Oct. 31, 2024
Rogers Heritage High School
Volume II, Issue I
Recent Threats Cause Safety Concerns New Eagle Students and teachers question their safety on campus Period
expectations cause fewer absences and secure campus Fitzgerald
Talon Reporter The shift to students primarily staying in a single classroom each day for Eagle Period marks a significant change in their educational experience, impacting not only their daily routines but also their social interactions and access to interventions and extracurriculars. This change was made in response to safety concerns and challenges of students not being in class, leading to a more structured enviFraire ronment. However, this change has School Resource Officer (SRO) Jeffery Ochoa demonstrates patrolling the halls daily to ensure students’ safety. come with a lot of opinions from students and teachers about how it Pullen Heritage students and staff. these measures include new bright- affects our learning and long term Talon Editor-in-Chief Security is one of the most im- er exterior lights, assigned parking academic and social development. portant factors in a school. Students spaces for students and staff, and In previous years, some students With school shootings rising in have the right to walk onto campus new staff members dedicated spewould skip Eagle Period to spend America, school safety has become and feel safe rather than unsafe or cifically to safety and security. time with friends in the hallways or more important than ever; despite on edge. This year the administra“We have a full time school re- off campus, and they wouldn’t use online threats, Heritage’s security tion is taking multiple new secuteam is prepared and taking active rity measures to increase the level steps to ensure maximum safety for of safety here at Heritage. Some of Safety continued on p. 2 Eagle Period continued on p. 2
Tornado Damage Continues to Impact Rogers Community Garrido
Talon Reporter On May 26, a tornado hit multiple homes and schools in Arkansas, impacting the lives of students and staff from Heritage. The tornado passed through 13 states, hitting the city of Rogers particularly badly. Heavy rain started passing from 12 am to 1 am, with two tornadoes passing by shortly after. It destroyed many stores and restaurants down Walnut Street as well as damaging homes in many surrounding neighborhoods. “We had moved 3 weeks before the tornado and our house was hit pretty good. We had multiple trees on our house and our yard, tons of leaks, multiple windows bashed open, no power for over a week, fences destroyed, and trees not in a
good spot. Most of my neighbors’ houses were so bad they had to move out for a while,” said Principal Chip Greenwell. When Greenwell’s house was hit, it affected his whole family. Even though his house had a lot of damage, he still decided to put his own issues aside to continue working to make sure his community was safe and well. “We had incredible community support and a number of teachers, both at Heritage and around the district, were ultra helpful. People came to the house with chainsaws ready to work, and worked in the heat and the sun. My family and I were just super grateful for all the work that they provided and food and drinks and everything just to
Tornado continued on p. 2
Day in the Life: Greenwell p. 3
Fraire
After tornado struck on May 26, many NWA houses were left destroyed.
Chappell Roan at AMP p. 6
Competition Dance Wins 1st Place p. 7
“I’ve been at eight schools, and this is by far the strongest team I’ve worked with.” - Principal Chip Greenwell in “Day in the Life” p. 3