TheWashington - Mission San Jose High School
Transcription
TheWashington - Mission San Jose High School
your Guide to Valentine’s Day Wong Fu Page 2 Februar y 7, 2007 Gifts Flowers Restaurants } Page 7 The Washington Hatchet Student messages } Page 6 Talent Show Page 3 Washington High School · 38442 Fremont Blvd. Fremont CA, 94536 Potential problems for band credit Chen Yang Reporter Fremont Unified School District is in the process of researching whether students in marching band should be allowed to receive P.E. credits. P.E. credits are required for graduation and a ruling stating that band can no longer count for P.E. credit could drastically affect the academic standings of students already enrolled or planning to enroll in marching band. According to counselor Carrie Merfield, marching band is considered a fine art and can fill the credit quota required for graduation. It is currently a college-prep elective. Furthermore, interested students can use band as a potential stepping stone to gain entry into UC or CSU music departments. “Colleges want to know if the student has a wellrounded course. Marching band is an extracurricular fine art,” Merfeld said. As attractive as marching band is to future enrollees, a negative ruling on the district’s part could devastate the department by forcing students to abandon their interest and pursue the more traditional P.E. credits. Also, the ruling could create problems for students already enrolled in marching band. “I think that the district should let all band students have P.E. credit for marching band. Four years of marching band is equal to two years of P.E., so I think it’s justified,” marching band head drum major, junior Samantha Salvaggio said. “If students have to take P.E. and band, I think the number of students in band will go down. Marching band should keep its P.E. credit.” Salvaggio hopes that students already enrolled could be “grandfathered” and excluded from the separation of credits. Teachers forced to float between classrooms Pritika Kumar Rebekah Lee In Depth Editor Reporter Students aren’t the only ones roaming around during passing periods now. From the beginning of the school year, some teachers have joined students in the hallways, lugging along carts or bags with their teaching materials. Some teachers, like their students, have started the second semester in a new classroom. But getting used to a new place isn’t easy, teachers say. Like other schools in the Fremont Unified School District, Washington is in need for more classrooms to accommodate all the teachers at the school. American will receive two new portables, two science labs, and three standard classrooms to ac- commodate the enrollment growth at the school, as approved by Director Therese Gain of Facilities Management. Mission received a new “dining facility,” for its upcoming closed campus. American and Kennedy will also receive dining facilities that will be designed by Sept. 2008. However the district has denied issuing portables to the school, because Washington’s student population has dropped by 52 since the beginning of the year. For teachers who roam the campus during passing periods along with students, the commute between classrooms is not easy. English teacher Deb Pavlecic recently had to deal with the six minute move from her period 1 class in E222 to period 2 in the SRC. “Kids can’t make it across campus, how can I take my stuff, drop it off here, and in a minute by minute situthen haul all the way over in ation, it creates more stress,” six minutes?” Pavlecic said. Ho said. Most teachers who now But for some teachers, move from classroom to it’s tough not even having a classroom do admit that all classroom. Science teacher the required materials for Michelle Keller used to teach a class are not carried with in room 95 last year, but this them. Since they are lim- year she rotates between 31 ited on and 32. what they “I feel the class has not K e l l e r can carry, one been as academically has stu d e nt s cart on may find strong as in the past.” which teachers s h e Michelle Keller pushing tries to carts or carrying boxes in carry all her materials. Even the hallways. though she is able to carry Math teacher Ju-Ku Ho everything she needs, Keller finds that he looses time to still finds herself running to prepare for the next class and her office to get class matethat changing rooms makes rials. it harder for his students to “It’s very difficult to try to find him to ask questions. teach the course...and with a “A teacher has so many class where it’s a laboratory different materials for dif- science and it’s an upper-levferent classes...if you con- el class I’ve had to cut out a stantly have to reorganize few things and take down my curriculum that I normally run...I feel the class has not been as academically strong as in the past,” she said. According to The Hatchet’s survey, most teachers agree that not having their own classroom negatively affects instruction. “In the end, it’s what’s best for students...to have a classroom and a teacher that’s ready to go with all the optimal teaching devices necessary and at their hand to use. Without that you can’t say you’re giving equal access to the curriculum if you don’t have access to your own room. We need to have a classroom for every teacher,” Pavlecic said. Whether or not Washington will receive portables depends on the district. For now teachers and students have to adapt to their surroundings. HPV vaccine offers women cancer protection Molly Sweeney Co-Edior-in-Chief A startling 99 percent of all cases of cervical cancer are caused by a virus known as HPV, Human Papilloma Virus. Such a statistic doesn’t inspire much hope until you find that there is a way of preventing the harmful effects of HPV. A new vaccine which prevents against the most dangerous strands of HPV is being given in three doses to girls between the ages of 9 and 26. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that is given between partners participating in vaginal or anal intercourse. Fewer people, but still a substantial sample of those tested, obtained the virus through oral sex or hand-genital transmission. The dangerous types of HPV cause genital or anal warts which can eventually morph cells into precancerous tissue. It’s recommended a girl get the vaccine before they become sexually active because if she has already been infected with that strand the vaccine will not counteract the previous exposure. Not all HPV turns into cancer, in fact, about 75 percent of people who have sex in their lifetime will have had HPV at some point. Women aren’t the only ones affected by HPV. The virus is just as prevalent in men, only harder to test for. HPV is known to cause penile, urethral, anal, tongue and tonsil cancers as well. Men however, are not widely being given the vaccine currently because its effectiveness hasn’t been proven. Almost every doctor’s office in the country has access to the shot and most insurance companies cover the cost. There is no real disadvantage for girls to get the immunization. In fact, the governor of Texas, Rick Perry, issued an executive order for every girl entering the sixth grade to be required to have an HPV vaccine set along with their other immunization requirements. It is probable that other states will soon start passing laws in accordance with this. One of the important issues with the vaccine is time. The older girls get the more sexually active they become and the less probable that the vaccine will function at its full potential. Even so, girls that have already become sexually active may not have come into contact with HPV and should get the vaccine before they do. Given in three doses in a six month period sexually and nonsexually active girls prevent a life threatening virus for the rest of their lives. “I think girls should get it no matter what their circumstance. I mean it prevents cervical cancer. Why wouldn’t you?” senior Janelle Condeff said. Condeff got the vaccine after he doctor recommended it. “It hurt more than a regular shot but at the same time it’s kind of relieving,” senior Tiffanie Petett said. Petett also got the first round of the shot. “I think every girl should get it, particularly if you’re going off to school and to live on your own, you never know what will happen.” The shot is simple, proven safe and can save girls from undergoing painful outcomes in the future. For more information go to the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org and search for HPV. The Washington Hatchet Page February 7, News 2 2007 Wong Fu visits Mission to promote their movie Starting to keep the Rebekah Lee James Peng Reporters “Why are you so hot?” shouted a girl on the left side of the theatre. “Well, California has been known to have a warmer climate,” replied Wesley Chan. On Feb. 5, MSJHS was packed with fans of Wong Fu Productions, eagerly waiting to see Philip Wang, Ted Fu, and Wesley Chan, the producers of the “Yellow Fever” video posted on YouTube. Wong Fu Productions visited MSJHS to promote their new movie, “A Moment with You.” Chan, Fu, and Wang have been on tour for the last few months. The film was produced in their last year of college at UCSD, when they had spare time in their hectic college lifestyles. With professional equipment borrowed from their UCSD visual arts department, the group spent about $2000 in the production of the movie. In total, the movie took eight months to complete. The graduates are not planning for the movie to make it on the big screen, but for now, they are just having fun with touring. Though the screening took place at Mission, many stu- dents from WHS attended. “The movie’s plot had moments where everyone would say ‘Awww’ for five minutes straight and was really cute and it was really exciting to see Philip Wang in person,” junior Monica Huang said. The movie is about two college graduates, Arthur and Dustin, who realize that sometimes true love is where you would look last. For more information on Wong Fu, visit www. wongfuproductions.com Photo by Melissa Yao Philip Wang, Ted Fu, and Wesley Chan present their film, “A Moment With You.” Renegotiating a contract for thousands Dennica Fernando News Editor Negotiations of 19 of the 40 articles in the expiring teachers’ contract bring two teams into bargaining sessions starting Feb. 6. Bargaining chairperson Deb Pavlecic said that teachers are looking for salary, compensation, and health care changes. They will look into changes being made in the Special Education Department, Student Resource Center, and an increase in the funding for spirit leader. Teachers are also looking for a change in student/teacher ratio, a class maximum of 30 students in the secondary level, and more facilities and classrooms. Pavlecic wants to see a change in the number of teachers sharing rooms and floating around the campus. “These changes are so Fremont can attract and retain the best teachers,” Pavlecic said, “because, good students and test results come from good teachers.” The contract affects over 1800 people, not including the thousands of students in the district. The six-member team that represents teachers from all over the district presented its sunshine proposal on Jan. 17. The board replied with their proposals on Jan. 31. The board’s team is a new group of four people and is headed by Steve Betanto, Director of Personnel. Its first bargaining day starts Feb. 6 and it has at least five more days scheduled in February and March. It was just three years ago, during the 2004-2005 school year, that teachers picketed in front of WHS. The contract they were working on then expired during the previous school year in June 2004, but negotiations went into the next year. “The reason we were striking was because it took over a year from the last expiration date to settle on a contract,” Pavlecic said. “This time around the governor provided a little more money to educational funding, so it’s not as tight as last time.” When negotiations are done and the tentative “We are fighting for our teachers’ rights.” Deb Pavlecic, Bargaining Chairperson Photo by Molly Sweeney Pavlecic will be missing a few school days due to negotiations, which will start Feb. 6. agreement has been reached the teachers will vote on whether or not to accept the contract. This will continue until everyone has accepted. “It is our hope that the two teams will have a good negotiation,” Pavlecic said. freshmen together Becky Allen Reporter After receiving the Smaller Learning Community (SLC) Grant, WHS has decided to implement programs like pilot families to achieve the objectives set for the grant. Pilot families are made up of teachers and students who will strive to bring up overall testing scores. The families are going to start to be used this semester with the freshman class. The teachers involved include Ludmilla Nikolaeva, David Skillings, Yvonne Reynolds, Bob Bush, JoAnn Garbarini, and Jackie Omstead, and is headed by Brynn Osicka, who is the SLC site director. “The idea is every student will be part of a smaller group than a 2100 student school and will have more support,” Osicka said. The main focus of the pilot families will be on the students, making school a better environment. The families will move classes of the freshman together. By keeping the same students together they will be able to work better together. “I think they are good because it seems like things are more complex these days, so students and teachers have more distractions, [the families] will make it easier,” Bush says. “[This year is just] realizing what it could be,” Osicka said. Teachers in the same families have the same prep periods, and using thematic elements that stretch through all the classes are just some of the potential goals the families are going to try to accomplish. Pressure to acheive may be suicide cause Irene Cheng according to the US Centers for Disease Control and PreHer name was Menyao vention. “May” Zhou. She was a Na“My roommate was in the tional Merit Scholar at La same Electrical Engineering Jolla High School. She was Department as May,” Stana straight-A student who ford graduate student Mari earned a perfect 1600 on Toyoshima said. “She always SATs and fives on all her tells me how strenuous the AP Tests. She was a super- requirements for the deachiever at MIT and Stan- partment are. The pressure ford, and a promising electri- is so great. Maybe May just cal engineer. She was found couldn’t handle it anymore.” dead in the trunk of her car With pressure from the in Santa Rosa on Jan. 25. academic world, high school Officials say that it was students also feel pressure a possible suicide because from other sources. there were items in the trunk “A lot of parents pressure that were consistent with sui- their kids,” junior Si-Wei cide. If Liu said. Zhou “Maybe May just couldn’t “e [nPta sr -] committed handle it anymore.” w a n t suitheir chilcide, Mari Toyoshima, dren [to s h e more Stanford graduate be would successbe the ful than] second Stanford student this them so putting pressure month and the fifth student on them is one of the things since summer 2005 to do they do. Some kids are presso. But why would a student sured to the extent where it’s with such a promising suc- almost unbearable.” cessful future decide to end Whether Zhou committed her life? suicide is for the officials to An estimated 1,100 col- decide. Many students can lege students take their lives relate to Zhou in feeling that each year. Suicide is the sec- the pressure to achieve is so ond leading cause of death much greater now than it among college students, has been for the generations scarcely behind car crashes, before us. 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Next Driver’s Ed (Classroom): Feb.3, 2007 510-489-6933 Log onto www.BayAreaDriving.com The Washington Hatchet On Campus February 7, 2007 Page 3 Nearly full house cheers variety at ‘07 talent show Laura Ramie Yoshi Kulkarni Reporters T he lights flickered off as the last of the spectators found their seats. The crowd cheered and the performers waited patiently backstage. This was it. The talent show had started. Students anxiously awaited their performance and practiced relentlessly for their routine. Rituals were being held in the darkness behind the stage as the talents huddled, prayed and awaited their big moment. The talent show, organized by Matthew Ballin and the Performing Arts Club, included a variety of different acts. From singing and dancing to skits and even a comedy routine, the talent show had it all. The first act started off with Ali Ahmed performing his version of “Tell Me When To Go.” After a great start, other talented students showed off their skills including Lisa Teller and Meesha Larijani performing a spoof on Britney Spears and Kevin Federline. Lauren Cates performed Photos by Nate Miu Clockwise from top right: sophomore Ali Ahmed; Junior Brandon Ohallaren, seniors April Capas, Courtney Dennis; seniors Eric Fischer and Sam Creggett; freshman Anthony Cisneros “Blackbird” by the Beatles, which received praises from the audience. “I was kind-of nervous before going on” said Cates Infamously erotic dance becomes a WHS musical “but it was worth it.” Following the excellent talent in the first act, Jesse Love, Collin Fox and Rafael Garcia started off ACT II with a popular Hendrix number titled “Fire.” Another audience pleaser was Courtney Dennis, April Capas, and Brandon Ohallaren WHS student makes CA honor band Irene Cheng Reporter JJ Kochly mously erotic dance. In the process, he ends up falling With Brighton Beach for Pistache. Meanwhile, BoMemoirs behind us, the dra- ris, a self-absorbed Bulgarma department has quickly ian architect who is part of a moved on and is breaking clique of four artists, allows the ice on their newest pro- his girlfriend, Claudine, to duction: Can-Can. be seduced by the villainous Can-Can is a Cole Porter art critic, Hilare Jussac, to musical taking place in 1893 get a good review, but later Paris. Although similar to regrets it. Moulin Rouge, it is more Drama teacher Matt Balaccurate lin is en“It’s pure musical comedy at thusiasin style, yet with its best.” tic about some hisMatt Ballin this lattorical Drama Director est prod is c re p duction, ancies. Using Cole Porter’s as it falls into the sub-genre early twentieth century jazz of musical comedy know as style in a nineteenth century “schmaltz,” with light, upbeat setting, it centers around music, no serious characters, Madame Pistache, a sexy and a comedic script with female nightclub owner and light sexual overtones. Aristade Forestier, a young, “It’s pure musical comedy handsome, and conserva- at its best,” Ballin says. tive judge. Forestier takes it Be sure to get your ticket upon himself to shut down for Can-Can, $8 with ASB, Pistache’s club, the Ball Du $9 without, when it preParis, for illegally perform- mieres on Friday, May 18 at ing the Can-Can, an infa- 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Reporter MISSION DRIVING SCH Teens,LAdults & Seniors 795-7777 • 582-1396 Multilingual Instructors One of the only driving schools in California with full dual Controls– 2 steering wheels, 2 brakes, 2 gas pedals–for your maximum safety & comfort. • Low Rates, Superior Service • Free Pick-Up, Drop-Off • Special Discount for Teenagers and Seniors Cal State Lic # 4195 www.MissionDrivingSchool.com with “Cry Me a River.” “April came to me with the idea and we pulled it together like 2 nights before!” Dennis said. Despite being on the same night as an important basketball game, Friday’s talent show received a good-sized audience. As always, they were receptive to the performers and whooped their approval. They even gave their applause when the deckhands taped up a fallen curtain. “My job working with the talent show is a deck hand. I put the props up and then take them down,” sophomore Zakrey Barisione said, “[The show] went alright. It could have been better, but it was my first time. I could have been a little faster and more efficient and not go into the spotlight.” The show featured a pleasant variety in acts. Most prevalent was singing and guitar work, but there was also hip-hop dancing, an impersonation of Britney Spears and Kevin Federline, a skirt-sporting rock band, a lively Indian dance performance, and the comedy stylings of senior Alex Alemzadeh. Junior Matthew Horry and senior Miranda Nealy served as the Emcees. Once again, the talent show demonstrated the flair of WHS. Photo by Irene Cheng Igor Gorbatok gives a musical example of his master y. Senior Igor Gorbatok is the first person from Washington High School since 1984 to make it to the state of CA Honor Band. Fifteen hundred students apply to the state honor band but only a select few are chosen to be in it. Members who make the band are given sheet music in advance and they quickly have to learn it to perform in the following days. Gorbatok first heard about the honor band from Music Department Director Duane Mitchell in addition to his private music instructor Dale Wolford. “I wanted to try out to see if I could actually make it into the honor band,” Gorbatok said. He submitted an audition tape of a piece he played with his baritone saxophone. and successfully made it into the state of CA honor band, which is to perform in Fresno from Feb. 15-18. “I feel proud,” Gorbatok said, “I made it because I actually tried. I know there are people who could’ve made it, only they didn’t try.” Gorbatok first chose to play the alto saxophone seven years ago and changed to the baritone saxophone in the middle of seventh grade. “I like music. I’ve been around music all my life. This is really exciting for me,” Gorbatok said. Logitech provides online ad opportunity Kate Payatybrotva Reporter Washington, four other Fremont schools and Newark Memorial entered a ten-week interschool competition on Jan. 18. In this competition each will create an online advertising campaign for the Logitech QuickCams. The elected officers of each Stu- dent Body will present their school’s idea for a banner and/or an online viral video to a panel of directors at Logitech headquarters. The school that presents the winning sales pitch will be presented with $1000 and have their advertisement posted on a popular website, such as YouTube or Myspace. The campaign will target both male and female audience between the ages of 18 and 25 and will feature some of the Logitech camera’s features, including 180-degreerotation and built-in special effects. Each school was given two Pro 5000 QuickCams to experiment with. Because the company Registration is coming... 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Location: Math/Science Nucleus 4074 Eggers Drive, Fremont (Across the street from Washington High School) Xcel instructors are cool and have degrees from schools such as Cornell, M.I.T., UC Berkeley and San Jose State University. For more information call 510-792-1614 or email us at [email protected] to set up a FREE initial interview. Completely Confidential emergency contraception (the “morning after” pill) fi birth control fi pregnancy testing STD testing fi HIV/AIDS testing medical & surgical abortion (4-18.6 weeks, sedation available) all are welcome .6<94,;)<9YP;6:;9<,36=L 46>9@(=,7(:,67(+9,72>@ The Washington Hatchet February 7, Consider why we celebrate Valentine’s Day Jonathan Kim Reporter Valentine’s Day is a holiday that everyone knows, but has anyone ever really looked into what it’s supposed to be about? In my opinion, I think it’s rather pointless. Ever since we were in elementary school, we have been put into the situation where we have to give a valentine to everybody, even if you don’t like them. But isn’t the whole point of Valentine’s Day to show the people you love most that you care about them? In other words, how much you DO like them? Because we are driven to give valentines to everybody at such a young age, the purpose is defeated. Giving a valentine to that special someone isn’t all that special if everybody else in the room got one from you too. Why would I say such a day as Valentine’s is pointless? No, it’s not because I am bitter as a cause of a past experience, I just feel that if you are going to express Letter: quote needs context Dear Editor, It is all too apparent to me that the article, “Thieves Strikes (sic) Classroom,” [Jan. 17] was inaccurately reported. I was not only dismayed to see that there was a quote attributed to me that I never said but another quote that was completely devoid of related critical information. I told the reporter, Bharadwaj Ramachandran, that I suspected that school and personal items were being taken away from my room by some ESL students in room 222. This was not a difficult deduction to make. However, the Hatchet reporter failed to include that relationship. I do not believe that Ramachandran meant to purposely write an inaccurate article, but he does The Washington Hatchet 38442 Fremont Blvd. Fremont, CA 94536 [email protected] Tel (510) 505-7300 Fax (510) 794-8437 Co-Editors in Chief create an atmosphere where teachers will be reluctant to want to share their thoughts, feelings, and opinions with the school newspaper. I have nothing but admiration for Mr. Skillings, the Hatchet adviser and journalism teacher. I know that he has worked hard and long hours to get his students to be fair, accurate and responsible. Student journalists wield enough power in their pens to do harm to anyone’s character. I hope that in the future, the Hatchet reporters will remember their responsibilities to the journalistic principles of truth, accuracy, and fairness. Respectfully yours, Stewart Perlman English teacher your love for someone special, there shouldn’t have to be a set day to show them. Why should anybody have to wait until Feb 14 to give someone candy, flowers, or a card? Any other day would be just as suitable, so what’s the point of Valentines Day? Of course, it is true that we are no longer at the age where our teachers tell us to give valentines to everybody, nor are we driven to give out valentines cards in class at all. But in the years past, I have Pritika Kumar In-Depth Editor In America we assume that children and teenagers who don’t attend a school are merely drop-outs. But students at Washington complain about homework and their teachers. We throw textbooks on the ground or use them to sit on during lunch. Our lockers are filled with books that we never take home. Teachers supply us with worksheets and other materials to compensate for our carelessness. We don’t carry backpacks or buy supplies for school because, really, who needs them? Our image of a school has changed. High school Business Manager On Campus Editor Distribution Manager Frederick Del Carpio Jonathan Kim Opinion Editor Staff Reporters Sharanya Kuppuswamy In-Depth Editor Pritika Kumar Sports Editor Headlines Editor A&E Editor Sam Mahood Aaron Williams noticed that there is no hype over Valentine’s Day amongst people our age. Couples may celebrate the holiday, but the opportunity we once had as children to tell our crush we like them isn’t as golden as it was before. We all remember obvious anonymous letters, circle yes-or-no notes, and lollipops taped to Winnie the Pooh valentines. But has the purpose of Valentine’s Day been lost? I think so. Can it be brought back? We’ll see what happens this year. 5 On My Mind Sam Mahood Columnist I never would have believed in my wildest dreams that a show on the Fox Network - known for its conservative news wing - might help an AfricanAmerican Democrat become President. I am, of course, referring to Barak Obama, the Senator from Illinois, who could be the first Black candidate nominated to a major party’s presidential ticket. The show I am referring to is “24.” “24” follows Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer, a member of a Los Angeles Counter Terrorism Unit. While Sutherland is the primary focus of the show, another popular character during the first several seasons was President David Palmer, played by Dennis Haysbert. Haysbert, who is Black, was universally loved by fans of the show - myself included. Throughout the show he was a strong, charismatic leader. One who was decisive when it mattered, but if given the time, willing to step back and fully observe a situation before rushing into it. This season, David Palmer’s brother, Wayne, has become president. While Wayne Palmer, played by D.B. Woodside, cannot yet be held in the same esteem that Haysbert was, he has shown a noble humility thus far - never taking too much credit for success and willing to admit his mistakes. While I don’t think it will be nor do I want Obama’s race to be the defining factor in his 2008 presidential bid, I am sure that there will be much debate about it. I know that to many Americans, having a Black man running for president seems out of the norm. Many are not used to seeing an ethnic candidate running for a position that so far has been held only by white males. With “24,” people see a black president in action and succeeding. Even if it is only a fictional show, people get used to the idea. Obama is certainly a long way off from the Democratic nomination, let alone the oval office. However if he wants to make such a monumental leap, not just for him, but for his country, he will need all the help he can get - even if it comes from fictional presidents on an action thriller on Fox. [email protected] Value of education is cherished in other places News Editor Dennica Fernando Molly Sweeney Melissa Yao Molly Sweeney Page Opinion 2007 Daniella Morariu Becky Allen Leah Andrews Mina Baber Rachael Bridges Irene Cheng Bianca Garcia Ryan Guerra Jonathan Kim Kyla Koger J.J. Kochly to us is now a place to lay back and relax, go out to eat during lunch, and hang out with friends after school. However, in third-world countries, girls assume household responsibilities at the age of eight because family survival is more important than education. Children don’t go to school because they fear being kicked out of class for not having basic supplies like paper and pencil. Here teenagers cut class and find ways to be excused from school. Across the world children are literally sneaking out of their homes to get into school. For those who do attend a state school, the opportunity to receive an education is a privilege, even if it is only up to the elementary level. While children in America are guaranteed a seat in schools, education for many children in third world countries is a continuous hurdle race. A typical school day in a “normal” village school in Peshawar, Pakistan fits about 100 children in school uniforms seated on a mud floor. The teacher recites lessons from one book, while students repeat what is said. In many regions of the world, children have schools without roofs, and sit under a tree to learn. Even in the cold, these schools are quite bearable, simply because the students have grown accustomed to it. In what we would call ju- nior high, the classrooms are less crowded and students recite simple sentences such as “This is a book” and “It is on the table” after the teacher. When comparing our education careers to these children’s, we can see obvious differences between us and them. Although our vision of school may be of a dreadful place to be, schools in third world countries remain a dream linked to better living conditions. The millions of children who are excluded from a proper education still remain optimistic, knowing the education they receive from school is worth the trouble. Yashad Kulkarni Rebekah Lee David Lyons Nathan Miu Daniella Morariu James Peng Kate Pyatybratova Bharadwaj Ramachandran Laura Ramie Tess Schulze Chen Yang of the writer. All letters must be signed or come as a verifiable e-mail address, and an editor must confirm the submission with the writer. Letter writers may request that the letter be printed anonymously, but letters submitted anonymously will not be printed. Letters to the editor will not be edited. If a letter is not publishable due to legal liability or poor taste, the letter will be returned to the writer for revision. Letters should be addressed to “the editor,” and given to a Hatchet staff member; delivered to Rm E221; or e-mailed to <[email protected]>; or mailed to The Washington Hatchet / 38442 Fremont Blvd. / Fremont, CA 94536. Mission Statement Letters to the Editor Policy The Washington Hatchet encourages opinion through Letters to the Editor, which represent the opinion The staff ’s objective is to provide a forum for the opinions, interests and activities that affect the students of Washington High School in an unbiased, informative, and entertaining manner. We wish to produce a factual and honest representation of our school as a historical record while following journalistic standards and precisely reporting on the sports, news, issues, people and places that affect our readers. It is created by the students for the students reflecting the students’ voices. The Washington Hatchet Page February 7, Will you be my valentine? 6 2007 To: Mr. Macleod From: April Capas To: Tina Sayadi From: Julian Garza To: Morgan From: Char Char The past 5 months I’ve spent in your class has been the BEST! And I’ve been admiring you since Day 1! I love you dearly. One year and still strong! Even through our ups and downs. “You look like my wife.” “Watata.” Love you! SSNG On Feb. 8 you’re gonna have to make it happen, Captain. It’s kool no loss because you’re a true baller. Have a Happy Valentine’s Ortizzy. This year sucked with you so far away. Everyone loves and misses you… mainly me though. I love you baby. You’re the best. To: Lizziey Foeger From: Randall McMahon To: Yearbook Staff From: Mr. Skillings To: Randall McMahon From: Elizabeth F. To: Ryan Guerra From: Tina Nevin Congratulations on producing an attractive yearbook! Happy Valentine’s Day Randall! 50 months together, that’s 5 years together. I love you sweetheart with all my heart. Randall, will you be my valentine? Hey Gummybear. It’s been a wonderful 8 and a half months. Will you go to Sadies with me? Happy Valentine’s Day Rachael! We love you very much. Y To: My Polar Bear From: Your Penguin To: All my friends From: Courtney Arndt I love you so so much. October 25, 2006 is the happiest day of my life. Me and you forever baby. May everyone be and feel loved…even the teachers. :) Happy Valentine’s Day! Thanx for always being there for me through all of our ups and downs. Friends forever! Happy Valentine’s Day, hunny! I love you my thumbtack! To: Lola From: Cuddlebear To: Zohaib Ahmed From: Your Secret Admirer To: Teresa Silva From: Jayson Henry “Well I’m not the world’s most passionate guy, but when I looked in her eyes I almost fell for my Lola.” I think you’re soooo hot. Tera chehra sexy Lagdave. (Your face is sexy) I’m glad I met you Teresa and I would like to know if you would be my beautiful valentine? Love you baby girl. Happy Valentine’s Day. Hope this puts a smile on your face. To: Emily Vargas From: Charlie Be my valentine and take me for walks every day. Love, your Charlie. To: Ms. Nikolaeva From: Mr. Skillings I’m happy to share a freshman family with you. Be good, kids! To: Campers From: Chip, Colossus, Shimi-Xiang To: Xue Pan From: Matyunohni If bees count the flowers, And rivers flow to the sea, I do not understand, Why can’t I approach thee? To: Brynn From: David You’re doing great, work wife! Stay sane and come by for treats.. To: Duckers From: Naters To: Alan Benzel From: Sasha Alan, thank you for everything you have done for me these past 4 years. My life without you would be incomplete. I love you! To: Alex From: Taylor You’re the one I’ve been thinking of, you’re the one I love to love. You brighten my day, I can’t wait for Valentine’s Day! Love you! To: Gina From: Sam To: Jacob Fraga From: Jennifer To: We are nerd From: Paper Bag Girl It’s a legitimate strategy! Call Vic at 5-5-5-V-I-C-K! I love Cabose! And Hiro! Firing main cannon. Mrs. Jones rocks! Blarg. Happy Valentine’s to my favorite blonde in the world. I love you. DON’T TRIP! I’m glad that I got to know you. Happy Valentines Day! PS. I hope you’re looking forward to our anniversary/your birthday ;) How many miles away is the sun from the earth? 93 million. That’s only a fraction of my love for you! From the inside out Y To: Keenan James From: Dannie Renee To: Sarah Dutra From: Dannie Zboyovsky To: Hatchet Staff From: Mr. Skillings To: Molly and Melissa From: Page Editors I Love You!!! Will you be my valentine? Yes No I love you Beautiful! Happy Valentine’s Day! You are the best cousin the world. Muah! I’m proud of your work. WHS ain’t seen nothin’ yet! ibWh Essit eLis aO etVue vlEssis eYs dOloreUt aciFit prat, qOat nis eOet, sit nuLb quat utem doluS ecYte vel To: Dennica Fernando From: Robert Correia To: Michelle Huang From: Robert Correia To: Gina Izquierda From: Robert Correia To: Michelle Dictor From: Robert Correia Dennica is the love of my life! Really she is. Michelle is the other love of my life. Gina is the other other love of my life. You are freaking Amaza-zing! To: Romeo From: Your Juliet You are truly my Romeo. Hehe. I love you -Fel To: Rachael Bridges From: Mom, Dad, Matt, Jeremy, Sarah and Shadow To: Anne, Cynthia, Rosa, Brizza, and Marr From: Daisy Love u Guyz! Hope you have a great Valentine’s! N hope we’re Friendz 4Ever! To: Stephanie Dang From: John Nguyen It’s impossible for me to have a quiet sleep because your name is always violently swirling in my head. Without you, my heart is incomplete. To: Kenny Durbin From: Megan Chen Kenny, Kenny you so fine. Kenny Durbin blows my mind. Kenny don’t you know it’s true? Kenny, I’m in love with you. To: Nene From: Hilly To: Javier From: Heather The day I met you my life began. The day you kissed me, it was complete. Happy Valentine’s Day. I love you. To: Daniel Lloyd From: Secret Admirer Don’t know you that much, but I think you’re hella fine. Happy Anniversary Jordan! 15 months of nuthin! ;) I love you! Your Valentine, Alex Graphics by Pritika Kumar The Washington Hatchet February 7, Page Arts & Entertainment 2007 7 Confused about what to do for Valentine’s day? Allow the Washington Hatchet to give you a few helpful suggestions. Fill up with food and love at these romantic restaurants Photo from siliconvalley.citysearch.com Photo from sanfrancisco.citysearch.com Photo from abasg.com Emile’s is a downtown San Jose favorite that serves beautiful Italian and French dishes in a quiet, romantic setting. The food consists of many Italian and French favorites such as the flower-pot salad, the chicken cannelloni, and soft crepes. The price ranges from $10-30. It is located on 545 S Second St, San Jose, CA 95112. Reservations need to be made a week in advance so call them at (408) 289-1960. -----Irene Cheng Café Jacqueline is one of the coziest spots around San Francisco. Soufflés for two is the only thing on the menu but the romantic atmosphere will definitely be there while you enjoy your food with you lover. The soufflés are freshly made with flavors ranging from classical Gruyere cheese to fresh strawberry. The price starts at $40. It is located in 1454 Grant Avenue, San Francisco, CA. Reservations are a must. Call them at (415) 981-6656. -----Irene Cheng Soleil serves a Mediterranean cuisine which features an attractive kitchen exhibition and a cheerfully romantic Mediterranean color scheme. It is said to be one of the prettiest dining rooms in Palo Alto because of its elegant golden colored rooms. Soleil is best known for its seafood but also offers a range of Californian foods. The price range is $15-30. It is located in 675 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94301. (605) 321-4422. -----Irene Cheng Photo frommassimos.com Massimo’s is an Italian and Continental Cuisine and one of Fremont’s finest and most popular restaurants. They offer classic old world recipes combined with modern ones such as Carbonara Pasta and Chicken Breast Parmigiana. The romantic red sofas and Italian paintings on the wall make the setting gorgeous. The dinner price ranges from $15-20. It is located at 5200 Mowry Avenue, Fremont, CA 94538. Call them at 510-792-2000 to make a reservation to a dinner that you will never forget. --Irene Cheng Photo by Bharadwaj Ramachandran Photo by Bharadwaj Ramachandran Joey’s Basil is a very comfortable. The room temperature is very warm and the music is lively and at a good volume. Also, the lighting in the restaurant is very eye pleasing. The restaurant looks nice from the outside and has a nice big sign and that’s not too hard to find. The waiters there look fantastic and offer great service. The food is very tasty and the service is really fast. Its located at 3720 Mowry Avenue Fremont, CA, 94538 to reserve seats call (510) 797-2900. ---Bharadwaj Ramachandran La Casita Restaurant, a Mexican restaurant, at 41240 Fremont Blvd., has a very traditional look. The road side Mexican restaurant has an unimpressive look from the outside but the food in there is fantastic. It has a dark kind of setting with low lighting. Most of the items on the menu have beans and rice, and all of the items come with salsa. The service is not very special; it’s a regular service. The phone number is 510-657-8602 and most of the time you don’t need a reservation ---Bharadwaj Ramachandran The meanings behind flowers and their colors Yellow Senior Gift Suggestions o New beginnings o Friendship o “I can’t help but smile when I see you” Paige Erlandson “A memory box [with] things you [and your valentine] have done together would be cute.” Red o Passion o “I love you,” o “You are beautiful to me” Larry Sexton “Put the person on a scavenger hunt! Start with the locker and head from room to room. At the last room, be there with flowers. Ballin’!” Pink o Young, first love o Happiness o “With you I have perfect happiness” Purple o Faithfulness o Passion o “My love for you is true” White o Purity o Innocence o “My love for you is deep and pure” Shantelle Lim “You could make cute coupons for like one free hug, one free kiss, and one free backrub.” Bianca Garcia Reporter Orchids Carnations o “Our love is rare and beautiful” o “I love you divinely” Daisies o “My love is loyal and pure” Daffodil o “You’re the only one for me” Tiffanie Petett “Get them a piece of jewelry and put it in the mirror of the visor in a car. [Then], tell them they have stuff in their teeth so they look in the mirror and it falls.”. Flicks to watch on the 14th Rebekah Lee Reporter The Messengers Drama/Horror February 2, 2007 Because I Said So Comedy, Drama, Romance February 2, 2007 Factory Girl Drama February 2, 2007 Norbit Comedy February 9, 2007 Music and Lyrics Comedy, Romance February 14, 2007 Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls Drama, Romance February 14, 2007 Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon Comedy, Horror, Thriller February 14, 2007 The Washington Hatchet Page February 7, Sports 8 2007 Sports Huskies lose heartbreaker to Logan Scores Sam Mahood Sports Editor Boys Varsity Basketball Jan. 17 vs. American (W) 57-49 Jan. 19 at Irvington (W) 52-39 Jan. 26 vs. Kennedy (W) 55-37 Jan. 31 at Mission (W) 44-27 Feb. 2 vs. Logan (L) 61-62 Boys JV Basketball Jan. 19 at Irvington (W) 38-30 Jan. 26 vs. Kennedy (W) 52-28 Jan. 31 at Mission (L) 50-51 Feb. 2 vs. Logan (L) 38-53 Girls Varsity Basketball Jan. 18 vs. Irvington (W) 50-35 Jan. 25 vs. Kennedy (W) 60-18 Jan. 27 vs. Fremont (W) 64-57 Jan. 30 vs. Mission (W) 56-35 Feb. 1 vs. Logan (W) 61-50 Through this entire year of Husky sports, few, if any games have provided such emotional highs and lows for both the fans and athletes as the Feb. 2 boys varsity basketball game against Logan. The Huskies took an early 10-2 lead, and confidence was high after Junior Adam Lanferman slammed home a dunk. However, the game slowly swung back in Logan’s favor. The Huskies began to commit turnovers, and the first quarter ended with Logan ahead 13-12. In the second quarter, the Huskies charged back with a high tempo attack led by senior Simbarash “Simba” Gwayanyanya, taking a 3224 lead into half time. After that the Husky offense became stagnant, and they left the third quarter with only a one-point lead. Logan kept picking up Pritika Kumar In-Depth Editor The Lady Huskies have once again risen above expectations and maintained their league record of 9-0. Including pre-season matches and tournaments, the girls have a record of 19-2. After losing to Northgate, the girls have changed gears and focused on improving their overall game. With a better press defense the girls have been able to score more points off of turnovers. On offense, they have improved their lay-up shooting, preventing the team from losing easy points. Players such as senior Morgan Ortiz, who scored key points for the team against Logan, have stepped up. Juniors—such as Morgan Woodrow, Cassie Bates, Sarah Nauss, and Chloe Senad- Coach Michelle Keller gathers with the team after practice. enos—have also played a big role leading the varsity squad this year Over the course of the league season, the Huskies faced their third match-up against Mission on Jan. 30. “The two other games against Mission we showed signs of weaknesses, but last night we were able to put a full game together,” Coach Michelle Keller said after a 56-35 victory. As league play is nearing an end, the girls have defeated American 61-48, Irvington 50-35, and Kennedy 6018. Participating in their last tournament on Jan. 27, the girls defeated Fremont from Kyla Koger Reporter Girls Varsity Soccer Jan 31. vs. Kennedy (W) 1-0 Feb. 2 vs. Newark (W) 2-1 Photo by Molly Sweeney Photo by Garrett Woo Junior Kyle Wright catches his opponent in a “head and arm” lock after a reversal Wrestling team tangles with Logan Phillip Tom Freelance Reporter After a victory against Irvington on Jan. 17, the Huskies faced an unfortunate loss against Logan 12-61. JV wrestler Garrett Woo set the tone of his match with speed and aggression, pinning his opponent in the first period. For Varsity, Senior Chris Davis, wrestling in the 152 pound weight class, had a close match losing in the third period 5-6. Junior Kyle Wright, wrestling in the 162 pound Sunnyvale in the Lealand Shootout. MVALS and NCS aren’t far off, and with their record so far the team looks to complete an undefeated season and become league champions. After the success achieved by last year’s Lady Huskies, Keller and the girls have exceeded the high bar set for them. But the season is not over yet. “We’d like to get as many fans out there [as possible] for the Huskies against our rival American… [The game] will be a big challenge because American has a good record.” Keller encouraged. The Lady Huskies face American tomorrow night at 7:30 in the gym. The game will be senior night, giving fans a chance to see this year’s seniors’ last home game. Girls soccer back in championship game Jan. 18 vs. Irvington (W) 39-26 Jan. 25 vs. Kennedy (W) 56-38 Jan. 30 vs. Mission (W) 47-34 Boys Varsity Soccer court. With time running down, the ball was being tipped around underneath the basket. Then right as time expired it went in, giving Logan the 62-61 win. Many students thought that the shot went in after the buzzer and should thus be disqualified. The Huskies can get the bad taste out of their mouths from the Logan loss. Tonight they host first place Newark Memorial. Lady Huskies closing in on league title Girls JV Basketball Jan. 23 at American (L) 0-1 Jan. 25 vs. Mission (W) 4-1 Feb. 2 vs. Newark (T) 1-1 ty came when senior Rachminder Singh went to the free throw line with seconds left, but he went 0-2. Double overtime ensued, but bad free throw shooting again kept the Huskies from taking the lead. However, it appeared as if a Washington victory might be in hand when Simba hit a runner in the lane with 17.4 seconds left for a 61-60 lead. After a timeout, Logan quickly got the ball down momentum—highlighted by a game-tying dunk with 6:42 left in the fourth quarter. Although Logan had the momentum, they never attained a large lead. The Huskies stayed close and eventually tied up at 52-52 when Simba scored with 25.9 seconds left. Logan was unable to score in the remaining seconds, sending the game into overtime. During the first overtime, the Huskies matched Logan shot for shot. An opportuni- weight class, had a match full of reversals—switching from pinning moves to defensive ones. Wright lost the match 13-14 with the time running out before his nearfall points could be counted. Near-fall points are scored by holding an opponent’s shoulders close to the mat without actually pinning them; a maximum of three points can be awarded for a five second near-fall. The Huskies continue be short on wrestlers needed to fill the weight classes and are losing points due to forfeits. On average Washington forfeits at least seven matches, giving the opposing team 42 free points or more. Larger schools such as Mission or Newark Memorial have teams twice the size of Washington’s. “We wrestle with all our hearts, but it doesn’t make up for the lack of people.” Said Senior Dominic Rodriguez The Huskies currently rank fourth in the league, but they are eager for the MVAL finals to wrap up the season and shoot for a place in NCS. Girls varsity soccer made it to the MVAL championship once again. Washington took on Newark Memorial for the league championship game on Thursday, Feb. 2nd. The game ended with a tie 1-1, scored by sophomore Erika Gerards. This tie puts Washington second in the league, because Newark Memorial scored more points throughout the season than Washington. The tie game gave Newark the championship. “Newark Memorial has a really good goalie,” junior Marissa Kinol-Espinola said. “She was huge! She was not letting any goals get by her that night. We really had to step it up during the second half.” Parents of players were there, holding up signs and supporting their girls. While Washington students sat cheering on their fellow huskies. “We were totally about to kick some butt, but then it seemed like we got sloppy in the second half. We started missing kicks and running out of energy.” senior Brian Weddick said. Photo by Kyla Koger Seniors Thea Nolan, Ashley Tobin, Emily Vargas, Lydia Nash, Antoinett Jenkins, Afiya Roberts