• Coppell ISD is on Winter Break through Monday, Jan. 6. Classes resume Tuesday, Jan. 7.
The official student news site of Coppell High School

Coppell Student Media
The official student news site of Coppell High School

Coppell Student Media
The official student news site of Coppell High School

Coppell Student Media
Shriya Vanparia

Shriya Vanparia, Staff Designer

Shriya Vanparia is a senior and a second year staffer on The Sidekick. In her free time, she loves to draw, paint and listen to music. With comments and concerns, contact her @KixCreative or [email protected]

 

All content by Shriya Vanparia
Social distancing has seen the conclusion of in-person high school classes and events for the 2019-2020 school year. High school seniors, due to graduate in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, miss out on end-of-year traditions and ceremonies and face an uncertain future, but have also found time to explore new passions and reflect. Graphic by Shriya Vanparia

[Photo] Seniors grapple with unusual graduation, reflect on high school

Akansha Singh, Staff Writer
May 15, 2020
Music and sports influence each other and entertainment culture in many ways. The Sidekick staff writer Angela Yuan discusses their intersection.

[Photo] Music serving as key player for sports

Angela Yuan, Staff Writer
May 15, 2020
Coppell has made a name for itself in the local business scene, with a growing business economy and pro-business attitude. The city government hopes to continue attracting businesses and building its image.

[Photo] Coppell’s blooming business scene: present condition, tackling COVID-19 and future ambitions

Akif Abidi, Staff Writer
May 15, 2020
The Coppell City Council had its first virtual meeting on May 12, addressing a host of issues relating to COVID-19. Among these were a declaration of May 17-23 as National Public Works Week, an analysis of the revenue lost with the closing of city services and a moratorium on the temporary sign ordinance.

[Photo] City Council addresses COVID-19 concerns

Anjali Krishna, Staff Writer
May 15, 2020
Students will have the opportunity to return items belonging to Coppell High School on May 21-22. Items include iPads, textbooks, and library books.

[Photo] How seniors/those moving from CISD are going to return items amid the COVID-19 pandemic

Nanette Pottoore, Staff Writer
May 13, 2020
Media bias creates a negative impact on mainstream media by leading their audiences to a certain idea instead of properly stating facts. The Sidekick staff writer Meer Mahfuz explains the importance of being an objective reporter using his experiences and journalism ethics.

[Photo] Mainstream media threatening America’s sense of objectivism

Meer Mahfuz, Staff Writer
May 13, 2020
Image from iOS

[Photo] A letter to the classes behind seniors: Appreciate each year

Editorial Board
May 15, 2020
During this pandemic, grocery workers are put to work despite social distancing regulations. Fear of infection and dealing with customers hoarding are two of the many challenges workers are facing during this time.

[Photo] What it is like to work in a grocery store now

Shreya Beldona, Staff Writer
May 7, 2020
Brandy Melville is an Italian clothing brand that markets their products to teenage girls and young women. The Sidekick staff writer Anjali Krishna shares her opinions on Brandy Melville’s one size only policy and its negative effects on young women.

[Photo] Brandy Melville fueling dangerous American culture of eating disorders

Anjali Krishna, Staff Writer
April 28, 2020
The U.S. Soccer Development Academy was an elite youth soccer program spanning 200 teams, including girls teams, prior to its termination on April 15. Multiple Coppell High School students competed for the league, meaning they were unable to play for their high school soccer team.

[Photo] End of DA reshaping American youth soccer

Sally Parampottil, Executive Sports Editor
April 23, 2020
Coppell senior captain Maxwell Winneker is one of many athletes who saw their seasons canceled for the remainder of the school year. The University Interscholastic League (UIL) announced the cancellation of all UIL-sanctioned activities on Friday following Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to close schools for the rest of the semester. Photo illustration by Shriya Vanparia and Sally Parampottil

[Photo] UIL cancels all sporting events for remainder of school year

Sally Parampottil, Executive Sports Editor
April 20, 2020
Covid-19 updates 4-17 (1)

[Photo] CISD campuses to remain closed for remainder of 2019-20 year

Karen Lu, Daily News/Assignment Editor
April 17, 2020
Due to COVID-19, events such as Prom, concerts and sporting events were cancelled. On March 21, Dallas County mandated that only essential services are to remain open as per social distancing measures.

[Photo] Keeping your distance

April 17, 2020
Each storytelling medium carries a stigma associated with them that limits individuals’ perceptions of their potential. The Sidekick staff writer Angela Yuan breaks down the different stigmas among different story mediums and spreads media positivity.

[Photo] Different mediums have the same potential

Angela Yuan, Staff Writer
April 9, 2020
Food chains, including The Cheesecake Factory, Freebirds World Burrito , Burger King, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and more, have incorporated vegan/plant-based and vegetarian-friendly options into their menus. Restaurants have decided to include vegetarian options due to culture around plant-based eating/veganism and vegetarianism.

[Photo] V is for vegan

Shreya Beldona, Staff Writer
April 3, 2020
March is known as Women’s History Month, and in this day and age, these three powerful women Jameela Jamil, Lilly Singh and Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, embody it. The Sidekick staff writer Alishba Javaid sheds light on three South Asian women in the entertainment industry who make it a point to support women.

[Photo] Underrated, strong South Asian women using own voice to give voice

Alishba Javaid, Staff writer
March 31, 2020
CISD reopens (1)

[Photo] CISD extends closure through April 19

Karen Lu, Daily News/Assignment Editor
March 27, 2020
K-pop band BTS released the next part of the Map of the Soul series on Feb.21. The release marks the fourth complete album by the band, with 15 new songs and 5 from their previous album.

[Photo] BTS reminisces tale of 7 boys in its latest album

Sarah Habib, Staff Writer
March 26, 2020
For decades, women have dealt with sexism and discrimination in sports journalism. The Sidekick executive sports editor Sally Parampottil recognizes this issue and brings attention to sexist harassment and objectification of women in the field.

[Photo] Pushed to the sidelines

Sally Parampottil, Executive Sports Editor
March 25, 2020
International Baccalaureate (IB) exams have been canceled internationally due to the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting over 200,000 students worldwide. The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) will release FAQs and additional details regarding the cancellation to IB schools and coordinators by Friday.

[Photo] International IB exams canceled for 2020 Diploma, Course Certificate candidates

March 23, 2020
The NCAA punishes student athletes for bad grades and smoking marijuana, but nowhere in its rule book does it cite penalties for sexual, violent or criminal misconduct. The Sidekick staff writer Yash Ravula brings attention to high school/college athletic sexual assault and how they often go dismissed.

[Photo] A few cards short of a full deck

Yash Ravula, Staff writer
March 23, 2020
covid-19 ap exams

[Photo] College Board to implement home testing for AP exams

Karen Lu, Daily News/Assignment Editor
March 20, 2020
Sports Update covid 19 sidebar (2)

[Photo] Coppell sports suspended amid COVID-19 concerns

Sally Parampottil, Executive Sports Editor
March 19, 2020
CollegeBoard and ACT have canceled national March and April testing dates to June and July because of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Both organizations will offer students full refunds for the next testing they sign up for.

[Photo] International SAT, ACT exams postponed due to COVID-19

March 17, 2020
Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has waived requirements for the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) tests for the 2019-20 school year. STAAR tests have been administered to students in grades 3-11 by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) since the 2011-12 school year.

[Photo] Texas suspends STAAR testing requirements for 2019-20 school year

March 16, 2020
The Sidekick editor-in-chief Anthony Cesario details how life has changed because of the recent Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. He emphasizes the goals and mission of The Sidekick during uncertain times such as these.

[Photo] Letter From the Editor: Issuing the truth in midst of confusion

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
March 16, 2020
Coppell High School hallways are filled with many different types of students, from those who block the hall to those who walk too slow. The Sidekick editor-in-chief Anthony Cesario brings attention to the types of students who get on everyone else’s nerves in the CHS hallways.

[Photo] Coppell Observer: Grievances from a wary hallway traveler

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
March 3, 2020
Coppell High School senior Abhishek Mishra writes analyses for professional soccer leagues on Total Football Analysis. Despite not being paid for the hours of work he spends analyzing each match, Mishra dedicates his time to this website because of his love for the game and fascination with thinking like professional coaches.

[Photo] #SJW2020: The brain behind the game

Karen Lu, Daily News/Assignment Editor
February 28, 2020
cisd pop up (1)

[Photo] CISD to host pop up party at JC’s Burger Bar

Karen Lu, Daily News/Assignment Editor
February 26, 2020
Sidekick Stories #2 - “So Yeah”

Sidekick Stories #2 – “So Yeah”

Shriya Vanparia, Staff Designer
February 21, 2020
Coppell girls lacrosse faces Allen tonight at Coppell Middle School North at 7 p.m. This is their third game of the season.

[Photo] Cowgirls strive to begin victory streak against Eagles

Jillian Moore, Staff Writer
February 20, 2020
Parasite is a South Korean film directed by Bong Joon-Ho that was released Oct. 9. The Sidekick CHS9 editor Shivi Sharma discusses the film’s four Oscar wins on Feb. 9 and how they have created discussion about foreign films in Hollywood.

[Photo] Parasite sparks foreign film discussion with Best Picture win

February 19, 2020
The Sidekick editor-in-chief Anthony Cesario details his experiences with writing and fencing and how his expectations of himself have affected his enjoyment of those activities. He discusses the importance of not comparing our accomplishments to others.

[Photo] Letter From the Editor: Living in the shadow of our own expectations

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
February 13, 2020
Former Vice President and Democratic presidential-hopeful Joe Biden proposes a hybrid of private and public health care costing $750 billion over a decade. The Sidekick staff writer Nicolas Reyes endorses Biden’s health care plan for the upcoming primary election.

[Photo] America gravely needs Biden’s health care plan

Nicolas Reyes, Staff Writer
February 12, 2020
Recently, more Indian Americans have been represented in the media including Mindy Kailing's upcoming comedy series on Netflix “Never Have I Ever”, Hasan Minhaj’s political comedy show “Patriot Act” and Lily Singh's talk show, “A Little Late with Lilly Singh.” The Sidekick staff writer Anvitha Reddy identifies the need for more representation of Indian Americans in lead roles in TV and film.

[Photo] Breaking barriers

Anvitha Reddy, Staff Writer
February 10, 2020
Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett departed from the team on Jan. 5. The Sidekick staff writer Arman Merchant discusses the impact of this departure upon Dallas Cowboys’ fans in Coppell.

[Photo] Will decade of mediocrity come to an end with new hire?

Arman Merchant, Staff Writer
February 6, 2020
One of the best ways an individual can make a difference in waste output is through becoming more conscious of what we buy. The Sidekick Student Life Editor, Neha Desaraju discusses decreasing spending during holiday seasons.

[Photo] Stop buying excessive gifts for Valentine’s Day

Neha Desaraju, Student Life Editor
February 4, 2020
On Monday, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) announced its athletic district realignments for 2020-21 and 2021-22. Coppell has placed in District 6-6A with Flower Mound, Flower Mound Marcus, Hebron, Lewisville, Plano West, Plano East and Plano.

[Photo] On the Spot: Large Plano schools added to Coppell’s new district

Sarah Woo, Staff Writer
February 3, 2020
Artificial intelligence is one of the most up-and-coming technologies of the decade. The Sidekick staff writer Akif Abidi shares his thoughts about the future of AI becoming humanity’s next big invention.

[Photo] Venturing into the era of artificial intelligence: humanity’s doom or greatest ally? (Part 1)

Akif Abidi, Staff Writer
February 1, 2020
People can decrease their carbon footprint by living a zero-waste lifestyle, which advocates for dismissing single-use plastics, limiting food waste, starting a compost bin and more. The zero-waste living talk will be held in the Cozby Public Library and Community Commons this Saturday at 1 p.m.

[Photo] Coppell to inform citizens on zero waste lifestyle

Shreya Beldona, Staff Writer
January 30, 2020
As digital communication grows, the significance of words is decreasing and people are developing a more limited vocabulary. The Sidekick staff writer Avani Kashyap discusses how we need to stop normalizing words. Graphic by Shriya Vanparia.

[Photo] Words: Declining in power, increasing in importance

Avani Kashyap, Staff Writer
January 28, 2020
People can learn about Chinese culture at the third annual Chinese New Year at the Cozby Library and Community Commons on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. This year is the year of the rat.

[Photo] Cozby Library brings Chinese New Year to Coppell

Alishba Javaid
January 24, 2020
Oscar nominations were released on Jan. 13. The Sidekick staff writer Camila Villarreal analyzes the lack of female directors and the industry’s decisions behind the nominations.

[Photo] Oscar nominations cause controversy, outrage fans

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
January 23, 2020
Recently, Coppell High School has started implementing consequences for not wearing your school ID during school hours. These measures are enforced to ensure safety and security for all students and staff.

[Photo] Administration cracking down on tardiness, IDs

Karen Lu, Daily News/Assignment Editor
January 17, 2020
Vanparia_RiseOfSkyWalker_11620

[Photo] Rise of Skywalker is an improper ending to saga

Sapna Amin, Staff Writer
January 16, 2020
Coppell plans to hold capital purchases as it plans for its yearly revenue to decrease by 16 percent. The city will lose $12 million in business tax revenue due to new state tax laws taking effect in April.

[Photo] New state tax laws to decrease city general fund by 16 percent if enacted

Emma Meehan, Staff Writer
January 16, 2020
During winter break, which took place from Dec. 20 to Jan. 5, the Coppell winter sports teams competed in various events, such as Coppell junior guard Ryan Chen, who competed with the boys basketball team. The Sidekick staff writers recap the events that occurred during break.

Coppell sports update entering new year

Sally Parampottil and Shriya Vanparia
January 10, 2020
Sidekick Stories #1 - "How I Joined Sidekick"

Sidekick Stories #1 – “How I Joined Sidekick”

Shriya Vanparia, Staff Designer
January 10, 2020
New Years festivities date backs to a Babylonian celebration. The Sidekick staff writer Laasya Achanta discusses the first instances of New Year's resolutions. Graphic by Shriya Vanparia.

[Photo] New year nourishing creation of new goals (with video)

Laasya Achanta, Staff Writer
January 7, 2020
2019 music feature image

[Photo] The sound of 2019

Anthony Cesario, Editor-in-Chief
December 20, 2019
Senior Sidekick staff writer Nanette Pottoore discusses the top trends of this decade. She reviews popular phrases and memes such as Nyan Cat, vines and more. Graphic by Shriya Vanparia.

[Photo] Decade Wrap-up: How internet culture evolved society

Nanette Pottoore, Staff Writer
December 19, 2019
Many athletes have retired and many came forth within this decade. The Sidekick executive sports editor Sally Parampottil recaps some of the big names in sports over the decade such as Yu Darvish, Tony Romo, Michael Phelps and Dirk Nowitzki.

[Photo] Beyond the numbers

Sally Parampottil, Executive Sports Editor
December 19, 2019
America Rapper Juice WRLD died on Dec. 8 after injesting a large amount of pills, according to law enforcement. Senior Sidekick staff writer Sydney Rowe explores his influence on his fans and drug use.

[Photo] Juice WRLD death emphasizing dangers of rap culture on youth

Sydney Rowe, Staff Writer/Photographer
December 19, 2019
4-TitleFood-Vanparia-12_19_19

[Photo] Decade Wrap-Up: Food Trends of the ‘10s.

Blanche Harris, Staff Photographer
December 19, 2019
The Sidekick entertainment editor Shravya Mahesh reviews music within the decade. She discusses how music changed over time and memorable artists in this decade.

[Photo] Decade Wrap-Up: Modern media creates personalized listener experience

Shravya Mahesh, Entertainment Editor
December 17, 2019
IMG_0762

[Photo] Teachers adjusting to end-of-semester assessment requirements

Camila Villarreal, Staff Writer
December 13, 2019
Coppell ISD announces that Coppell High School will remove C days from the schedule. The alternate A and B days will take place second semester.

[Photo] District announces elimination of C days in the new year

Karen Lu, Daily News/Assignment Editor
December 12, 2019
The Sidekick Strip #15 - “Type of Friends: The Tea Friend”

The Sidekick Strip #15 – “Type of Friends: The Tea Friend”

Shriya Vanparia, Staff Designer
December 6, 2019
From an early age, boys have been instructed to suppress their emotions and fit into a shrinking male stereotype. The Sidekick staff writer Yash Ravula joins the conversation by discussing the growing issue of toxic masculinity in a currently male-dominated society.

[Photo] Dear “Real Man”:

December 4, 2019
From an early age, boys have been instructed to suppress their emotions and fit into a shrinking male stereotype. The Sidekick staff writer Yash Ravula joins the conversation by discussing the growing issue of toxic masculinity in a currently male-dominated society.

[Photo] Dear “Real Man”:

Yash Ravula, Staff Writer
December 4, 2019
According to the American Transplant Organization, nearly 114,000 patients are waiting for an organ in the United States. The Sidekick senior staff writer Nicolas Reyes argues the importance of organ donation. Graphic by Shriya Vanparia.

[Photo] Let your organs save lives instead of rot

Nicolas Reyes, Staff Writer
November 15, 2019
The Sidekick Strip #13 - "Type of Friends: The Quiet Friend"

The Sidekick Strip #13 – “Type of Friends: The Quiet Friend”

Shriya Vanparia, Staff Designer
November 15, 2019
Rapper Kanye West released his album, JESUS IS KING, on Oct. 25. This is his first gospel album, contrasting his eight previous rap albums.

[Photo] JESUS IS KING review: West redesigns discography with gospel album

Nicholas Pranske, Executive Copy and Design Editor
November 6, 2019
Starting this year, the state is funding an in-school administration of the SAT without the essay portion. This allows students who may struggle to take the exam otherwise to take it at no cost.

[Photo] District now offering free in-school SAT testing opportunity

Shravya Mahesh, Entertainment Editor
November 1, 2019
The Coppell ISD Board of Trustees discussed issues and updates about school renovations, water leakage, and FIRST on Monday night. The CISD representatives meet at the Vonita White administration building for their board meeting on the fourth Monday of every month.

[Photo] Trustees provide glimpse into district’s future through project updates

Victoria Hertel, Staff Writer
October 29, 2019
Natya Nivedanam is an Indian dance event that features dance schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. A Bhartanatyam dancer wears a four piece dress set that includes a salwaar with joint fan, blouse, chunni and hips.

[Photo] Natya Nivedanam fundraiser brings Indian culture to Dallas

Anjali Krishna, Staff Writer
October 18, 2019
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a blood circulation disorder commonly treated by cardiologists and neurologists. Staff writer Emma Meehan shares her story of being diagnosed with this condition.

[Photo] Unseen, but deeply felt

Emma Meehan, Staff Writer
October 10, 2019
“Grey’s Anatomy” is a famous TV show that aired its new season on Sept. 26. Staff writer Yash Ravula shares the most memorable scenes from the show.

[Photo] Top five jaw dropping moments on “Grey’s Anatomy” for loyal fans

Yash Ravula, Staff Writer
October 7, 2019
The word “y’all’s” is a plural possessive for the Southern contraction “y’all”. Staff writer Nicolas Reyes thinks this word should be added to the English language. Graphic by Shriya Vanparia.

[Photo] “Y’all’s”, the missing piece in the English language

Nicolas Reyes, Staff Writer
October 7, 2019
On Friday, Coppell ISD announced changes to A and B day schedules for Coppell High School, New Tech @ Coppell and CHS9. Each block period will be extended by three to four minutes.

[Photo] District announces changes to high school bell schedules

Karen Lu, Daily News/Assignment Editor
October 4, 2019
The Loyal Friend Comic

The Sidekick Strip #10 – “Type of Friends: The Loyal One”

Shriya Vanparia, Staff Designer
October 4, 2019
Starting this year, Coppell ISD employees, students and parents can nominate other employees and middle/elementary students for Super Star awards. The form to nominate is in CISD Superintendent Brad Hunt’s newsletter and nominations are due Friday.

[Photo] Super Star program spotlights district’s unsung role models

Pramika Kadari, Executive News & Enterprise Editor
September 26, 2019
The map for college representation tables at Coppell High School College Night. College Night will take place from 6-8 p.m. tonight and host 160+ schools.

[Photo] On the Spot: Campus prepares for its largest College Night (with video)

September 12, 2019
Girls and boys are faced with a double standard for what they can like. The Sidekick executive editorial page editor Claire Clements shares her own experiences of being part of this standard.

[Photo] Let girls have their Puka shell necklaces

Claire Clements, Executive Editorial Page Editor
August 30, 2019
The Sidekick Strip #8 - "Type of Friends: The Loud"

The Sidekick Strip #8 – “Type of Friends: The Loud”

Shriya Vanparia, Graphic Designer
August 30, 2019
The Texas Education Agency has released “A-F Grades” for all Texas schools on Aug. 15. Coppell High School has an overall grade of an A. Graphic by Shriya Vanparia.

[Photo] CISD scores an “A” from TEA in annual grading system report

Sarah Woo, Staff Writer
August 23, 2019
BTS’s Map of the Soul: Persona was released April 12. The album includes collaboration with Halsey, “Boy with Luv”, which holds the record for YouTube music video with most views gained within 24 hours.

[Photo] “Map of the Soul: Persona” review: BTS exudes warmth, comfort with latest release

Shravya Mahesh, Staff Writer
April 30, 2019
The Sidekick Strip #7 - "Type of Friends: The Sleepy"

The Sidekick Strip #7 – “Type of Friends: The Sleepy”

Shriya Vanparia, Graphic Designer
April 12, 2019
Billie Eilish’s WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? came out March 29. This is her first full-length album, despite already having released many chart-topping hits.

[Photo] ‘WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?’ album review: Eilish’s debut album tells a perfectly unexpected story

Neha Desaraju, Staff Writer
April 8, 2019
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