Bearing News

Students share initial thoughts on online education

Parker Boone • March 31, 2020

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, junior Parker Boone shares his thoughts and reflects on Columbia Public Schools' switch to online learning.

CPS must adopt pass/fail grading system for the well-being of students

Will Cover • March 31, 2020

In this time of crisis from COVID-19, it’s imperative educators put the well-being of students above homework and grades, just as they did by closing schools district-wide until April 27 to slow the dangerous spread of the virus. In order to appropriately accomplish this goal, and in-light of the almost inevitable difficulties of online education, evident in the outage of Schoology and lag-time with Google Classroom for students yesterday, March 30, CPS should shift all classes to a pass/fail grading scale for the duration of this semester.

CPS considers commissioning new road out North parking lot

Amira McKee • March 29, 2020

Columbia Public Schools (CPS) is considering commissioning an additional exit from the North Parking Lot to Peachtree Drive, an idea that began in 2014. CPS Public Relations Director Michelle Baumstark estimated the project would cost $300,000-$400,000 and construction would begin in about a year. Although the project is awaiting approval from the Columbia Board of Education as details such as the timeline and budget are still unclear, the road would meet a roundabout in the middle of Peachtree Drive.

That’s debatable: Should CPS require P.E. credits?

Multiple Authors • March 23, 2020

The requirement for physical education credits in order for high school schoolers to graduate has sparked debate about whether or not it is necessary.

CPS coronavirus plan necessary, but too rushed

The Rock and Bearing News Staff • March 18, 2020

Although closure is a meaningful step toward protecting safety and health, the limited notice will minimize its effectiveness.

COVID-19 halts multiple sports seasons

Ryan Choe • March 18, 2020

The Missouri State High School Activities Association canceled the remainder of the Class 4 and Class 5 state basketball tournaments and suspended the spring sports season through April 12.

CPS suspends school amid COVID-19 concerns

Anna Xu • March 17, 2020

Columbia Public Schools (CPS) won’t be in session tomorrow and won’t reopen until April 13 at the earliest; however, this 26-day cancellation may change depending on future events relating to the coronavirus (COVID-19), CPS Superintendent Dr. Peter Stiepleman said in an email to faculty and staff members yesterday.

FIRST Robotics regional, district competition canceled because COVID-19 health concerns

Bailey Stover • March 13, 2020

Because of COVID-19 health concerns, FIRST Robotics canceled its regional and district competitions, resulting in the Army Ants not competing this year.

Understanding of COVID-19 outbreak varies

Multiple Authors • March 6, 2020

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak and spread to the U.S., students offer their thoughts and express a lack of knowledge regaridng the virus.

Housing reparations necessary to counteract redlining, institutionalized racism

Will Cover • February 24, 2020

Housing has been the most egregious instance of discrimination in America's economy, with a 32.5% gap in homeownership between black and white Americans. This in turn drives a massive racial wealth gap because of the economic importance of owning a home. Therefore, housing reparations are needed to increase black homeownership and counteract existing biases.

Inflexible deadlines worsen quality of education

The Rock and Bearing News Staff • February 20, 2020

Deadlines control students’ lives. The specter of late work deductions or even worse, a zero, force students to figure out a way to manage their time that often result in stressful, unhealthy work management. The RBHS Executive Council and faculty are right to support separating academic performance from work ethic and behavior, moving away from harsh late work penalties.

GSA hosts second annual Valentine’s Day party; members express need for increased, positive LGBTQ representation

Bailey Stover • February 14, 2020

After school Tuesday, Feb. 11, RBHS’ Gay-Straight Alliance hosted its second annual RBHS Valentine’s Day party; students reflect on LGBTQ representation.