The student news site of James Bowie High School

The Dispatch
The student news site of James Bowie High School

The Dispatch
The student news site of James Bowie High School

The Dispatch
Shikha Patel

Shikha Patel, Online Editor-in-Chief

Hello! I’m Shikha and I am a current senior. I’m very excited to be one of the Editor-in-Chiefs of the online publication of the Dispatch. This is my third year on staff, and last year I was the online Managing Editor. I look forward to advancing and updating the look of our online publication more. Some things I like doing in my free time are trying out aesthetic and cute coffee places around town, paddle boarding, and calligraphing. I also really enjoy traveling! Unfortunately, due to COVID I haven’t been able to travel this year. But, one of my favorite places I have been is Honolulu, Hawaii and Venice, Italy. I love good quality family time with my pup, Andy. My all time favorite thing in this world is coconut water. I can’t wait to be online EIC this year and work with returning and new staff members to develop high-quality content. Newspaper never fails to amaze me so I cannot wait for this year. 

All content by Shikha Patel
'Broken Border': Texas migrant crisis

‘Broken Border’: Texas migrant crisis

Cade Spencer, Editor-in-Chief
June 29, 2021
Senior Goodbye: Shruti Patel

Senior Goodbye: Shruti Patel

Shruti Patel, Online Editor-in-Chief
June 7, 2021
Senior Goodbye: Cade Spencer

Senior Goodbye: Cade Spencer

Cade Spencer, Editor-in-Chief
June 7, 2021
Senior Goodbye: Shikha Patel

Senior Goodbye: Shikha Patel

Shikha Patel, Online Editor-in-Chief
June 7, 2021
Godzilla vs King Kong

[Photo] Godzilla vs King Kong

Alex Edwards, J1 Reporter
April 27, 2021
As of Tuesday, Jan. 12, all members of the Texas Congress reconvened remotely or in-person for the 87th Legislative Session.

State legislative session commences

Cade Spencer, Editor-in-Chief
April 7, 2021
As the one year COVID-19 anniversary approaches, student  Cade Spencer, reflects on the year.

A High School Senior: March 13 Reflection

Cade Spencer, Editor-in-Chief
March 13, 2021
Today, Mar. 13, 2021 marks one year of COVID-19 shutting down AISD campuses, which led to the start of online learning for students a few weeks after.

[Photo] One Year of Quarantine

Arushi Sharma and Anna Holme
March 13, 2021
Meet our staff

[Photo] COVID-19 March 13 Reflections

March 13, 2021
Following the winter storm on Feb. 14, the Austin Independent School District has adjusted the deadline for transfer applications within the district. While in past years the school year would have been extended to make up for lost days, the district is currently applying for a waver from the Texas Education Association (TEA) to avoid an extended year.

[Photo] AISD 2020-2021 Calendar adjustments following winter storm

Nicole Rooney, Dispatch Reporter
March 9, 2021
Class of 2020 alumni Emma Davis (left) receives the cover of her high school diploma at the Class of 2020 "Graduation Walk" event alongside her mother and Bowie science teacher Jessica Davis (middle) and Principal Mark Robinson (right). Although she did enjoy the adapted graduation ceremony, Davis expressed her hope that more teachers are allowed to attend the "Graduation Walk" for the Class of 2021 as she believes it would make the event more enjoyable and personable.

Class of 2021 graduation ceremony adapted to “Graduation Walk” event

Cade Spencer, Editor-in-Chief
March 4, 2021
Untitled design (11)

[Photo] Is arctic oil drilling beneficial?

Emily Loewe, Reporter
February 23, 2021
Untitled design (10)

[Photo] Representation in the new bachelor season

Lauren Wright, Reporter
February 23, 2021
"To All the Boys: Always and Forever" is the third installment of the "To All the Boys" book and movie trilogy. The film follows the two main characters, Lara Jean and Peter Kavinsky, as they finish high school and prepare for college.

[Photo] “To All the Boys: Always and Forever” employs traditional rom-com storylines to present an enjoyable show

Emily Loewe, Dispatch Reporter
February 18, 2021
Six inches of snow blankets a neighborhood in Southwest Austin on Monday February 15, 2021.

[Photo] Winter storm in Texas

Corinne Piorkowski, Sports Editor
February 18, 2021
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Meet our staff (6)

Austin ISD class cancellation

Shikha Patel and Shruti Patel
February 15, 2021
Tom Brady wins record fifth Super Bowl MVP. After defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in this year’s Super Bowl 31-9, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the Super Bowl for the first time since 2002.

[Photo] The GOAT Timeline

Luke Smith, Sports Writer
February 10, 2021
BUILDING FOR A MODERN FUTURE: The JE Dunn Construction team and Page Architects construct the new athletics center to be ready for occupation by August of 2021. In addition to two gyms that will host a total of 1,780 spectators, the facility will include staff offices, a weight room, and locker rooms.

Behind the Fence: Athletics facility modernization

Cade Spencer, Editor-in-Chief
January 29, 2021
College Board will be using AP classes to see students’ strength in specific subjects. They are doing this to reduce the demands on students and to utilize AP.

[Photo] College board getting rid of SAT subject tests and optional essay

Dylan Zellner, Reporter
January 27, 2021
ZOOMING THROUGH THE LESSON: Math teacher Natasha Weissmiller transforms her iPad into a whiteboard to instruct a remote class over Zoom. In the unique Fall semester, her class motto is 'Screens on, Masks on.'

‘Silver Year’ cultivates innovative instruction

Cade Spencer, Editor-in-Chief
January 27, 2021
Meet our staff (2)

[Photo] Mandatory Life Classes: A life or debt situation

Alec Gosewehr, Journalism 1 Reporter
January 21, 2021
President Joe Biden gives his Inaugural Address at the front of U.S. Capitol. President Biden claimed that “democracy has prevailed,” in his speech.

Inauguration Day 2021

Faith Lawrence and Cade Spencer
January 20, 2021
The Iphone 12 release includes the Iphone 12, Iphone 12 pro, Iphone 12 pro max, and the Iphone 12 mini. Both the Iphone 12, and the Iphone 12 pro have the same camera design as the Iphone 11 and Iphone 11 pro. In Gerold's opinion the features in the new Iphone have not improved enough to warrant spending your hard earned money.

[Photo] Is the new iPhone 12 worth it?

Natalie Gerold, J1 Reporter
January 14, 2021
Has Netflix become the new normal?

[Photo] Streaming Services Are Replacing Normal TV

Alex Edwards, J1 Reporter
January 12, 2021
In response to the mob riot at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, the House of Representatives has introduced an article of impeachment against President Trump, citing his "incitement of insurrection" as the justifying cause. If the article receives two-thirds approval in the Senate after approval from the House, President Trump would become the first president to be impeached twice.

House of Representatives introduces second article of impeachment against President Trump

Cade Spencer, Editor-in-Chief
January 11, 2021
According to the World Health Organization, half of all mental conditions start at the age of 14 (the same age teens start high school) and that most cases go undiagnosed and untreated.

[Photo] Mental health should be a bigger focus in schools

Sydney Crum, J1 Reporter
January 11, 2021
Screen Shot 2020-12-22 at 6.27.27 PM

[Photo] CyberPunk review

Carter Scruggs, Commentary Editor
December 22, 2020
Facebook bans posts that refute or misrepresent the Holocaust, and if they look for facts about the Nazi genocide, they will begin leading people to credible sources.

[Photo] Facebook is banning Holocaust denial posts

Emily Loewe, Reporter
December 18, 2020
COVID-19 has caused difficulties to arise in everyone’s lives, however, being back in the classroom, regardless teaching virtually or not, has benefitted many teachers. 

[Photo] Teacher day in the life during a pandemic

Grace Harris, Reporter
December 17, 2020
certificate of (2)

[Photo] Harry Styles’ Vogue cover and the Controversy That Followed

Carey Wooley, Reporter
December 16, 2020
certificate of (1)

[Photo] The new Mandalorian season

Donna Kim, Reporter
December 17, 2020
Screen Shot 2020-12-16 at 5.52.56 PM

[Photo] Going to college is not a requirement for success

Nicole Lee, J1 Reporter
December 16, 2020
The Bulldog Breakdown 12/14: Final examinations begin and attendance incentives

The Bulldog Breakdown 12/14: Final examinations begin and attendance incentives

Cade Spencer, Editor-in-Chief
December 14, 2020
Compared to in person school, online school is harder for some students to learn at. Online school does have some pros, but considering these problems don’t even really exist at normal school it is most definitely harder to learn with online school.

[Photo] Virtual Learning Isn’t Easy

Alex Edwards, J1 Reporter
December 14, 2020
Dispatch reporter recalls her experiences with COVID-19.

[Photo] Blog: My Experience with COVID-19

Lucciana Choueiry, Reporter
December 14, 2020
Germs

[Photo] It isn’t safe to return back to school

Mazzy Warren, J1 Reporter
December 11, 2020
The Dispatch reports holiday activities to do amidst a pandemic.

[Photo] The Holidays: How will they be adapted to be COVID-19 safe?

Ella Waltuck, Reporter
December 11, 2020
vs. (6)

[Photo] NFL playoff picture through week 13

Luke Smith, Sports Writer
December 11, 2020
As we all have gotten accustomed to online learning, specifically synchronous classes over zoom, it's become a top priority to understand the etiquette, or the proper way to act, of online learning.

[Photo] Zoom etiquette and why it’s important

Harlan Russell, J1 Reporter
December 24, 2020
Online learning is harder for many reasons; from missing crucial parts of your learning, to not being able to access your education because of the internet, online learning has been a rough adjustment.

[Photo] Virtual learning is hard

Natalie Gerold, J1 Reporter
December 22, 2020
vs. (5)

[Photo] Week 7 college football preview

Riley Payne, Sports Writer
October 16, 2020
vs. (4)

[Photo] Week 8 college football preview

Riley Payne, Sports Writer
October 23, 2020
Clemson vs. Notre Dame

[Photo] Week 10 college football preview

Riley Payne, Sports Reporter
November 6, 2020
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes looks to repeat his MVP season from last year

[Photo] The Race for NFL MVP

Luke Smith, Sports Reporter
November 16, 2020
vs. (1)

[Photo] Indiana vs Ohio State

Riley Payne, Sports Writer
November 20, 2020
vs.

[Photo] Texas basketball off to a hot start

Luke Smith, Sports Reporter
December 4, 2020
As school as become virtual this school year, many students are faced with concerns about proper zoom etiquette.

[Photo] The Ridiculous Zoom Camera Regulation

Christine Zhao, J1 Reporter
December 9, 2020
As the COVID-19 pandemic has hit, many students are concerned for their safety as they may return to school.

[Photo] Returning back to school is not safe yet

Eve Whisnant, J1 Reporter
December 8, 2020
As school has become virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many students are receiving more homework.

[Photo] Students receive more homework during online school

Cassidy Pesek, Reporter
December 8, 2020
The Bulldog Breakdown 12/7: Phase 3 operations resumed and attendance incentives

The Bulldog Breakdown 12/7: Phase 3 operations resumed and attendance incentives

Cade Spencer, Editor-in-Chief
December 7, 2020
Screen Shot 2020-12-07 at 9.48.49 AM

[Photo] Will Russell Wilson be the next NFL MVP?

Samuel Vane, J1 Reporter
December 7, 2020

Behind the Fence

Cade Spencer, Editor-in-Chief
December 7, 2020
The Bulldog Breakdown 12/4: Revised final exam schedule and Build Up Bowie fundraiser for air purifiers

The Bulldog Breakdown 12/4: Revised final exam schedule and Build Up Bowie fundraiser for air purifiers

Cade Spencer, Editor-in-Chief
December 5, 2020
At a United Memorial Medical Center COVID-19 testing site, health care workers perform rapid COVID-19 tests on individuals in a drive through format. Starting on Wednesday, Dec. 2 and ending on Friday, Dec. 4, Austin Independent School District will offer rapid testing at six locations for participants in on-campus instruction that want to ensure they are not carriers of the virus. After an initial week of remote learning, on-campus instruction is projected to resume on Monday, Dec. 7.

AISD activates COVID-19 rapid testing program to ensure student and staff safety after November break

Cade Spencer, Editor-in-Chief
November 30, 2020
The Bulldog Breakdown 11/30: COVID-19 rapid tests and Bowie Swim and Dive meet

The Bulldog Breakdown 11/30: COVID-19 rapid tests and Bowie Swim and Dive meet

Cade Spencer, Editor-in-Chief
November 30, 2020
Fall 2020 exam incentives

Fall 2020 exam incentives

Shikha Patel, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 20, 2020
The Bulldog Breakdown 11/16: custodian appreciation cards and girls basketball game

The Bulldog Breakdown 11/16: custodian appreciation cards and girls basketball game

Cade Spencer, Editor-in-Chief
November 16, 2020
The Bulldog Breakdown 11/13: overview of events and student accomplishments in the past week

The Bulldog Breakdown 11/13: overview of events and student accomplishments in the past week

Cade Spencer, Editor-in-Chief
November 15, 2020
The 2020-2021 school year has begun completely virtual and many students find themselves getting more work.

[Photo] Virtual learning is harder than in-person learning

Sydney Crum, Journalism 1 Student
November 13, 2020
The Bulldog Breakdown 11/9: campus collection drives and district volleyball game

The Bulldog Breakdown 11/9: campus collection drives and district volleyball game

Cade Spencer, Editor-in-Chief
November 12, 2020
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[Photo] Texas outlasts West Virginia

Luke Smith, Sports Reporter
November 9, 2020
Newspaper art (6)

[Photo] Depop during quarintine

Carey Wooley, Reporter
November 9, 2020

Back to school slides

Shikha Patel, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 2, 2020
As of Monday, Nov. 2, Reopening Phase 3 will officially be activated. The main difference between Phase 2 and Phase 3 is the introduction of the new hybrid model, which allows for an increased number of students to participate in on-campus instruction.

Reopening Phase 3 offers new hybrid model for on-campus instruction

Cade Spencer, Editor-in-Chief
October 31, 2020
On Sept. 29, the two candidates, incumbent Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden, participated in the first of two presidential debates. Student participated in a poll for the running debate parties.

First presidential debate

Cade Spencer, Editor-in-Chief
October 30, 2020
Austin City Council cuts police department budget by one-third, mainly through reorganizing some duties out from law enforcement oversight.

[Photo] Drawbacks of the APD Fund Reallocations

Max Muzny, Reporter
October 28, 2020
In a time where we are dependent on technology it can be a pain to not be able to use it. There are constant issues that can ruin anyone’s entire week and force them to fall behind in all your classes. An AISD chrome book are used daily by many students throughout campuses. There can be many technological issues.

[Photo] How to powerwash school chromebooks and tech curbside information

Dylan Zellner, Reporter
October 27, 2020
J.K. Rowlings new novel, "Troubled Blood" causes controversy. J.K. Rowling has been labeled as "transphobic" from readers. Additionaly, Rowling has been under fire for a a series of tweets that are controversial to the transgender community.

[Photo] J.K. Rowling’s “Troubled Blood” sparks controversy

Azul Lin, Assistant Editor
October 23, 2020
With the release of the live action Mulan, there has been a lot of outrage and concerns in the media about the representation in the movie.

[Photo] Asian representation in Avatar and Mulan

Donna Kim, Reporter
October 22, 2020
Planned Parenthood is a essential for many women in the United States. However, government officials want to “defund” Planned Parenthood to get rid of abortions.

[Photo] The defunding of Planned Parenthood

Emily Loewe, Writer
October 19, 2020
The Dallas Cowboys (2-3) will host the Arizona Cardinals (3-2) October 19th at 7:15 PM CT.

[Photo] Cowboys vs Cardinals game preview

Luke Smith, Sports Writer
October 19, 2020
When students and staff return to in-person school, they will be required to undergo a screening process. Any student or staff member who fails the screening test will be required to stay at home until they meet the criteria to return to school. Mark Escott, the City of Austin Interim Health Authority, said at the meeting that he supports Austin ISD’s plan for reopening schools on the 5th.

[Photo] AISD reopening plan amidst a pandemic

Dylan Ebs, Election 2020 Editor
October 14, 2020
From September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage month was celebrated worldwide. The Bowie community participated as well.

[Photo] Students celebrate Hispanic Heritage month

Arushi Sharma, News Editor
October 16, 2020
Netflix announced that some of their fan favorite shows, That 70s Show, Parks and Recreation, and The Office, will be removed from their platform.

[Photo] Netflix removing popular shows

Cassidy Pesek, Writer
October 15, 2020
Schools should focus on keeping students, staff, and their families safe and healthy by allowing them to stay home until an effective vaccine for COVID-19 is developed and administered. 

[Photo] Attending school off-campus could be the safest option

Amanda Zinni, Copy Editor
October 13, 2020
The Dallas Cowboys (1-3) will host the New York Giants (0-4) on 10/11 at 3:25.

[Photo] Cowboys vs Giants game preview

Luke Smith, Sports Writer
October 10, 2020
TikTok is supposed to be banned as early as November 12th but Oracle, a computer technology corporation, is working to partner with the popular app in order for it to stay on all app stores.

[Photo] The future of TikTok

Callie Payne, Entertainment Editor
October 8, 2020
As of Monday, Oct. 5, Bowie is in Phase 2 of its campus reopening plan. After completing a COVID-19 health screening, students report to SHIP rooms on campus, remaining in the same classroom the entire school day while completing remote instruction via Zoom and BLEND. The total amount of students and staff allowed on campus is calculated on a weekly basis, called the building capacity, based off national and local health guidelines.

Reopening Phase 2 allows limited students and staff to return to campus

Cade Spencer and Arushi Sharma
October 6, 2020
The first 2020 United States presidential debate between the two major candidates in the United States presidential election, Trump and Biden, took place September 29th.

[Photo] SNL skit or Presidential Debate?

Rae Gray, Managing Editor
September 30, 2020
Phase two of the Austin Independent School District (AISD) back-to-school plan will begin on Monday, October 5. Phase two of this plan will introduce the use of Stationary Homeroom Instructional Pods (SHIPs).

[Photo] Attending school on-campus could be beneficial to students

Riley Payne, Staff Reporter
September 30, 2020
Austin ISD has changed the student holiday that falls on Columbus day to Election day to prevent a greater spread of COVID-19.

Election Day is now a holiday for Austin ISD

Shikha Patel, Online Editor-in-Chief
September 29, 2020
New changes have been made to the A/B schedule. Check out the jbhs website to see the updated calendar.

Modifications in the A/B calander

Shikha Patel, Online Editor-in-Chief
September 17, 2020

Senior Send-Off Salute allows the Class of 2020 to take one last lap around campus

Cade Spencer, Managing Editor
September 8, 2020
AISD Superintendent Paul Cruz presents the Board Action Items for the AISD Trustee Meeting on Thursday, August 6. The board voted unanimously to postpone the start of school date to Tuesday, September 8 and to submit a waiver to the Texas Education Agency to have an additional four weeks of remote learning for a total of eight weeks.

AISD Board votes to delay the start of school and extend period of remote learning

Faith Lawrence and Cade Spencer
August 7, 2020
On Thursday, August 6, Principal Mark Robinson announced a two phase reopening policy for the Fall semester. The Austin Independent School District (AISD) Board will vote on Thursday, August 6 to possibly push back the start date of the 2020-2021 school year and extended the initial period of remote learning.

Two phase school reopening plan announced for Fall semester

Cade Spencer and Faith Lawrence
August 6, 2020
Superintendent Dr. Paul Cruz has formed a Reopening Task Force to plan for the possibility of a modified school year. As of now, the Austin Independent School District Board has approved a calendar that would follow the form of a traditional year from August to May.

Reopening Task Force formed to plan for the 2020-2021 school year

Cade Spencer, Managing Editor
May 29, 2020
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