SmartPass is a virtual hall pass system that is used by over 2,000 schools in six countries. As of this week, Starr’s Mill became one of those schools.  “Whitewater High school is using it, and we had gotten some sales pitches,” Principal Allen Leonard said. “The more we heard, the more we liked the idea.” SmartPass allows school staff to keep track of where students go, what time they are out of the classroom, and regulates how many students can be out of the classroom or in one area at a time. Students are allowed two passes a day.  “I know it helps staff know the specific location ..read more

Tune into “Miscellaneous” with Editor Ella Bissonnette and Staff Writer Clio Long as they discuss lots of different topics. They are joined by special guest Staff Writer Chloe Fitzsimmons. Click the image above to listen to the full episode ..read more

Tim Monihan and Farmers Insurance recognize junior varsity golf player Amani Mehta as the ninth Player of the Week for the spring sports season.   “I’ve come at the top individually in most of my matches,” Mehta said. “Whenever I get to practice, I always put in my best effort, and I’m always one of the last people to leave.” Head coach Burt Waller selected Mehta because of her experience and current number one spot on the team. Mehta earned the lowest overall score for the team this season with a score of 41 in nine holes.  “She’s going to be the person that we depend on to pl ..read more

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English teacher and newspaper adviser Justin Spencer is the April recipient of the Golden Apple award. He was selected by March’s recipient Bert Groover. “He cares about the kids. He inspires them to enjoy English and enjoy the newspaper,” Groover said. “[He] really makes them feel valued as a person and also think outside the box.” Spencer tries to stay present and ‘on the mountain’ in his classroom. He wants to teach his students the same thing. He also values making learning fun and teaching students how to learn.  “Being on the mountain is being present, being where we are, and just ..read more

Pre-calculus teacher Kristin Peavyhouse recently read “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren. “I really enjoy books that are fun and light, like romantic comedies,” Peavyhouse said. “And that’s what this was. I didn’t want to put it down.” The sister of a bride and the groom’s best man find themselves on a honeymoon together after the wedding they attended. Since the newly-weds fell sick, along with the wedding party, the unaffected pair have to attend the trip instead. Initially despising each other, the book follows the two characters’ relationship as it builds up throughout the trip. “I’v ..read more

Boys tennis is elite eight-bound after an exciting match against West Laurens where they traveled two hours instead of four hours. Starr’s Mill won 3-2. “Our sweet sixteen match was really close. We are going to have a much harder time against Pace,” sophomore Matthew Wysong said. “We are going to have to mentally prepare and physically practice a lot, but it is going to be a hard match that I am looking forward to.” The guys travel to Pace Academy on April 29 at 1 p.m. The girls advanced to the elite eight with an outcome similar to the boys team, defeating Wayne County 3-2.  “It’s reall ..read more

Staff Writer Kaylan Cape talks with junior golfers Drew Laughlin and Abby Zeller about preparing for their area tournament and getting ready for state.  Click the image above to watch the full update ..read more

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In addition to changes down Redwine Road and within the school with a new principal, a major facilities change is coming to Starr’s Mill. Other changes around the Mill Leonard accepts transportation position Development of new subdivision underway Head football coach Chad Phillips announces retirement “Having an extra gym will allow us to have extra locker rooms, allow us opportunities for underclassmen activities to play, and have a better time in which they can play,” Athletic Director Shane Ratliff said. “It’ll allow us some flexibility to hold multiple events at the same time.”  Fa ..read more