Kats Claw

Claw-some Chronicles

Volume 26 Issue 7

Biology Students Slice into Science

In the first week of March, the Sophomore class got the opportunity to dissect frogs. They got the frogs from a “special science company” that has science supplies as well as dissection kits. They were supposed to do this lab project back during the fall, but unfortunately, they were placed on a backorder, not only once but twice. Most Sophomores had a lot of fun with this experience, though some of them may have shed a few tears.

by Mischa Koppa

Students Adjust to New Stairway and Classroom Changes

CAs the school year unfolds, students have expressed varied opinions about the recent renovations on campus, particularly the new stairway. While some find the frequent trips up and down to be a nuisance, others appreciate the added color and modern design of the stairs. Luke and Cain, students in the woodshop and welding class, are currently working on a railing that will enhance safety around the teacher’s lounge. The remodeling process for the stairs began last November, but it faced delays as the initial design did not meet the necessary requirements. After a summer hiatus, students in the woodshop class returned to assist with the demolition and reconstruction efforts.

Mr. Tabor has expressed satisfaction his new classroom. He appreciates the generous room layout that allows for various activities and is pleased not to have to share the area with other teachers. However, he noted the challenge of hearing every move made in the upstairs area. Meanwhile, Mr. Ferris views his new classroom as small but is optimistic about maximizing its potential. He has no complaints about the changes and is looking forward to having the paneling behind his desk removed to reveal the brick walls. In addition, he is considering collaborating with the woodshop class to create custom shelves for his materials once the paneling is gone. On a similar note, Mr. Millemon has shared his positive impressions of the robotics room. He enjoys the opportunities for collaboration with the digital media class. While he is content with his current math room, he admits to missing the space he previously occupied downstairs. As these transitions continue, the school community remains adaptable, finding ways to make the most of their new environments.

By Jacob Vahsholtz and Layd’n HInderliter

Chase High School Celebrates FFA Week with School Spirit and Community Service

Chase High School spent the first week of March celebrating FFA with themed dress-up days, community involvement, and plenty of school spirit. Each day brought its own activities and highlights, making for a fun and memorable week for students and staff.

Monday: Blue and Gold Day

The week kicked off with Blue and Gold Day, honoring the traditional FFA colors. Members also took part in a community service project, assembling birthday kits.

Tuesday: Spirit Gear Day

Students wore chapter T-shirts or Chase Kats gear to show their school spirit. FFA members also held a meeting to prepare for the upcoming 2nd Grade Ag Day.

Wednesday: Western Day

Cowboy boots were the most common choice. To spread even more cheer, FFA members handed out popsicles to students during lunch.

Thursday: Camo Day

Only a few students dressing up. Those who did received compliments on their creative camo outfits.

Friday: Drive Your Tractor to School & Hat Day

Friday brought the highest turnout of the week. Four high school students—Layd’n, Caiin, Luke, and Santiago—drove their farm equipment to school, creating plenty of excitement. Many students also wore hats, contributing to a fun and spirited end to the week.

Thank you to the FFA, and to everyone who participated in making it a great week!

by Layd’n Hinderliter

Pregnancy Simulation Activity

The last week of February, Mrs Regan’s 8th hour class did a pregnancy activity to test their heart rate before they tried it with a backpack weighing 16.5 lb.

First thing they had to do was take their resting heart rate by their wrists or their necks.

Watch the clock for 30 seconds counting how many times their heart beat was multiplying by 2 to get their bpm (beats per minute).

For their activities they had to bend and touch their toes 10 times, 5 lunges each leg, 5 squats, 10 jumping jacks without a backpack.

Next they rested for 2 minutes or until heart rate is back to normal resting heart rate

They repeated the activity with a backpack

They were then asked questions about how their breathing or heart rate changed from the first time to the second time, and was it more difficult than the first compared to the second time?

Imagine carrying that extra weight for several months! It’s what every woman experiences in the late stages of pregnancy.

by Jacob Vahsholtz

Tom Makes a New Friend

This is a tale about two sharks who were in the ocean. Little Tom was the smallest shark in the whole ocean, but everyone feared him and kept away from him because he was the meanest shark to live. One day, another shark swam into Tom's area. The shark knew where he was, but had no choice since he was being bullied and was ostracized. The other shark was crying loudly, waking Tom up. Once Tom started to swim, he was angry, but as he got closer, he got concerned and sympathetic. Once Tom got to the other shark, he asked what was wrong, and the other shark responded that he was being bullied. When Tom heard the word bullied he instantly had a flashback to when he was younger and was bullied for his height. The reason that Tom was viewed as a mean shark was that he snapped at another shark. But when Tom heard this other shark talk about him being bullied, he asked why, " You are taller than any others I have seen. The other shark said ya I know I'm tall, but others say that I'm too tall. Tom told the other shark that being tall was better than being short because everyone forgets about you because they have short memories. Tom started to laugh because he's been waiting to say that joke to someone for so long. The other shark started to laugh and then quickly caught himself and said sorry. Tom said, " That's ok, and can I know your name? The other shark said his name was Shawn.

By Leland Rice

Freshman Trip to Cosmosphere Sparks Curiosity and Fun

On Tuesday, March 24th, Mrs. Peterson and her freshman class took an exciting field trip to the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson. The day was filled with exploration of the museum, a captivating planetarium show, and a visit to Dr. Goddard's innovative lab.

The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the hands-on experiments, particularly the rocket demonstrations. “The experiments and explosions were the most fun,” Mrs. Peterson noted. “plus, we enjoyed just getting to hang out together.” A surprise awaited the students when they tasted freeze-dried ice cream for the first time, although reactions were mixed, with many not enjoying the peculiar treat.

The experience also served as an eye-opener for the students. Most expressed that a future in space travel wasn’t in their plans, and many learned for the first time the role of monkeys in past space exploration experiments.

At Dr. Goddard's lab, the focus was predominantly on rockets, showcasing a range of

experiments that examined different fuel options and the historical significance of rocket

development.

An interesting fact about the Cosmosphere is that it was established by Patty Carey,

a visionary who sought to bring a planetarium to Hutchinson, Kansas.

by Humberto Rincon