Plugging in...

In this episode of Plugging in, The Sidekick Executive News editor Sri Achanta and Student Life editor Shrayes Gunna discuss ways to be the safest at prom. They talk to Class of 2023 Student Council Sponsor Benjamin Stroud and CHS Seniors to find the best tactics to stay safe.

In this episode, The Sidekick photographer Namir Awan along with Coppell High School junior Sajid Jailani discuss the NBA and give their take on the league. As we discuss shocking news, we talk about the Dallas Mavericks and surprise teams. With all of their knowledge of the game, Awan and Jailani talk about extremely hot takes with some of their own. Enjoy as Awan and Jailani tackle some of the NBA's biggest topics.

Now more than ever, senioritis is affecting 12th graders around the school with low motivation and increased late assignments, along with even more negative impacts. The Sidekick Staff Writer Deepali Kanchanavally and Staff Designer Nrithya Mahesh talk to CHS IB student Gerret Schnock and IB Diploma Programme Coordinater and teacher Michael Brock about their experiences with senioritis.

Coppell is home to a large community of Muslims who celebrate Ramadan. This episode of Plugging In... discusses Ramadan, its significance and local influences to Coppell and surrounding communities. From common misconceptions about fasting to tips on how to reach goals, the podcast divulges into how The Sidekick Convergence Editor Aliya Zakir, Staff Photographer Sameeha Syed and Business Manager Aliza Abidi navigate the holy month.

Many students consider senior year their most memorable year of high school, as it is their final year to participate in all school activities and to spend time at events with their friends. As younger students in high school, most of us only ever hear about the exciting activities to look forward to in your senior year, however the cost of everything being accumulated together is hardly discussed. In this episode of Plugging in… Staff Writer Rhea Choudhary and Staff Photographer Vibha Viswanath talk to Student Council Co-Sponsor and Pre-Calculus teacher William Harrington about his opinions on the overall cost of senior year. Harrington details how events such as prom, graduation, and trips add up to make the year very costly, especially for parents, making it difficult for all senior year students to have the opportunity to participate.

Computer science teacher Isabel Gregorek talks about her experience in coding as well as how artificial intelligence like Chat GPT could change the world of programming and how apps, games and a lot more aspects of our lives will drastically change.

This week on Plugging In… The Sidekick social media manager Meghna Kulkarni talks with Red Jacket co-sponsors Dr. Bianca Benitez and Courtney Crosby about the Coppell High School student ambassadors, the Red Jackets. Benitez and Crosby discuss the ongoing application process and what it means to be a Red Jacket.

Today, the Coppell girl’s basketball team head play in the state semi-final. Staff writer Ava Johnson and executive editor-in-chief Angelina Liu speak to head coach Ryan Murphy and players Allyssa Potter and Julianna Lamendola about their playoff run and what it means for them to go to state.

This week on Plugging In… The Sidekick staff photographer Sahasra Chakilam talks to Executive Editor-in-Chief Angelina Liu, Executive Editorial Page Editor Manasa Mohan, Executive News Editor Sri Achanta, and Executive Design/Interactive Editor Srihari Yechangunja about The Sidekick’s celebration of Scholastic Journalism Week from Feb. 20-24. The Sidekick editors and Chakilam discuss their personal favorite parts of the week and their experience as student journalists.

In this episode, Namir along with Paarth discuss a variety of sports events and give our take on them. As we discuss shocking news, we also focus on various sports such as soccer, basketball, and football. With all of his knowledge of the game, Namir disputes Paarth’s extremely hot takes with some of his own. Enjoy as Namir and Paarth tackle some of sports biggest topics.

As the Formula 1 racing season nears its end, have a listen to a recap of the United States Grand Prix weekend in Austin with @JoshDC004 and @cjcampbelljr.

This podcast discusses the current gender stereotypes that occur in our society, its effects on our current generation, and its harms. Featuring Coppell High School art teacher, David Bearden, who shares his views and personal experiences regarding this topic.

Filled with personal anecdotes and advice by the people who have impacted her the most, Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach and Algebra 2 teacher Coach Weseman, shared her experience on work life balance throughout the school year. Everyone has a story, and Coach makes it clear by showing a truthful side to her life as a teacher and Coach and her process of growth throughout her life. If you want to hear about work life balance with a busy schedule, life advice, and more, tune into this episode of Plugging in…!

With the start of a new school year, students have the opportunity to begin on a clean slate. Though this may seem ideal, many have already started to experience the burdens of academic pressures. In this episode of Plugging in… Staff Writer Sukirtha Muthiah and Staff Designer Meghan Chiang talk to AP English IV and Creative Writing teacher Matthew Bowden about his opinions on academic pressures. Bowden has taught a range of students from freshman to seniors over the past 15 years, and has seen these pressures affect students in different ways. He details his experiences and how he’s seen students go through this struggle.

Astronomy teacher Ms. Barnes discusses the advantages of meditation and a minimalistic lifestyle. Her past experiences with Vipassana, a 2 weeks silence camp, helped her find the importance of meditation and wants to share it with the rest of the Coppell High School students hoping to create a healthier environment. Listen to the this podcast to find helpful ways to destress.  

With the start of a new school year comes a new wave of college applications. Seniors have already begin their Common App essays and are encouraged to start their supplementals for specific schools. In this episode of Plugging in... senior executive Editor-in-chief of The Sidekick Angelina Liu will be talking to Coppell High School IB English teacher Richard Orlopp. Orlopp is teaching students in his class on how to write an impactful essay and has read many college applications in his time as a teacher. Essential questions are answered, such as should students be revealing the deepest darkest parts of themselves? What are some common misconceptions of essays? What if you’re a bad writer? What are colleges really looking for?

On this episode of “From George Coppell to…” The Sidekick staff photographer Sruthi Lingam discusses the effects of inflation on the local economy with CHS sophomore Kalyan Vivekanandan. As the prices of basic necessities continue to increase across the nation, Lingam speaks with CHS securities and investments teacher Brian Simpson about different pathways individuals can take to combat the negative effects of inflation.

On this episode of “From George Coppell to…” The Sidekick staff writer Nathan Cheng discusses Stephen Covey’s self - help book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People with CHS engineering and construction teacher Stan Burnett. With many students struggling with issues such as procrastination, Cheng explores how the habits can benefit students in their academic and everyday lives.

On this episode in “From George Coppell to…” The Sidekick staff writer Yaamini Jois discusses climate change with two CHS students and one teacher. With recent protests being conducted by scientists and activists worldwide, Jois explores the current state of the climate and how we can all live more sustainably.

This week on George Coppell to…, the Sidekick news editor Sri Achanta speaks to Coppell High School sophomore Aliza Abidi and CHS junior Ghada Abuagala on their experiences practicing Ramadan. Ramadan started this year on April 2 and ends on May 1. Ramadan is a celebration that Muslims partake in, but fasting isn’t all that Ramadan is about. Two different interviews highlight the entire meaning of Ramadan, what happens during this month and student experiences with Ramadan.

The Grammys is an internationally televised event where the music industry's biggest stars and talents attend a red carpet and awards ceremony. There was strong competition in this year's Grammys in each category, as well as some artists who were snubbed from nominations as well as first-time nominees. In this episode, we will be delving into the performances, award recipients, red carpet looks, and social commentary that took place.

This week on George Coppell to…, executive editor-in-chief Anjali Krishna speaks to Coppell High School seniors Colin Bezack, Chandana Sirigireddy and Mira Jiang on their plans for the future. With Ivy Day marking the last of college decisions being released, CHS seniors are now charged with the task of selecting a path for the future outside of what has been mandated by the state. Three different interviews highlight different pathways, activities and statistics to present various options for the future.

This week, The Sidekick executive entertainment editor Trisha Atluri talks to Miss Coppell 2022 Jessica Hamilton about evolving beauty standards. As a Black woman, Hamilton delves into breaking traditional boundaries and what it means to be a pageant competitor. 

This week on From George Coppell To..., design editor Srihari Yechangunja celebrates April Fools' Day with a joke-off with Mr. Ian VanderSchee, an AP Calculus BC and IB Mathematics teacher at CHS known for writing jokes everyday on a whiteboard outside his classroom. 

This week on George Coppell to..., staff writer Minnie Gazawada speaks to Coppell High School Head counselor Ann Cenilli and CHS junior Mytri Nair about the course selection process through their perspectives. CHS students now will be finalizing their decision until March 11th, the last day for schedule changes. Through this process, students have struggled to choose what type of courses and what to focus on: AP or IB, Level 2 or Level 3 and more choices as they continue to be indecisive until the deadline.

This week on From George Coppell to..., staff photographer Aliza Abidi talks to news editor sophomore, executive editor-in-chief Anjali Krishna and executive editorial page editor Sreeja Mudumby about The Sidekick's celebration of  Scholastic Journalism Week from Feb. 21-25. The Sidekick editors and Abidi discuss their personal favorite parts of the week and their experience as student journalists.

This week on From George Coppell to..., staff photographer Shreya Ravi talks to junior Mehek Arora about celebrating Black History Month in February. With Coppell ISD and individual classrooms planning activities to honor the Black community. Arora and Ravi discuss how important it is to give this month and the Black community recognition.

Every January 1st, people of all ages across the United States will write down a few goals to achieve in the year. The history of self improvement goes back centuries, with the idea of having a goal set to a specific calendar date well established by the 1860’s. For this episode,  I will be interviewing four Coppell high school students and ask them three simple questions about New Year’s resolutions. 

This week on George Coppell to… The Sidekick CHS9 editor Iniya Nathan speaks with Coppell High School CTE teacher Michael McCabe about being open about his sexuality in this professional life. While being part of the LGBTQ+ community is steadily being more accepted by those outside the community, and more people are being open about their sexuality and gender identity, being out of the closet can still be a daunting prospect for young closeted people.

This week on George Coppell to…, Student Life editor Anette Varghese speaks with Coppell High School AP World History and AP Comparative Government and Politics and CHS junior Anum Ali on the history of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving today celebrates the idea of togetherness by bringing family together and being thankful, which contrasts the original celebration.  In reality, the assembly of the Wampanoag tribe and the English settlers in 1621 had much more to do with political alliances, diplomacy, and a pursuit of peace.

This week on George Coppell to…, executive news editor Akhila Gunturu and student life editor Anette Varghese speaks with Coppell High School head counselor Ann Cinelli and IB English teacher Richard Orlopp on navigating college applications from an educators' point of view. The application season itself begins in the summer before the senior’s final year in high school, with the early action/decision deadline being Nov. 1 and the regular admission/decision deadlines extending into December and possibly January. Cinneli and Orlopp help seniors by providing essential information on the application process as well as delving into college application essay writing as the first unit of the year. 

This week on George Coppell to…, The Sidekick visual media editor Angelina Liu speaks with juniors Alexis Sibanda and Taara Bhojwani about the the "my culture is not your costume" debate. With Halloween on this upcoming Sunday, many Coppell residents will be preparing by purchasing candy, decorations, and costumes. This movement has become increasingly popular as many have become enraged at celebrities for cultural appropriation. 

This week on George Coppell to…, The Sidekick executive entertainment editor Trisha Atluri speaks with Coppell Community Orchestra president Vanessa Younts about the burgeoning local arts scene. With the recent opening of the Coppell Arts Center, local performing and fine arts companies receive a new venue for events and galleries. The Coppell Arts Council also provides representation for resident companies, allowing local art to be prioritized. Currently, the arts center's first live performance season is occurring and decisions for forthcoming seasons are in the works.

This week on George Coppell to..., The Sidekick editorial page editor Sreeja Mudumby gets into the Hindu festival Navaratri. With Coppell's large Indian population, Navaratri and its accompanying events are celebrated in the Coppell area. 

At a time when people seem more divided than ever, this podcast sets out to find the common threads in stories that connect us all.

This episode, the Sidekick editors hold their own March Madness with a twist: choosing the march maddest class at Coppell High School.

Join us this episode to celebrate Women's History Month, where Sally, Angelina and Shivi discuss the role women play in sports and the challenges they face. To get more insight, they also talk to Principal Springer, who was a former coach and athlete, as well as Coach Murphy, the head girls basketball coach and assistant boys basketball coach.