s teach or learn or be on a sports team or do drama or choir or be on The Hummer,” said Dr. Erwin. “You get to watch people do what they really love."

Read more of the story by tapping the link below.

Dr. Anne Erwin loves Beaverton High School. From her involvement in festive assemblies to community events to ordinary announcements, it’s clear that Dr. Erwin’s passion is education. “It’s the students, staff, it’s the everyday. It’s being with people, watching people do what they love,...

05/31/2022

The problem with PE dress codes

Recently, a dress code policy banning tank tops in PE classes has stirred controversy. A fight against it is being spearheaded by a Beaverton student, who believes that this policy is too controlling and unfairly targets female-presenting students.

However, PE teacher Melissa Merrick disagrees, claiming that the rule regarding tank tops “does not present an unfair versus fair outlook” between genders.

Despite being dress-coded multiple times, this Beaverton student continues to fight the anti-tank top policy. Her wish for change is that teachers trust students to wear appropriate clothing to PE classes, taking factors such as temperature into account.

Read more of her story by tapping the link below.

What does a rebellion look like? It might be a dystopian protagonist leading an underground retaliation against Orwellian leaders, or an angsty kid sneaking out of a window to go to a party. But at first glance, a high school girl wearing tank tops to PE might not seem like one. For weeks, Brianna R...

05/20/2022

New campus planned for Beaverton High School

As the bond passed earlier this week, Beaverton High School is set to have a new campus, with construction beginning in 2024. At a meeting in late April, community members gathered in the Merle Davies Lecture Hall to view plans and learn more information about the new campus.

Tap the link below for a brief overview of the new campus as well as photos of plans, goals, and campus logistics from the presentation.

With the bond being passed earlier this week, there will be new designs for the Beaverton High School. On Thursday, April 21, there was a meeting in the MD Lecture Hall about the new Beaverton High School campus. Two teachers showed adults and students pictures of designs for Beaverton High School.....

05/20/2022

Beaverton to continue free meal service in summer

School lunches have been free this year, helping to fight hunger in Oregon as they include not only main courses but healthy produce to go alongside them. This service is set to continue over the summer. For more information, tap the link below.

Many people don’t realize that a large percentage of people in their community never know where their next meal is going to come from. Food insecurity is a serious issue gripping America: according to United Way, one out of every eight families in America go hungry. That’s a little over 12% of a...

05/16/2022

Stand-out boys’ golf team headed to States

Boys' golf will be going to States this year to finish out a stellar season, having already beaten Jesuit in a match earlier this year. The team of seniors is excited for the challenge and has spent time reflecting upon their last season.

“My highlight of the season was watching the growth that my twin brother, Nels, had this season and watching Daniel Rue’s improvement,” said senior Colin Fowler, who won First Team All-Metro.

Despite some challenges with missing teammates, boys' golf has overcome and is ready to face other teams tomorrow. They will tee off at the Trysting Tree Golf Club at 2:00 PM, starting with senior Colin Fowler.

Tap the link below to read more.

Beaverton boys’ golf is headed to Corvallis on Monday for the first round of the State Golf Tournament. Last week, Beaverton placed in the top three at Regionals to clinch a spot at the tournament. The Beavers are taking their all-senior squad to the Trysting Tree Golf Club, featuring Colin Fowler...

04/21/2022

Decisions, decisions…

A new comic, "Decisions, decisions...", is out now on our website.

Ayame is a senior at Beaverton High School who works on comics and graphics for The Hummer and writes about the performing arts. She lived in Japan for...

04/16/2022

Will Smith slaps Chris Rock during the Oscars

Late last month, Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars before winning an award for Best Actor. Tap the link below to learn what happened next.

At the Oscars late last month, comedian Chris Rock was on stage to announce the award for Best Documentary, but he wanted to say a few jokes first. So he made jokes about four different actors, and finally to Will Smith: a “GI Jane” joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The joke referenced Pi...

04/03/2022

Tall Girl 2: Pointless drama and tired tropes

Tall Girl 2 is the perfect movie to hate-watch this Sunday as you procrastinate your homework for the upcoming week of school. Somehow even more pointless than the first movie, Tall Girl 2 sees the protagonist, Jodi, struggle with her mental health and relationship as she navigates being the lead of her school's musical.

This movie could have been Netflix's chance to challenge the tropes it's used in past movies, but unfortunately, it's just more of the same, pointless drama. Tap the link in our bio to read Narra Pagtakhan's full review.

Tall Girl 2: Netflix’s latest trash romance movie that hopefully won’t lead to a third installment. If you haven’t seen the first movie, I’ll save you the trouble. Basically, Jodi (Ava Michelle), our favorite privileged tall girl, gets bullied for her height before realizing that being tall ...

03/10/2022

Hummer Highlight: Death in pop culture, new Elvis movie

For all things pop culture, including celebrity deaths and a new Elvis movie coming out in June, check out our latest Hummer Highlight. Tap the link below to read it.

Alec Baldwin accidentally kills cinematographer on set There was going to be a western movie, Rust, with Alec Baldwin until something happened. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, a 24-year-old woman, was getting the gun ready for the movie and accidentally loaded it with real bullets. While filming, Alec Baldwi...

03/08/2022

District to lift mask mandate on March 14

As the Beaverton School District plans to lift the mask mandate next Monday, students were both concerned about COVID-19-related risks and excited to return to a sense of normalcy.

Prior to making its decision, the District surveyed students, staff, and parents on whether they'd be in favor of a mask-optional policy. Only 53% of students were in favor, compared to 63% of parents and 58% of staff.

“I’m excited about the prospect of the pandemic finally dying down, but pretty worried if it’s safe enough,” said sophomore Corra Kaufmann. “I’m definitely scared of what could happen, but it’s safe to say I’m ecstatic just for the idea of going back to some sort of normal.”

Despite these concerns, the decision is in line with CDC guidelines as Washington and Multnomah counties are both considered "low community level" areas. Oregon, together with Washington and California, has decided to lift mask mandates in schools in response to lower case numbers.

To learn more about the District's decision, tap the link below.

https://beavertonhummer.com/5594/news/district-to-lift-mask-mandate-on-march-14/

Masks have been a crucial part of our school lives for a long time but that might finally be coming to an end. On Monday, the Beaverton School District announced that the mask mandate will be lifted on March 14, leaving the decision to wear masks up to individual students and staff. The decision was...

03/08/2022

Recap: First week of basketball playoffs

As girls' and boys' basketball go into the second week of playoffs this week, take a look at our article reviewing last week's action on the basketball court, with information on how to attend the Chiles Center games tomorrow and Thursday. Tap the link below to read more.

Tuesday 3/01 Boys vs. Bend Score: 63-42 Bend had a long way to travel for a quick defeat by the Beavers. The game started off close, with scores and responses from each team. It was not until the second half that Beaverton established and maintained a substantial lead. Three-point shots and scrappy....

03/07/2022

Beaverton girls’ bathrooms reviewed

Which girls' bathroom at Beaverton is the best? The worst? Find out in our latest article and leave a comment if you agree...or disagree. Tap the link below to read more.

When you think of the ideal school bathroom, what comes to mind? A clean bathroom, with functioning stalls and sinks and no holes in the ceilings? You might also expect them to hold enough pads and tampons that everyone can access. The girls’ bathrooms at Beaverton are lacking in all of the previo...

03/04/2022

Hummer Highlight: Mount Etna erupts, missionaries captured

Too busy to read our full-length articles? Check out our latest Hummer Highlight about Mount Etna's eruption and American missionaries captured in Haiti back in November. Tap the link below to learn more.

Volcano eruption disrupts Italian city In Etna, Italy, there was a volcano eruption that started in February 2021. A huge ash cloud spread over the sky, and lava came out of the volcano. The ash cloud made the whole sky darker, and it headed towards the city of Etna. As the lava spread, it caused...

02/21/2022

Racquetball places second at States

Despite garnering little attention from the BHS community, Racquetball is one of the most decorated sports at Beaverton. They're showing no signs of stopping with two second-place wins - one for the team overall and one for the girls' team - at the state championship late last month.

“I started playing my freshman year because some girls on my soccer team had invited me out,” said senior Brielle Fernando. This year at States, she placed second in the girls’ singles and first in doubles with partner Payton Lemke.

Senior Scott Sloop also appreciates that racquetball is a beginner-friendly sport, especially compared to other sports which can be difficult to even join.

Next year, national championships will be held in Portland. It seems that the team's focus on improvement leads to excellence both now and in the future.

Tap the link in our bio to read more.

Racquetball is probably the most decorated sport at Beaverton you have never heard about. With 21 state titles and 10 national championships, the only evidence of the team is a banner hanging in the lower cafeteria. In late January, the racquetball team picked up two more trophies at the Oregon High...

02/20/2022

Gallery: BHS celebrates Anything But a Backpack Day

Friday marked the end of spirit week, and the Beaverton High School community was determined to go out with a bang on Anything But a Backpack Day. As students moved from class to class, they could be seen carrying their belongings in everything from tote bags to shopping carts and even some oddities such as a wheelbarrow, a dog cage, and a microwave. To see our full gallery of photos, tap the link below.

This past Friday was the finale to BHS’ spirit week: Anything But a Backpack Day. Students carried their belongings using everything from commonplace items such as tote bags, suitcases, and buckets, to some that raised eyebrows: coolers, desk drawers, guitar cases, trash cans, a toy treasure chest...

02/18/2022

As climate change concerns rise, BHS must take action

Every day, we increase our impact on the planet's health. But each day also offers a chance to make a change - especially through our consumption of food. With nearly 8% of greenhouse gas emissions coming from food waste (more than the airline industry), BHS should look into ways to help its 1,400 students manage their food waste. Currently, students can only dispose of their unwanted food via the No Thank You table in the cafeteria, and BHS should explore alternatives such as composting. Tap the link below to read about how this could be done.

Our impact on the planet grows greater every day and there is little being done to stop it. The last seven years have been the warmest on record, and this is just the beginning of the colossal impact of global warming. Currently, almost one million species are at risk of extinction by climate change...

02/18/2022

Hummer Highlight: Demaryius Thomas and the Super Bowl

Take a look at our first Hummer Highlight, a roundup of quick news with our latest one focusing on football! Tap the link below to read about the Super Bowl and Demaryius Thomas.

Broncos player Demaryius Thomas dies The famous football star Demaryius Thomas, who played for the Denver Broncos died in December. He was found dead in his home, and his family believed he had a seizure while he was showering. The family called 911 and when police arrived, they found Demaryius Thom...

02/17/2022

Buildup of Russian forces on Ukraine border worries NATO, allies

Russia's buildup of military forces on the Ukraine border this month has garnered NATO's concern and prompted the US to advise its citizens to leave the country as soon as possible, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying that a Russian invasion of Ukraine “could begin at any time.”

Ukraine has triggered part of the Vienna Document in desperation, hoping for a response from Russia, a country that signed the document.

Tap the link below to read more about the US' reponse to this development.

In a briefing to the press, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has encouraged all Americans in Ukraine to “depart immediately.” ”We want to be crystal clear on this point. Any American in Ukraine should leave as soon as possible and in any event, in the next 24 to 48 hours,” Sullivan sa...

02/15/2022

Race and Ethnic Studies: An essential class

Race and Ethnic studies is new to BHS, and it's already proven popular with six sections offered this year. Covering history that is often glossed over in typical social studies classes, such as Oregon's racist past and Dolores Huerta, Race and Ethnic Studies has made an impact on both its students and teachers alike.

“A lot of students had lightbulb moments in terms of how hard it is to change systems. Everything is intertwined, and discrimination and oppression are in every system,” said Jessica Fregoso, an RES teacher this year.

Junior Ryli Bowen felt similarly. "We are taught such limited information from textbooks, it broadens your view on these topics,” Bowen said.

The class is made even more relevant to the present as students have analyzed the District's Code of Conduct in class. Valuable history is being taught in this class. Taking this class is an important step in broadening students’ understanding of history.

To read more, tap the link below.

I’ve taken many social studies classes in the Merle Davies building. From Social Studies 9 to Civil Law to AP US History, each class offered something unique. Yet in each of the seven social studies classes I’ve taken, the overall perspective was that of the colonizers, rarely the marginalized g...

02/01/2022

Basketball persists amid Omicron wave

Despite stricter COVID-19 guidelines from the District in response to the Omicron variant, basketball at Beaverton High School is thriving.

“We have a whole new group and our season is a lot longer than last year, so we play more teams and have more opportunities to win and get better!” said junior Lainey Spear.

So far, girls’ basketball has played four of the current top ten teams in the state and has a 12-1 record.

The boys’ basketball team is also making the most of the season with a 9-4 record.

“We are all healthy and more motivated than ever,” said junior Brady Rice.

As spectators are limited as of this month, Beaverton has responded by placing cardboard versions of celebrities and other well-known figures, such as Dora the Explorer, in the stands. All sporting events are also being live-streamed to allow the community to continue to support Beaverton athletics.

To read more, tap the link below.

Recently, the Beaverton School District announced a new COVID policy regarding the surge in Omicron-fueled cases across the district. The week before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 20-30% of students were absent at Beaverton High. Last week, multiple elementary schools that feed into BHS—William Walk...

01/26/2022

Hanson elected Key Club Lieutenant Governor of Division 65

Echoing Beaverton High School Key Club's weekly chant, sophomore Kyle Hanson is "feeling good" as Division 65's newest Lieutenant Governor.

In the coming year, he aims to host more Division-wide events and fulfill his duties of organizing volunteer events and leading the Division. His ultimate goal is to become the Pacific Northwest Governor.

Hanson's experience in Key Club leadership began at Beaverton. As a club president, he helps organize and run meetings, which occur every Thursday after school.

After a year of online school, he's eager to continue this positive momentum into the future.

“Especially meeting in person, you can see that the work you put in means something,” he said.

Tap the link below read more.

Every Key Club meeting begins with the question, “Hey Key Clubbers, how do you feel?” In response, members shout, “We feel good, oh, we feel so good!” For BHS sophomore Kyle Hanson, his answer echoes ‘feeling good.’ On Friday, January 14, Hanson was elected by his Key Club peers as the D...

01/03/2022

Students in Education Pathway dabble in parenting with baby simulators

Before Winter Break, students in Beaverton High School's Education Pathway got a taste of parenting with ten Real Care Baby Simulators, which were introduced to help teach about pregnancy and prenatal development.

In class, students learned how to take care of the baby simulators, which are far more complex than they appear to be at first glance.

“The babies have electronic components that monitor and record how long it takes a student to provide care for the baby, how often the baby’s outfits were changed, how long a baby sat in a car seat, and even the temperature of the baby,” said teacher Shelly Scott.

Those who wanted to take the topic a step further could take a baby home over the weekend and were encouraged to integrate them into their daily lives, whether it be through taking them out to eat at restaurants or meeting with other students for "playdates." Though many students faced difficulties, including sleepless nights, they found the experience rewarding.

“I took the baby out grocery shopping with my boyfriend and we carried it around, and it was amazing to just hold it and take care of him!” said senior Lacie Luedtke, who named her baby Oakley.

Despite the challenges of the experience, students said they would do it again if given the chance - a sign that the babies will go far at Beaverton's Education Pathway.

Tap the link below to read more.

Earlier this month, students in Beaverton High School’s Education Pathway got a taste of parenting through ten Real Care Baby Simulators. As they were purchased in 2018-19—the first year of the pathway’s existence—this year’s Child Development 3 students used the baby simulators for the fi...

12/29/2021

Opinion: Student at Beaverton High says no need for school resource officers

Check out this opinion article by one of our editors, Beatrice Kahn!

Students want to be safe when they go to school. School Resource Officers (SROs), police officers stationed at schools throughout the day, do not foster a feeling of safety. While a police response is important in times of crisis, permanent postings of SROs in schools can have negative impacts and s...

12/14/2021

Coming out of CDL, students reflect on academics and mental health

With CDL in the past, students have begun to reflect on its impacts on their academics and mental health. For some, the experience was a net positive, like freshman Selah Evans, who said being in her home helped her stay focused.

Junior Daniel Del Cid Paxtor felt similarly. “The teachers gave us more time to turn in assignments and it made it easier to take our time on them and not stress out," he said.

However, others reported negative impacts on their mental health as schoolwork, stress, complicated family situations, and even deaths piled up around them. Even those who made an effort to connect with others, such as freshman Eloise Dick, still felt isolated.

“I was one of the few that turned their camera on, but I was still disconnected from all the people in my class unless I knew them prior,” she said. “The only class that I felt connected with them was science, mainly just because my teacher was really good at getting us to all participate.”

Based on data from a survey run by The Hummer, most students are happy to be back in person, despite the added flexibility in deadlines present last year.

To learn more, tap the link below.

COVID-19 has significantly impacted students as it shut down a core part of their lives: in-person school. In 2020, facing rising case numbers, the Beaverton School District implemented a new, online model: Comprehensive Distance Learning, or CDL. This year, as things return to normal, students have...