Pandemic Diaries

Bailey Stover • June 26, 2020

Through her Pandemic Diaries series, senior Bailey Stover describes her life during the coronavirus pandemic starting March 18, the first day out from school for the year, and her unexpected last day of high school.

Students work jobs to save money, evade boredom; responsibilities affect online learning

Maddie Orr • April 8, 2020

RBHS students describe how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting their work hours and income, as well as how it is changing their role in the workforce.

How to make 4 DIY masks from household items

Maddie Marrero • April 5, 2020

Senior Maddie Marrero demonstrates how to make four different DIY masks from household items such as elastic bands, paper towels, headbands and bandanas.

First day of online learning sparks discussions of academic equality

Amira McKee • March 31, 2020

In accordance with Boone County Health Department’s social distancing guidelines, Columbia Public School (CPS) students began their first day of online learning using virtual study and communication methods March 30. Originally, CPS closed its schools March 18 with the plan of resuming session April 13. After the city of Columbia issued a stay-at-home order from March 24 until April 24, however, CPS extended its recess until April 27. CPS Community Relations Director Michelle Baumstark said the district still plans to reopen April 27, despite President Donald Trump’s March 29 announcement that social distancing guidelines should remain until at least April 30.

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.

NHSEB considers hosting national tournament virtually after cancellation

Amira McKee • March 31, 2020

he University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, which hosts the National High School Ethics Bowl (NHSEB), is considering holding the competition virtually after announcing the cancellation of the in-person event March 11. This year, the RBHS Ethics Bowl team won the state tournament, disrupting Hickman High School’s four consecutive years as championship, and qualified to advance to the regional match for the first time since 2015. The team then went on to win a bout against the Nebraska state champions, earning them a spot at the national tournament.

Students sew surgical masks to donate to healthcare facility amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

Amira McKee • March 30, 2020

As a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, there has been a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as surgical masks, gowns and face guards. In order to subsidize the demand, several non-profit organizations are calling for students and community members alike to sew or create supplies to donate to hospitals and charities.

Local places of worship cancel, adjust services

Ryan Choe • March 23, 2020

At least 25 places of worship in Columbia, MO announced on their online websites that they postponed services due to the health and safety concerns stemming from COVID-19.

Coronavirus isolates but also unifies; an international outlook on the pandemic

Sarah Mosteller • March 22, 2020

Students aged 15-20 from around the world share their experiences as they face the COVID-19 pandemic. Many countries are enforcing social distancing, causing feelings of isolation to creep in, but amidst...

District cancels school-related music concerts after COVID-19 concerns

Anjali Noel Ramesh • March 18, 2020

District personnel from the Columbia Public School (CPS) Aslin Administration Building ordered the cancellation of all RBHS school-related music concerts after March 15.

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. 

COVID-19 misinformation fuels racist sentiments and reactions

Audrey Novinger • March 17, 2020

Students respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and discuss the racism surrounding the pandemic.