New Year, New Laptops

Hickman Students Get Acer Travelmates

The laptops are called the Acer TravelMate B3 Spin 12, and the model is a TMB312R-31-P4LSNA The Acer Website states that the Acer TravelMate B3 Spin 12’s are made for schools. These laptops also have touch screens and are able to be folded to look like an iPad. They’re similar to the computers that we currently have, though they’re more durable and spill-resistant. Repairing these laptops will be much easier as well because of the replaceable keyboard that they have.

Holden Kausler is the building technician of Hickman. He helps students and teachers with district technology problems. He doesn’t have a say in what devices are used, but he has more control over the devices than most of the staff at school. He believes that the Acer Travelmates can help students get more out of the classes that they have.

“I think these laptops are more versatile with what applications they can run.” Kausler said. “In middle school; they don’t have a lot of different programs that they really need to run. High schoolers have a lot more specialty classes that require having a laptop to use.”

The bid for these Acer TravelMates has not been placed yet so it is possible that next year we will have a different model or a different company altogether. But, they plan on ordering the Acer Travelmates.

EOC

Heading: new updates to EOC testing procedure with hopes for better scores

 This year, there have been some changes to the EOC policy. Firstly, EOC tests are now going to be worth 5% of students’ grades in the respective subject that they are over. 

This change has come as a result of Hickman’s recent academic performance in standardized testing “Since EoCs (specifically Math and English scores) make up ½ of our APR (Annual Progress Report) score, past performance definitely made an impact in how we planned EoCs this year.” Leia Brooks, the English department chair, Said. “We wanted to make sure that our testing schedule provided every student the chance to show their mastery without feeling rushed.” 

Another change that is coming is in the schedule of each EOC “Since the testing blocks gave us 180 minutes, we also were able to include time for snacks (provided by the building) and a short meditation session before students begin.” Brooks said. “This allows them to be in the best mindset possible.”

Despite some disgruntled students upset by the EOC impacting their grade, some people remain hopeful that these changes that Hickman needs to improve its test scores. “We wanted to make a schedule that indicated that these tests are serious, and we want everyone to be set up for success.”

From broken to new, introducing the bathrooms

The poor bathrooms have been on the edge of (or are there) closing down. Just wait, next year there will be new bathrooms to enjoy.

For what appears to have been millenia, the restrooms in Hickman’s halls have been in a dire state. With frequent rumors supposing that renovation is to begin during the at numerous points and for various reasons, where can one identify the truth among the rumors? 

Columbia Public Schools board member, April Ferrao, states that budgets have been set to address Hickman’s bathroom issue since April of 2025, however Summer school schedules delayed the renovation.

“At [April 13 2025] board meeting we approved a 676,000 dollar contract for HHS bathroom improvements including some bathrooms that will have redesigns.” Ferrao said.

Additionally, this prior fall, further funding had been accorded to process the problem.

“Work in HHS bathrooms should take place over this summer.” Ferrao said.  

One may only hope that we can witness the results of this contract prove true this coming school year.

The boys restrooms in Hickman are frequently closed. An inconvenient station to students who must fit walking around the entire building to access a working bathroom into their passing period.

The boy’s restroom near Hickman’s cafeteria has been locked for some time, serving as an inconvenience to students during lunch.

A new path

Mrs. Maglio shifts from public to Waldorf school

This year at Hickman, the school will be saying goodbye to a few different staff members, including the longtime principal, Ms. Grupe. Some of the staff members are retiring, some are changing positions within the school district, and some, such as Alexandra Maglio, are moving on to teach alternative education.  

Starting this fall, Ms Maglio will be teaching at City Garden, a small school focused on holistic education and learning through nature. “I’d been thinking about sending my kids there, and there were a lot of people in my community and friendship circles, too, who were like, Ally, you would be great,” Maglio said. 

Despite there not being any job listings at City Garden, Ms Maglio felt sure that she belonged there. “And so I went out to visit at the camp, and I was just like, I need this for myself too. “I sent them an email, and I was just like, ‘this is what I felt being there.’ ‘This is who I am and how I believe my values align with your mission, and what you guys are doing here,’ and it kind of just all fell into place.” Maglio Said.

As it turns out, there was a job opening in the middle school program of City Garden, an opportunity that excites Ms Maglio. “I think it just seems like a great fit.” Said Maglio. “I mean, of course, with any job where you work with other humans, especially a job teaching, but that’s just part of the job, is that you face challenges with kids, but I feel like the other teachers there are very supportive.”

After teaching five years at Hickman, Ms Maglio is ready for a change. “I actually taught in a small public school district. It was a little bit bigger than City Garden, but still very small,” said Maglio.
“I thought I wanted something bigger, but looking back, if you needed something, someone was always willing to lend a hand and help. Whereas here, I feel like we’re in survival mode constantly.”

Welcoming the fresh faces

A brief overview of some of Hickman’s new staff members for this upcoming school year

As school is quickly coming to an end and spring sports are concluding, students and staff can begin to look forward to some new faces with the coaching staff and teachers at Hickman. The head coach of the girls’ basketball team, Blair Scanlon, will be leaving Hickman. He will become the head coach of the boys basketball team as well as a P.E. coach for Capital City High School in Jefferson City.  A replacement for him here at Hickman has not been found yet. “I will miss some of the students and staff members [at Hickman]. It’s about the relationships you build while you are here.” Scanlon said. There will also be a new soccer coach, Zach Owens. Owens is currently the boys and girls head soccer coach for Ozark High School in Ozark, Missouri. Lastly, the choir teacher, Christy Elsea, will be leaving Hickman. Her replacement will be Jordan Walker. Walker was an elementary school choir teacher. While these are the only three lists, staff changes are typically found and hired over the summer. This means you should keep your eyes out for all the new staff members to come!