January 2012 - Contra Costa Journalism.net

Transcription

'Hugo'
enchanting
3D fantasy
–Page 6
ATHLETICS
Should we have
brought home
the troops from
Iraq?
OPINION
NEWS
Students teach
students in
outdoor ed
–Page 3
FEATURES
January 2012
CC Spin
News & Views from Contra Costa County High Schools
January 2012
Kline named
to All
America
team
–Page 9
Volume 5 Issue 2
New law bans tanning salons for teens
By Emma von der Lieth
California High School
Snooki’s“radiant glow”will is now harder to achieve
for teens with the passage of a new law that makes it
illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to use tanning
beds in the state of California.
Before Jan. 1, California law stated that minors who
were 14 or under were prohibited from using tanning
beds, and those under 18 must have permission from
a parent or legal guardian.
But the new law, Senate Bill 746, changes that as
of Jan. 1, 2012, making it illegal for everyone younger
than 18 to use a tanning bed, regardless of parental
permission.
California’s new regulation, grounded in science, is
meant to protect a generation of tanning addicts from
health issues that have been linked to tanning. “Exposure to light rays will increase the risk of skin
cancer,” said California High School nurse Kay Smith.
“The bottom line is: do you want dark skin now, or do
you want to increase your risk of skin cancer?”
State Sen. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance), who introduced
the bill, is fervent about preventing skin cancer and attempted to ban teens 15-17 from using tanning beds
in 2007. Though his initial attempt failed, his latest sponsored
bill makes California the state with the harshest regulations on tanning facilities.
Lieu’s bill was sponsored by organizations such as
the California Society of Dermatology & Dermatological
Surgery (CalDerm) and the Aim at Melanoma Foundation. More than one million cases of skin cancer will
be diagnosed in the U.S. this year alone, according to
CalDerm. Lieu hopes to decrease the amount of skin
cancer diagnoses with this new law.
People who use indoor tanning facilities have a 75
percent increase in developing melanoma, the deadliest
type of skin cancer, according to the American Academy
A summer in Africa
gives meaning to life
People who
use indoor
tanning
facilities
have a 75%
increase in
melanoma,
the deadliest type of
skin cancer.
of Dermatology.
“I support this new law because it will protect
(people) and prevent skin cancer,” said history teacher
Kathleen Seabury, who used tanning beds in high school.
“It’s shocking that tanning beds can cause such a huge
increase in skin cancer.”
Many students support the new law.
“I think it is a good thing,” said senior Kayla Sullivan,
a frequent tanner. “I’m actually glad that they are passing
the law because it will keep me from (tanning).”
The International Agency for Research on Cancer
recently reported that tanning beds are now considered
to be in the highest cancer risk category. In 2009, the organization recommended that indoor
tanning facilities be banned for those younger than 18
because skin cancer takes many years to develop.
“The new law is definitely appropriate because tanSee TANNING page 2
Las Lomas classroom to be built
in memory of drowning victims
By Kate Didion
Las Lomas High School
“It makes me really happy that we’re making
something out of this tragic loss,” said Las Lomas High
School senior Nikki Van Hatten. “I’m really happy Matt
and Gavin have influenced us.” The Las Lomas senior class officers are planning an
outdoor classroom for the overgrown space behind the
library in memory of Las Lomas students Matt Miller and
Gavin Powell, who died in a rafting accident last winter.
School district officials approved plans for the
classroom in November. Senior class Vice President
Erin Donoghue, along with the other senior class officers, are considering designs based on an Honors
Geometry project from Carl Ball’s 2009-2010 classes,
in which Miller was a student.
Each student created a design for the space behind
the library, and Ball kept some of them. “It was a class Matt was in and they’re his classmates’
designs, so we really want to implement that,” said
Donoghue. “We think it would be a really special way.” Senior Wesley Cohen was also in that class and did
the project. “I remember doing it,” Cohen said. “And I
remember working on it, and talking about it with Matt.
He had some really cool elements, like a sundial.” Leadership officers hope the outdoor classroom
will lend the Las Lomas community an opportunity
to remember Miller and Powell in a permanent way. Leadership plans to ask people in the community for
help with landscape design and figuring out how much
the project will cost. Donoghue believes this project will help to provide
closure for students after the death of their classmates. “It think it’s really important that we do something,”
Donoghue said. “We’ve bounced around a lot of ideas,
and this is our favorite one. It’s the best one because it
involves a lot of people and it involves things the boys
loved—education, outside.”
The outdoor classroom will be funded with donations, and the senior class has agreed to help finance
the project as its class donation. “Leadership intends for the construction of the
outdoor classroom to be an activity in which the whole
school community can be involved.
There will be a standing plaque or a plaque mounted
on the outside wall of the library. This will be a place
where teachers can take students to do work outdoors
in the sun while still being in a learning environment. Senior Melissa Leung was a close friend of Powell’s. “I think he would have loved the idea because he was an
outdoorsy person. He hated staying inside all day—he
would always want to be outside,” Leung said. Principal kills Macbeth poster
By Martina Barrera-Hernandez
Las Lomas High School
COMMITTED Brianna Brooks working with children in a remote
village in Tanzania.
Photo contributed by Brianna Brooks
By Iraida Santillan
Middle College High School
In the summer of her 10th-grade year, Brianna Brooks went to Africa to help make an impact on other lives. Now a senior, Brooks isn’t
through making an impact.
Brooks, a student at Middle College High School, an alternative
high school on the campus of Contra Costa College in San Pablo, says
she “found the meaning of life,” which she believes is “through helping others.”
Brooks went to Tanzania on a trip led by her history teacher,
Christine Nyanda-Chacha, who is from Shirati, Tanzania. Also on the
trip were her principal, Hattie Smith, and fellow student Toni Adams.
In addition to teaching, Chacha is also the president of African Immigrants Social & Cultural Services, an organization that helps improve
communities in Africa and that also helps African immigrants adjust
to the United States.
When Brooks was presented the opportunity of going to Tanzania,
she jumped at the chance. “I said yes, because I want to help others,”
she said. “I felt by going there I could make a huge impact on others
as well as being impacted myself.”
“We first got on a long flight to Dubai, then transferred to another
plane to fly to Africa. There we got on a small commuter plane to take
us to the town of Dar es Salaam. From there, a five-hour road trip to a
village in Tanzania. The ride was extremely bumpy and had virtually
no road the whole way. “
One of the first things they did was feed pregnant women and
leprosy victims at a hospital. The food was cooked by one of the mothers at the house they were staying at, and they walked 10 minutes to
the hospital carrying the hot pots of rice and beans to feed the people.
“Each and every individual looked at us with such disparagement,”
Brooks recalled. “They had no idea what we were doing and were not
accustomed to the generosity they were receiving.”
See AFRICAN Page 6
Two days before the Las Lomas High School debut of
Shakespeare’s Macbeth last fall, Principal Matt Campbell
pulled the plug on the show’s promotional posters and
programs because he did not approve of the illustration
displayed on them. “I don’t think it’s an appropriate image to display
on a public high school campus,”
said Campbell. “It has an image of
a dagger going through someone’s
chest, and we’re very sensitive
about school safety.”
Drama student Matthew DeBoer, who plays a supporting role
in the play, sees it otherwise: “The
poster is cartoonish and doesn’t depict actual violence. I understand
that a violent image wouldn’t be
okay, but this one is just silly.” Campbell said that regardless
of the style of the illustration, it is
inappropriate.
“The cartoon image is still an
image that’s pretty violent,” said
Campbell. “Much like South Park,
which is a cartoon … the content
is still pretty vulgar. We don’t allow
that to be on campus. I think there
needs to be a filter of appropriate
images.” Macbeth, one of Shakespeare’s most gruesome
works, is a required text in English 3. Some drama students wondered why Campbell was concerned about
the image if all students have to read the play. “Why is Macbeth required reading junior year, hailed
as a great piece of literature that’s over 400 years old, if
it’s so offensive?” asked junior Gabriel Szantai. Campbell says there is a difference between hanging up posters and choosing to attend a performance. “Here’s the difference,”he said.“The average student
that’s just walking around campus, they have to go to
school. They don’t have a choice and happen to see the
image. If you pay money to go to a school play, then you
are choosing to go and be entertained.” In contrast to the situation at Las Lomas, the posters were allowed to go up at Walnut Creek Intermediate School.
“The principal said it was fine,” junior Zach Larkin
said. “Teachers were posting them too.” Drama students said Campbell would not allow the
drama department to put posters
outside the Las Lomas campus either. “He says we can’t put up any
anywhere, even in downtown Walnut
Creek … because it represents the
school,” said senior Allan Kew. Because there are no policies
or guidelines for advertising school
plays, students see Campbell’s decision as arbitrary. “If we had met with him beforehand and he’d given us standards,
that would have been fine, but now
he’s arbitrarily telling us to take them
down,” said Larkin. Campbell said that his decision
was aligned with school standards. “We have basic rules here at
school in terms of what students
can wear and what students cannot
wear. Students cannot wear T-shirts
that are depicting violence,” he said.
Senior Leslie Howard said Campbell’s concerns are
unfounded. “Violence will always have a negative effect, whether
it’s in the media or elsewhere,” Howard said. “We’re not
saying ‘oh, come see this because it’s funny and violent!’
It shows what violence does to people and how insane
it drives them and the horrible effects of violence. Yes,
there are parts of the show that are graphic, but it’s just
to enhance the point were making.”
“Where will the censorship end? This is a terrible
precedent to set,” Larkin said.
2
News
January 2012
CC Spin
MV junior named A student's view of the
Miss Teen Danville Occupy Movement
By Haley Leduc
MS. DANVILLE Stephanie Behring of Monte Vista High School
has entered several other Miss Teen pageants.
By Gretchen Koenen
T
Monte Vista High School
his year Monte Vista junior Stephanie Behring is representing the Town of Danville as Miss Teen Danville.
Stephanie says she has always had a passion for performing and expressing herself through theater and arts. Her interest
in pageants began from yearning to do something outside of her
comfort zone.
At first she was a bit skeptical of the admissions process and
what it entailed, but she says she is extremely glad she took advantage of the opportunity. Former Monte Vista High student Alexandra Curtis has become one of Stephanie’s inspirations and a good
friend through the process.
“The friends that I have made and the people that have supported me I can’t thank enough, because without them, I wouldn’t
have been able to achieve my goals,” Behring said.
This is Behring’s first year with her title and
"Most people July was her first pageant. The pageant was an
think pageants all-weekend California pageant. In this particular pageant through National American Miss,
are all about
she placed 4th runner up out of 102 girls.
beauty and
“Most people think pageants are all about
looks,” Behring beauty and looks,” Behring said, “but it’s so
said, “ but . . . much more than that. It’s about how your
"It’s about how personality shines through no matter what you
look like.”
your personAfter doing so well in the state pageant,
ality shines
Stephanie Behring applied to Miss Teen Danthrough no
ville and Miss San Ramon Valley against 10
other girls. She won the title Miss Teen Danville
matter what
you look like.” and is so pleased to represent a town that is so
special to her.
Over Thanksgiving break, Stephanie was
at the National American Miss pageant in Los Angeles. While she
had previously placed fourth runner up out of 102 girls ages 16-18
at the National American Miss California State pageant, she more
importantly placed second runner up in the talent and actress
categories. With that second place, she was eligible to compete at
Nationals in those two categories.
At the National American Miss pageant, she competed against
58 other girls for the all American title. The girls in her competition
were from all across the United States. Stephanie made it to the top
15 out of the 58 girls competing. She competed in a special photogenic category, actress, and talent competitions during the week.
“The NAM organization is all about confidence, poise, personality and how you present yourself in a crowd,” Behring said. “It’s
about dreaming big and accomplishing your goals in life no matter
the circumstance.”
Miss Teen Danville’s next competition is in April. This pageant
is run through Miss Teenage California. Unlike the NAM pageant,
this is a scholarship pageant. The winner gets $10,000 for college
education.
Tanning safety a concern
From TANNING Page 1
ning beds are really dangerous,”said
junior Jared Sawdey. “Anyways, no
one should use tanning beds. That’s
not attractive.”
The new law will most likely
cause a loss of jobs and revenue for
tanning salons in California.
“Twenty to 30 percent of our
customers are teens,”said senior Julie
Leibreich, who works at Utopia, a
popular tanning salon in San Ramon.
“During prom and in the springtime, (business) increases 40 percent.”
Despite the obvious dangers of
tanning, many teens oppose the new
law because they feel it is infringing
on their rights.
“If you’re under 18, and your
parents say yes, you should be able
to (use tanning beds),” said junior
Amanda Emery. “It’s your own body.”
Explaining the risks of tanning
to teens is a hard sell because the
negative effects of sun exposure,
such as premature aging, melanoma,
and other skin cancers, don’t become
apparent until decades later.
“Young people may think they
are getting privileges taken away,”
said Smith, “but it’s for their own
safety.”
But some think that the law is
just delaying the inevitable.
“Whether they can tan now or
when they’re 18, they will do it,” said
Leibreich. “It’s a personal choice. I
work at a tanning salon and spray
tan because it’s safer.”
Many students like Leibreich
turn to spray tans or lotions to get
healthy, sun-kissed skin. Spray tans
and lotions, unlike tanning beds,
will continue to be legal for all ages.
Although this law may seem
drastic to some, the intent is clear:
prevent skin cancers before it’s too
late.
Flip on the news and get pole-vaulted back in
time. The 1960s are upon us, or so it seems.
In the past months, Occupy Wall Street has
swept the country. People are up in arms and it’s
time we take notice.
Occupy Wall Street began in New York City
to oppose the ever-widening gap between the
richest one percent of the country and the rest of
the population, a problem that has resulted from
corporate greed.
The movement has reached the West Coast and
is holding strong. Taken up at first in San Francisco,
the protests have spread to Oakland, Walnut Creek
and, of course, our city of San Ramon.
Walk among the noise that
VIEWPOINT accompanies this self-named
resistance and you can find an
overflow of complaints. Signs call for everything
from the end of corporate greed, big banks, and
our overseas wars. There’s a little discontent for
everyone.
While there are similarities, I don’t think many
Occupy people would say they modeled anything
after the tea party. Occupy Wall Street is leaderless, lacking official demands, and run completely
through social networking and direct democracy.
Somehow, it works.
It seems more than ever common people’s
voices are not being heard by government. That
somehow our democracy has ceased to be “of the
people, by the people, for the people.” In times like
these, it’s important that the protesters receive the
attention they deserve.
With a debt crisis, multiple wars, and presidential elections right around the corner, it might seem
the time for government to listen to the people.
Apparently, this is not so. Politicians are loyal to the
highest bidder. And no average American can afford
to get into a bidding war with the multi-national
corporation.
Frustrated and fed up, thousands of Americans
are now doing what they do best: gettingangry.
Since early September the growing anticorporation movement of Occupy Wall Street has
spread across the country.
In San Ramon, protesters have picketed outside
Chevron headquarters on Bollinger Canyon Road.
It seems odd to think of our hometown company
as a symbol of corporate greed.
But this seems all too accurate. According to
Bloomberg.com, Chevron had a profit of $7.73
billion the past three months. This is money that,
for the most part, is hoarded by Chevron since oil
companies are only taxed at a rate of 9 percent, 1
percent less than the poorest Americans, according
to the New York Times.
Oil companies have largely objected to the idea
of reducing the tax breaks the industry receives,
claiming that it will cause a decrease in hiring or
drive up the prices for consumers. Even suggesting
a reduction in subsidies is met with hard resistance.
Apparently oil companies don’t like it when the
government stops paying them to make money.
It’s hard to believe that in a time of such economic hardship, the biggest companies are unwilling to pay their fair share. The largest companies
shouldn’t hold out on the American government,
especially when it seems to work specifically for
their interests.
But if it weren’t for current hard times and clear
mismanagement of government priorities, Occupy
Wall Street may never have grown the way it has.
Angry Americans from all walks of life have gathered
to voice their opinions.
In recent years it seems many have lost faith in
our American democracy, feeling their voices are
drowned out by louder interest groups and corporations. Occupy Wall Street has given people a way
15 German exchange students
visit Northgate High, Bay Area
WILKOMMEN! Fifteen German exchange students from Eduard Spranger Gymnasium in Stuttgart, a city in
southern Germany, used Northgate High School as their home base for a three week exchange program in
Walnut Creek.
Photo courtesy of Danke Frau Marek
By Maddy Campbell
Northgate High School
Northgate High in Walnut Creek enthusiastically
welcomed 15 new faces this past fall. These students
made the long trek from Germany to California, where
they stayed with host families as exchange students
for three weeks.
Northgate High students were eager to include the
exchange students in the unique culture at Northgate
and to learn more about their way of life in Germany.
“I was a bit tired but everyone seemed really friendly
and helpful,” said German exchange student Michaela
Pfeil. “America is similar to what I expected because
of what I’ve seen in films. The streets are very big and I
really like my family’s garden and pool.”
On Sunday, Oct. 16, Northgate’s German teacher
Andrea Marek and several Northgate host families anxiously awaited the arrival of the 15 German exchange
students and their teachers, Henny Petters- Friedlein
and Marianne Illi-Schraivogel.
The German students came from Eduard Spranger
Gymnasium in Stuttgart, a city in southern Germany.
When the students arrived at the San Francisco International Airport, there was a big welcoming event,
complete with balloons, posters and an overall positive
attitude from everyone participating in the program.
“One of my fondest memories as a student was when
I visited England through an exchange program my
school offered,”said Marek. I enjoyed it tremendously and
wanted to create a similar experience for my students. I
strongly believe that the best way to learn a language
is by immersing yourself in it -- language is alive. This
is a wonderful experience for Northgate and German
students to learn more about being global citizens,”
Illi-Schraivogel, the English teacher accompanying
the German students, agreed with Marek that the best
way to learn is to actively engage and to be fully immersed in the culture.
“Immersion is the best way to feel at home and to
get to know the culture,” she said. “Taking notes intensifies how much our students learn while they are visiting.
Each day the students have to write 15 new words they
learned in a journal. They complete daily lessons in English every day that they’re here. They also have to prepare
presentations, which they give in the German classes.”
As the exchange students made their debut at
Northgate, Principal John McMorris welcomed them
with kind and encouraging words: “Willkommen. I’m
very excited to have you here to help Northgate students
learn more about you and about Germany. I hope that
you all have fun.”
The German students, who attended Northgate for
three weeks, consider themselves very lucky to visit. The
students went through a rigorous application process.
They were chosen out of 52 applicants by three teachers
and had to fulfill all the requirements, including good
social skills and academic success. In addition, they were
chosen by how flexible they were and how well they
could adapt to new situations.
The German students also did presentations in
Northgate classrooms, particpated in a History of German Fashion event at Jelly Belly and Outlets, took a hike
through Muir Woods and to Stinson Beach, followed by
a barbeque, and went sight seeing in San Francisco. On
Oct. 31 the students visited the University of California
at Berkeley.
This exchange is sponsored by the German American
Partnership Program.
News
CC Spin
3
January 2012
Online report cards provide instant feedback
Students in Acalanes District learn to adjust to real time evaluations, grades
By Stephanie Brannon
Acalanes High School
Manystudentsknowanddreadthefeeling
of waiting impatiently as their grades are slowly
sent through the mail. However, a change that
eliminateswaitingforgradeshasfinallybeenput
into place. As of this year, the administration has
decidedthatprogressreportcardswillbeposted
online, rather than being mailed as in the past.
The website that will be used for the online
reports,Aeries(ABI),previouslywasusedbyonly
a few teachers to post simple grades. It has now
launchedanewprogramwhichallows teachers
to post progress reports online.
Last year, when the district offered the optionofpostinggradesonlineratherthansending
gradesoutinthemail,Miramonte,Campolindo,
and Las Lomas high schools jumped at the
opportunity.
Acalanes High lagged behind in the
race to become the most technologically
savvy school, waiting to see how the other
high schools dealt with this new technology and its challenges.
“Allschoolsinourdistrictbutusstartedpost
ing grades online, so we were the only school
that waited to decide how everyone else did,”
said Principal Aida Glimme.
Formanystudentsandparents,thischange
is welcomed as students and parents no longer
have to wait for grades to be sent through the
mail.
“It’s a more efficient way to check you
gradesbecauseotherwiseyouhavetowaitsuch
a long time for them to arrive in the mail,” said
sophomore Casey Lee.“The wait is excruciating
because you want to know what grades you
got in your classes.”
In years past, teachers have felt the pressure of having to get grades in early so that the
progress report cards could be printed and
mailedontime.Withthisnewtechnology,many
teachers are relieved of much of the stress sur-
rounding report cards.
“At this point in time, using Blackboard t o
postupdateshasnotbeeneasy;theBlackboard
system appears clunky to me,”said French and
English teacher Ann Rasmussen.
“Posting grades through ABI to the counseling office, however, has not been stressful
for me.”
Posting grades online also ensures more
safetyforstudents’grades.Someparentswould
complain about never receiving their report
cards in the mail, as the report may have been
intercepted by students or accidentally lost in
the mailing process.
“Posting grades online is a better idea, and
it is a little more secure because sometimes
some progress reports don’t quite make it to
the parents in the mail,”said Glimme.
Convenience is also a huge upside of posting these grades online.
“People want access at their convenience
and this is at any time that they can log in and
look at the grades”said Glimme.
In addition to a new-found efficiency,
stress reliever, convenience, and security, posting grades online has led to a major decrease in
the money needed to send grades out through
themail.Althoughsomereportcardswillstillbe
sent out through the mail, the majority of the
cost of mailing grades will be saved.
“We’re saving at least $3,000, maybe even
$3,500 by moving online]” said Registrar Emily
Finn.
Students, teachers and board members
say the administration’s decision to post grades
online has come as a huge relief. It has moved
Acalanes in a technologically advanced direction towards a better and more financially
sound school.
“Posting grades online is a good idea,
because it saves paper and it’s probably
also going to be easier for teachers. I do
think that the administration will eventually post everything online,” said Lee.
Still no PE credits for arts
Outdoor education:
Northgate students teach students
By Camille Debreczeny
By Austin Holian
as the next wave of counselors journeyed from Northgate for a similar camp with Valle Verde Elementary,
going to Exploring New Horizons at Camp Loma Mar
near Half-Moon Bay
“I decided to do it because it’s fun to be around kids
and teach them cool stuff, and its always great to get
away from school for awhile,” said junior Kurtis Bonano,
a counselor for the Valle Verde students.
The campers were lucky to have high school counselors, according to one leader.
“Although we are very fortunate to have wonderful
parent volunteers in the classroom and on field trips
at Walnut Acres, high school cabin leaders are a better
choice for camp for a number of reasons,” said Sha Clark,
a Walnut Acres teacher in charge of the counselors.
“First of all, they are fun! The fifth graders adore
them and love hanging out with them, pleasing them,
just being around them.
"Being a cabin leader is a 24/7 job and requires a lot
of stamina and infinite patience.," added Clark.
"High schoolers are better able to keep up on the
hikes, put up with the drama and noise of rowdy students,
and diffuse situations that may arise with humor and a
positive attitude,”
Every year, some 15 Northgate High School students
vacate their campus for a week to teach 5th graders
valuable life lessons as camp counselors at a weeklong
outdoor education program.
While this is a great chance to volunteer and give
back to the community, what kind of toll does it take
on the Northgate students who are absent from school
for a week?
The most recent group of students went to Marin
County Outdoor School, affectionately called Walker
Creek, in October. During the week, each counselor
was responsible for an average of 12 campers. They
took the elementary students on day hikes, night hikes,
conducted team building challenge courses, did trust
falls, went to a pond – all bonding experiences with
the campers.
“We spent pretty much all our time looking after
them. They were cool people, I had a lot of fun, I really
feel like we made a connection” said Northgate senior
Cole Baird, a two time Walker Creek counselor.
With the exception of an hour before lunch, the
counselors were with the 5th graders non-stop.
The commitment to the
younger students involves some
sacrifice on the part of the Northgate students. When the counselors
arrived back at school, there was a
sea of homework waiting for them.
“I had an extra two hours of
makeup work every night. I’m just
now finishing it all,”said junior Mike
Miller, also returning from his second year at Walker Creek.
The Northgate volunteers
were surprised by how grateful the
younger students were.
“It was cool getting letters from them, I didn’t realize
Photo by Connor Swan Northgate HS
how much they looked up to us,”
said senior Conner Swann.
OUTDOOR ED Northgate High students work with 5th grade students at
The fun was not over, however, Walker Creek in Marin County.
FOOD TO GO
Cal High introduces new catering class
By Nicole Pipp
Ever had a party and had no idea what to serve?
California High School's new catering class has you
covered. It can cater any small luncheon, appetizer or
dessert party.
Principal Mark Corti asked culinary arts teacher
Crista Haar if she could create a class that could provide
food for school events and the outcome was the new
catering class.
To their surprise, 28 students enrolled in the class.
“I was very excited to teach catering because I love
how I can showcase the students’ work at functions,”
said Haar. “And everyone gets to see how talented the
students truly are.”
Haar’s old gourmet foods class was replaced by the
catering class, now the most advance culinary course
at Cal. Her catering class is a mix between gourmet
foods and the restaurant managing class at Diablo Valley College.
Haar assigns students a food course such as dessert,
appetizer, or breakfast to practice cooking. Students
can then use the recipe books to research dishes. Students plan out their roles, cook the food, and have an
opportunity to taste it.
When hired for a catering job, customers request a
type of dish and the students decide on a recipe. The
students cook the food and set up for the event with
tablecloths and flowers during their class time.
Culinary arts I and IIare prerequisites for students
interested in the catering class because it is beneficial for
students to have experience in food handling, cooking
techniques, and ingredients.
“Catering is the real thing,” said junior Ceri Megan
Larking. “We have customers to take care of and I’m
sure glad I took culinary arts one and two or I would
be totally lost.”
Each student has to take on one catering assignment
per semester. Approximately four students are assigned
to each event, in which they cook, decorate, and set up.
“I like how I am able to give the students so much
responsibility,” said Haar.
Corti anticipates the catering class cooking for
Cal’s spring drama production, PTA meetings and staff
luncheons. Haar believes her class is talented enough
to take on bigger projects as well.
Last month, the class catered Cal’s assistant principals meeting and they now hope to cater every meeting.
Assistant principal Damon Wright said he wanted
better food than the usual Costco muffins, so he hired the
class to cater the meeting and to promote the program.
“Their quiches are to die for,” said Dayna Taylor, an
assistant principal who attended the meeting.
Students in this class are also receiving college
credits equivalent to DVC’s equipment class and safety
and sanitation class.
This hands-on food experience opens students’
minds about possible career paths.
“After taking this class, I think that I could work in
the food industry and enjoy it very much,” said senior
Jessica Williams.
The San Ramon Valley School District redrew the fine line between arts
classes and athletics two years ago, but it’s still a touchy subject with some
teachers and students at Monte Vista.
Formerly, students could receive physical education credit for participating in certain extracurricular activities including marching band,
cheerleading and freshman dance class. Under the recently developed
district-wide policy, these activities no longer qualify as sports.
“I think it’s unfair because we exercise at practice and we do just as
much as a P.E. class, but because we don’t compete they consider us a club
instead of a sport,” senior cheerleader Ashley Snarr said.
Many students share Snarr’s belief that they should not be denied P.E.
credit for activities that can be just as physically demanding as sports, but
the new policy rules out independent study P.E. altogether for students who
do not participate in interscholastic teams. As of Sept. 2009, students may
only receive independent P.E. credit for playing competitive sports for school.
“It is the state and district’s belief that marching band and athletic
programs provide opportunities for student learning and physical activity
but… they do not address the full spectrum of skills and knowledge of
the content standards at grade or course levels,” said a public document
released by the San Ramon Valley Unified School District in 2009.
This decision has led to a decreased level of student interest in some
activities. Band teacher Edward Cloyd said the change has made it more
difficult to recruit students for the marching band.
“It’s really affected us because a lot of freshmen and sophomores used
the academic credit as an incentive to join,” Cloyd said. “What we’ve found
is that if people do the first two years they stay for all four years, so not
getting them in the door makes a big difference.”
The freshman dance class has encountered the same problem, according to dance coach Susan Gordon. The first year after the new policy
was implemented, the number of girls auditioning for the class dropped
from over 100 to about 30, barely enough to fill the class. Gordon thinks it
is unreasonable for her students to be required to take another P.E. class
in addition to the freshman dance class.
“I was already doing physical fitness training for my dancers, and testing
them for physical fitness, and most of them did really well,” Gordon said.
“It seems unfair that they would have to take another P.E. class if they’ve
already been proven to be physically fit.”
Some students have blamed the school for taking away recognition
of band, cheer and dance as sports so that it would no longer need to
fund these programs. The decision, however, was made by the district in
compliance with the education code; it had nothing to do with funding.
“The district provides $100,000 for sports and they have chosen to
pay for most varsity coaches,” said Frances Farrell, Monte Vista’s financial
analyst and bookkeeper. “All of our sports and cheer are run mainly through
parent donations.”
Regardless of the reason, the decision remains unpopular among many
independent athletes and coaches.
4
Opinion
Should we have brought home the troops?
January 2012
CC Spin
Two writers debate the issue evacuating troops from Iraq
By Alec Bandler
P
resident Obama's recent announcement
that the last of American troops in Iraq
have been withdrawnis leading to he serious consequences that many Americans may not
realize. BOOKED UP! Deer Valley High School Junior Dilini Vilathgamuwa is
struggling to study for a geometry test.
Photo Illustration by Alyssa Coakley, Deer Valley HS
Get real on homework
By Sierra Perkins
D
Deer Valley High School
o you agree that as teenagers we get way too much
homework each night? It seems that just when we
think we have finished something, there’s more
homework piled on top.
According to guidelines endorsed by the National
Education Association (NEA), a student should be assigned
no more than 10 minutes per grade level per night in each
subject. This means that as a junior, I should only have 110
minutes dedicated to each class. This of course has not been
the case. I find myself spending two to three hours on just
one subject.
There is no time for us to just be teenagers anymore. We
can’t even have lives on the weekend because teachers assign homework even then. We can never get a break!
A student who receives excessive homework “will miss
out on active playtime, essential for learning social skills,
proper brain development, and warding off childhood
obesity,” according to Harris Cooper, Ph.D., a professor of
psychology and neuroscience at Duke University.
Teachers don’t seem to understand that giving so much
homework can be a negative. We are being overloaded and
it’s affecting us: it’s making us sick. “Kids are developing
more school-related stomachaches, headaches, sleep problems, and depression than ever before,” according to William
Crain, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at City College of New
York and the author of Reclaiming Childhood.
The typical student is glued to his or her school desk for
almost seven hours a day. Add two to four hours of homework each night, and they are working 45 to 55 hours a
week.
If teachers don’t grant the time out to just let us breathe
how do they expect us to keep up with everything? Not to
mention avoiding growing fat, getting sick and letting our
brains wither?
If the current Iraqi government collapses after the
United States withdrawal, we will lose an important ally
in the Middle East, which continues to be a very dangerous region–that should concern not only Americans, but
the world.
After the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the Bush administration vowed to keep Americans safe at home. So when
it was believed that Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein had
weapons of mass destruction, the U.S. invaded Iraq in
2003. While nuclear weapons were never found, Hussein,
the ruthless dictator, was captured and a democracy
was born in Iraq.
But this democracy was unstable and we have
continued to maintain stability in Iraq. In 2006, the
rebel attacks peaked and it seemed they were winning
the war. Many Americans questioned
why we were even there. But the U.S
surge ultimately succeeded, attacks
declined and the Iraqi democracy
has held up.
The Iraqi government is still fragile. Without the
presence of American troops, it is possible that its current government could fall and the war will have been
a total loss.
“I fear that we won the war in Iraq, and we’re now
losing the peace,” Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) told The
National Review website.
Having a stable Iraqi government is essential in these
scary times because it is important to have Iraq as an ally
in the Middle East, a region very unfriendly to the U.S.
Iraq’s neighbor Iran, has been a huge threat to
America and the rest of the world because it has sought
weapons of mass destruction to attack Israel and other
countries.
Iran also sponsors many terrorist groups in the
world, including Hamas. Iran has been waiting for the
day American troops leave Iraq so Iran can influence
Iraq for its own purposes. Having occupied Iraq as an
ally would keep Iran at bay.
“It once seemed that Iraq could be a strategic ally
and base for our influence in the Middle East; it now may
become both those things for our foremost enemy in
the region,” according to an editorial in the The National
Review.
The Obama administration claims the reason for
removing the troops is that Iraq wouldn’t grant the
American soldiers immunity from prosecution. Really,
it’s just a pathetic excuse to exit the war.
Obama’s decision to pull the troops out is one that
Americans will likely regret. More than 4,400 Americans
have died in Iraq since the start of the war. To see all of
these soldiers die in vain would be a tragedy. We owe
it to those who lost their lives to keep fighting in Iraq to
ensure peace, not only in Iraq but in the region.
It may take more time to make Iraq completely
stable, but in the long run, it will be worth it. Yes!
By Sharanth Kumarasivan
W
ith the eight-year long Iraq war, it would seem
that history has repeated itself.
Just like the Vietnam War in the 1960s and
’70s, the U.S. invaded a foreign country with the hope
of spreading democracy and ended up being hated by
many Americans and the people it was trying to help.
Like Vietnam, people clamored violently for its end,
but our leaders just ignored them. Both wars were also
never officially declared by Congress. Instead, in their
infinite wisdom, Congress handed the power of war
entirely to the president, so he could raise armies to do
whatever took his fancy.
In the last decade, the only clearly thought-out action
by our government was to effectively end our involvement in Iraq and fully withdraw all troops by Jan. 1, 2012.
The war began in 2003 with the invasion of Iraq
under then-President Bush, who claimed the country
was housing weapons of mass destruction.
But even this rationale was illegitimate, as the United
Nations inspectors found no trace of weapons in Iraq.
In fact, the nonpartisan Center for
Public Integrity said the Bush administration made over 930 alleged reports
in its “campaign of misinformation” to
lull people into supporting the war, according to the
Washington Post.
Although, the U.S. purportedly invaded to dissolve
despotism in Iraq, America incurred nothing but hate.
The Iraqis hated us for intruding in their lives, and other
nations were angry America was trying to expand its
global influence. We lost the support of many longtime
allies, such as France, who refused to join in on our
raiding party.
The war is being waged against loyalist groups of
Saddam Hussein. But these groups as well as terrorist
organizations are forming and drawing support only
because of what the U.S. is doing.
According to Reuters, the total cost of this war and
the one in Afghanistan is $3 trillion, $2 trillion from actual
military costs and interest payments on foreign loans,
plus $1 trillion in future benefits to all soldiers.
The war is a main cause for the current national debt,
considering that during President Clinton’s years before
the war, the U.S. actually boasted a financial surplus. If
we let the war continue any longer, our debt will just
pile up more and more.
Obama’s opponents say that pulling out of Iraq would
mean collapsing all the infrastructure we’ve helped construct. But at this point, we’ve already developed Iraq’s
infrastructure and security forces well enough. Obviously
this is a telltale sign that Iraq wants the opportunity to
take care of itself now.
The U.S. has also killed Osama bin Laden, our primary
enemy. If we pull out of the Middle East, the chances are
that al-Qaeda will be less mad at us, and not stage as
violent offensives as before. Like its failed bid in Vietnam, the U.S. has once again
tried to spread its ideals in a different country. Though
noble in its aims, this plan has backfired on us and it’s
the right call for President Obama to pull our troops out
of Iraq for good.
No!
CHEATING: the real question is, why do it?
By Natalie Mangan
We’ve all seen it, and in many different forms. We know it’s
wrong and we shouldn’t do it. So why do people do it anyway?
Cheating. Whether it’s peeking at your neighbor’s paper, or
glancing at the scantron behind you while you pretend to crack
your back, there are many things people will do to cheat. It’s
easy to laugh at the desperate measures people take in order
to get a couple of points, but why do they do it?
Some people go to extremes just to get a few more
answers. Texting “Chacha,” going to the bathroom to look up
answers on their phone, or writing answers on a post it and
sticking it to the bottom of their shoe, it’s amazing what people
will do to cheat. Why?
“Some people just can’t handle the pressure,”said sophomore Justine Garvin.
But if it’s pressure that drives us to take such drastic measures, then why are we taking such hard classes? It’s the age-old
answer that kids are too stressed out, so we need more happy
meals and extra therapy so we don’t commit suicide, or start
drugs, or do anything harmful to our bodies and blah blah blah.
Yes, kids are stressed because they’re under pressure to
get into a good college, and get a good job, and make lots of
money. But is cheating really the way to get there?
Now I know some people who think that if they cheat on
one test, or copy and paste one answer from wikipedia, it’s
really not that big of a deal. We’ve all done it before, I know I
have. But after a few times, it’s really easy to let yourself slip and
sooner or later you’re doing it on every homework assignment
when you feel even just a little bit lazy.
I certainly don’t speak for everyone though. There are
people out there who are more disciplined than that and have
the will power of Superman. But face it, most of us don’t. So we
do it anyway and we don’t give a hoot about it.
Maybe at this moment where nothing else matters but our
grades, we don’t care. But in the long run, it’s just not worth it. All
we’ll see is four years of copying someone else’s work. It won’t
be our lives that we’re looking at, but theirs. Their homework,
their long hours of studying, their efforts and dedication. Is
that what you want?
Remember in second grade, when cheating was a capital
crime and you would be sent to prison if you committed such
an offense? What happened to that society? Where did that
law disappear to?
Obviously, students’ views on cheating have changed
drastically.
Bottom line is, students today are under so much pressure
that they will do almost anything to get, not just a good grade,
but an A on their report cards. They don’t care how, as long as
it’s an A, they’ll take it.
Pressure has shaped our lives in ways that are unexplainable. It has made us more desperate than we can ever imagine,
and has caused us to break our moral boundaries and do the
unspeakable. But, if you are ever tempted to cheat, just remember it’s not worth it and if you do it you’ll end up on the streets.
As the song “Under Pressure” by the band Queen says, “It’s
the terror of knowing / What this world is about / Watching
some good friends / Screaming ‘Let me out’ / Pray tomorrow
- brings me higher / Pressure on people - people on streets.”
CC Spin
CC Spin is printed by the Bay Area News Group but copy, photos, art and other
contents are produced by students at Contra Costa public high schools. Story
development is supervised by the journalism advisers at the participating schools.
Professional journalists coach the students and guide their reporting and writing. Staff
members from the Contra Costa Times and other local newspapers instruct
participating students in professional journalism standards and practices.
CC Spin is a product of the collaboration of The Lesher Foundation, the Bay Area
News Group, the Contra Costa County Office of Education, and the California
Scholastic Journalism Initiative.
All opinions expressed in CC Spin are the views of the student authors and do not
represent the opinion of the Contra Costa Times, the Lesher Foundation, any school,
district or county educational authority, or the California Scholastic Journalism
Initiative.
CC Spin is a product of student journalists and is guided by the tenets of
The First Amendment, the ethics guidelines of the Society of Professional
Journalists and California Education Code sections 45907 and 48950.
Facilitators
Faculty Advisers
Bert Robinson
Managine Editor/News
Bay Area News Group
Larry Freeman, Acalanes High School
Kathleen Odne
Executive Director
Lesher Foundation
Charlene Early, Deer Valley High School
Peggy Marshburn
Chief Communications Officer
Contra Costa County Office
of Education
Steve O’Donoghue
California Scholastic Journalism
Initiative, Coordinator
Jim Finefrock, Writing Coach
Lesley Guth, Writing Coach
Carol Pogash, Writing Coach
Dick Rogers, Writing Coach
Brian Barr, California High School
Marialana Knorpp, College Park High School
Natalie Wojinski, Hercules High School
Emelie Gunnison, Las Lomas High School
Sofia Close, Middle College High School
Rebecca Bellini, Monte Vista High School
Karen Jenkins, Northgate High School
Anise Brock, Pinole Valley High School
Teresa Boardman, Richmond High School
Giana Lillig, San Ramon Valley High School
Visit our website at www.ccspin.notlong.com
Follow news in scholastic journalism at
www.caljournalism.org
Viewpoints
CC Spin
5
January 2012
Affirmative action quandry
By Julie Khidekel
T
he price of baked goods: $0.25 for Native
Americans, $0.75 for African Americans,
$1.00 for Latinos, $1.50 for Asians, and a
whopping $2.00 for white males, while women
of all races receive an automatic $0.25 discount.
These are the controversial prices that fueled the
not-so-sweet University of California Berkeley
“Increase Diversity” Bake Sale on October 4.
“The idea behind the bake sale was to
make people realize how it feels to be treated
differently because of your race,” said Acalanes
junior Megan Kaye. “The bake sale was done in a
way that differentiated people from one another
in a superficial manner on purpose.”
The bake sale was a student response
to proposed state legislation, Senate Bill 185,
deemed the “Affirmative Action” bill. If passed,
the bill would allow all University of California
(UC) schools, California State Universities (CSU),
and California government agencies to consider
race and gender in order to narrow applicant
pools. To the dismay of some and the relief of
others, California Governor Jerry Brown vetoed
the bill on Oct. 10.
Acalanes alumna and UC Berkeley freshman Nicole Lee feels that affirmative action is
an issue that impacts all high school students,
particularly at Acalanes.
“Affirmative action affects students at
Acalanes because a lot of us apply to UC Berkeley,” said Lee. “If the bill passed, it would hurt a lot
of the students’ chances.”
According to Shawn Lewis, UC Berkeley
student and president of the university’s Republican Club, which organized the bake sale, Jerry
Brown’s veto of the bill was not surprising given
the bill’s ambiguity.
“Affirmative action is a quota system,” said
Lewis. “If you read the bill, it says simply that
public universities are able to consider race. They
may consider factors, so long as no preference or
detriment is given. Anyone who can read English
can understand a problem with the bill. How
on earth can you consider something without
granting preference or detriment to that? This
bill made no sense, opening a huge door for
litigation, lawsuit, and fraud.”
SB 185 is not the first attempt to legalize affirmative action. In 1996, California voters voted
against Proposition 209 and made any preferen-
tial treatment of minority groups by schools or
state or local agencies in California illegal. Sixteen
years after the first bill, strong opinions still persist in the California affirmative action debate.
“I am in support of SB 185 because it adds
to the holistic admissions process and gives admissions officers a better picture of each applicant,” said UC Berkeley senior and Student Government President Vishalli Loomba. “If passed, it
will mean a better admissions process for the UC
system, which is great for future applicants.”
According to a federal survey from 2006,
47.3 percent of white high school graduates attended college between 1993 and 2003. Comparatively, 41.1 percent of African Americans
and 35.2 percent of Hispanic graduates attended
a university. For some students, such statistics
affirm the belief that California must legalize affirmative action in colleges.
“Race shouldn’t matter to someone considering college, but it does,” said junior Carol Liu.
“Social stereotypes [as well as] ethnic and family
backgrounds are definite factors in the decision
to go to [universities].”
For some, the bill represents a step towards
equality in education. Shirley J. Wilcher, executive director at American Association for Affirmative Action, believes that some minorities are put
at an automatic disadvantage in college admissions due to their socio-economic statuses.
“Many students of color continue to live in
disadvantaged neighborhoods
with poor schools and little
access to college prep and AP
courses,” said Wilcher. “Taking
their race into account is relevant, especially if they managed
to excel against those odds.”
However, the bill would
also give preferential treatment
to minorities who come from
higher income levels.
“I don’t agree with SB 185
because I know many people
who have enough money for
college but are considered
minorities,” said junior Charlene
Commer.
The need for affirmative
action can be traced back to
17th century Colonial America.
Wilcher feels that a variety of minorities continue to bear negative effects of slavery and racial
discrimination in modern day.
“Our nation’s history of discrimination
is what is unfair,” said Wilcher. “Non-minority
students have benefited from the exclusion of
minorities over the years—they are most likely to
benefit from legacy admissions policies because
they are most likely to be children of alumni.
They benefit from economic advantage because
they did not suffer the effects of employment
and educational exclusion in the past and, in
some cases, in the present.”
But to others, affirmative action calls for an
unfair, unjust method of determining prospective
students.
“I bought a cookie from the bake sale
because I am an opponent of affirmative action,” said UC Berkeley sophomore Laura Bolton.
“Skin color and race shouldn’t have an impact in
college admissions because everyone should be
See AFFIRMATIVE ACTION Page 8
(c) MCT Campus 2011
Put $.25 in the swear jar
By Katie Kronick
Y
ou begrudgingly reach into your pocket, regretting the last
sentence that came out of your mouth.
As you surrender your last quarter to the swear jar, you reflect
upon the word choices that catapulted you into this situation. You grew
angry over something, lost your temper and threw down a four-letter
word. All in front of your parents.
Good going, champ. You are now 25 cents poorer and in some
trouble with your mother.
Luckily, I grew up in a household where swearing was not a secret.
When Mommy was angry she said naughty words that were forbidden to
me. Because I was familiar with these words, I felt no desire to use them
once I emerged as a teenager.
My friends however, were a different story. In their homes, fbombs were thrown around for no apparent reason – kids just thought
they were cool. “Hecka” became “hella” and four letter words replaced
many adjectives and verbs that I had grown fond of over the years. Thus
the potty mouth stage began, and I found myself drowning in a pool of
cuss words and starting to use some of the profane language. The First Amendment allows us to communicate in any manner
we please. I do not believe in censorship; freedom of expression is an
extremely important tool for human beings.
But are these four letter words always the key to unlocking our deepest sentiments and beliefs? Or are they just excessive fillers similar to
«like» and «um?» Junior Jessi Rinard believes that people who swear excessively «lack
the words they would use to express themselves.» Rinard notes that she
is «also guilty of this.»
Using swear words as fillers can be dangerous. Words are powerful.
They have a huge effect on our relationships with ourselves and others.
Swear words carry a negative connotation and can therefore hurt others.
Junior Maddie Hiatt agrees: «Words affect your thoughts, actions,
and ultimately what kind of person you will become. Swearing can
change your attitude towards others and toward life."
Hiatt adds that swear words can represent a lack of intellect. “I am
more impressed with someone who doesn’t swear because it shows
respect and intelligence,” she said. Speaking kindly and positively is
always appreciated!»
I use profanity. It is not a habit that I am proud of. I wish my vocabulary was extensive enough to forever omit swear words from my personal
lexicon.
However, I can recognize the appropriate opportunity for those
catchy four-letter words.
When I stub my toe, the first thing that comes out of my mouth will
not be on my SAT vocabulary list.
Swearing can be a proclamation of anger, fear, and excitement -even happiness. No matter how ugly or offensive, these words almost
inevitably will escape your mouth at some point in your life. And guess what? You are still a good person even if you swear. You
are still a smart person if you swear.
I have many friends and family members who are college educated
and swear. They have access to a wide array of words and phrases that sit
collecting dust in their own personal dictionaries. They can identify the
correct place and time to swear.
Swear words are important. They are powerful. They should not
be overused. Spend your quarters carefully, and don’t let the swear jar fill
up too fast.
Facebook layout frustrates many students
Facebookwas oncesimple, effortless, and
easy. There was one status feed, one privacy
setting, and one, enticing profile per user.
These features fueled Facebook’s popularity.
In a time when other social networks continually increased in complexity, Facebook was a
safe haven for web surfers craving simplicity.
However, what was once a user-friendly site is
quickly transforming into a convoluted, confusing arena with Facebook’s newest layout.
An ideal social networking site needs
organization and simplicity. A single news
feed and an easily accessible chat bar to socialize with friends are necessary aspects of
Facebook. Unfortunately, over the past few
years, Facebook has gone from simple and
classy to complicated and unattractive.
Most teens were satisfied with the earlier
Facebook layouts. The old layouts, although
not as high-tech, met the needs of users and
were easy to look at and navigate. Many teens
complain that Facebook’s most recent layouts
have become cluttered eyesores. With so
many eye-catching sidebars, it’s difficult for
users to focus.
Facebook seems to feel the need to
make the site appear more sophisticated in
order to keep up with competition from other
social networking and blogging sites, but it
has become obvious that the more complex
the site is, the more people dislike it.
Many feel that the“top news”is irrelevant
to most people; it simply complicates what
used to be an easy-to-scroll-through news
feed. Similarly, no one really wants to see
every trivial action and posts by people they
hardly know, which is what the pointless chat
sidebar displays.
It can also be extremely frustrating
that as soon as users have adjusted to a new
Facebook layout, yet another one is released.
Following a layout change, posts and statuses
flood Facebook with gripes and complaints,
and some disgruntled users even form groups
in protest.Within a few weeks, these posts will
diminish and the users will get used to the
new layout. Then, Facebook will come out
with yet another layout, and the cycle starts
all over again.
Though Facebook designers seem to
believe that social networkers want a more
sophisticated site, many Facebook users have
simply been asking for one thing to be added
to the site: a dislike button. But instead of this
or any other fun features, users have only received complicated and unwanted changes
in the site’s design.
Many users also have become very
annoyed with the Facebook spam problem.
Some companies hack into profiles and then
post ads on the walls of all of the user’s friends.
Some of these links even have viruses attached. Instead of focusing on needless layout
updates, the Facebook workers should focus
on eliminating spam. Facebook employees
have been so caught up with making the site
seem up-to-date and competitive with other
sites that they have overlooked the task of
keeping their users happy.
Although Facebook continues to alter its
layout, most will continue to be loyal users. For
now, these students will stick with Facebook
until the chaotic layout changes become
unbearable or a better social networking
site is found.
Despite users’many complaints, the site’s
merits usually outweigh its faults. Facebook
is still an intrinsic part of teenage life, and it
is not likely to be going away anytime soon.
However, if the site wishes to keep its
spot as the most popular website for teens,
then it needs to pick one simple, user-friendly
layout and stick to it.
(c) MCT Campus 2011
6
January 2012
Features
CC Spin
'Hugo' enchanting 3D fantasy story
By Jacob Hirshon
CHALLENGING Children in a Tanzanian primary school. No chairs, no
Photo by Brianna Brooks
desks, no supples.
African children struggle
under enormous handicaps
From SUMMER IN AFRICA Page 1
By the second day, the people started warming up to the volunteers,
and smiles spread across their faces as they were handed bowls of rice and
beans. The people couldn’t help but hug them and thank them – it was like
Christmas had arrived.
They also visited a school multiple times and taught the children math,
as well as how to read and write English.
“I brought some of my old clothes from home that I didn’t wear anymore
and donated them to the kids at the school. They were so happy; it was like
they had received a million dollar prize,” Brooks said.
“Visiting Africa opened my eyes to other cultures, as well as making me
realize there is a way to be happy without so many materialistic things. I felt
appreciated for the first time in a long time, so it kind of made me realize
the value of life and happiness.”
The experience led her to take on an ambitious senior project.
“I found out that they were running out of money to feed the students
in the school, so I decided to start a fundraiser,” she says.
Brooks is trying to raise $3,000 to send to Tina’s Education Center in
Shirati so they can feed the students for a year. She has raised more than
$730 thanks to donations from Middle College High students.
She is trying to send $200 a month. The money will go through African
Immigrants Social & Cultural Services for distribution to the education center.
“Even though we might think we have it tough here, we have to think
of those who have it tougher,” Brooks said.
(Editor’s note: This story is published with permission from Richmond Pulse,
a community-based Web site at richmondpulse.org). For more information
about donating, contact Brooks at [email protected].
Best places to eat in Danville
You won't go hungry in these valley hot spots
By Katie Rhoads
Looking for a good place to eat? Don’t know where to go? Well, I’ve
got a few ideas for you …
Best Breakfast Spot:
If you’re tired of boring old breakfast cafes serving the same breakfast
then I suggest you try Chow Restaurant in Danville. This all-organic restaurant
is the perfect place for breakfast. All the food is freshly made and their juice
is squeezed right in the restaurant every morning.
Chow’s has a huge assortment of choices such as Huevos Rancheros
(tortillas, fried eggs, and chile), French toast with mascarREVIEW
pone, blueberry pancakes with their signature blueberry
sauce, and if you get there for brunch you can even order
pork chops! But my suggestion is their blueberry muffin. It’s brought to you
hot, straight out of the oven. Try it with a side of their extra crispy bacon. If
you’re feeling particularly adventurous order a glass of apple juice (it will
surprise you!).
Best Lunch Spot:
I love trying all types of food and one of my favorites is French food. If
you like French food as well but don’t want to travel the 5,000 plus miles
then try going to La Boulange de
Danville, which is much closer.
The atmosphere is warm and
friendly in this bakery/café. Located
only a few yards away from Chow’s
this restaurant is similar in the fact
that they bake all of their bread and
treats daily.
My favorite lunch is their roasted
chicken open face sandwich that
sits upon their freshly baked bread
beside their house-made rosemary
chips. I suggest pairing it with an
Orangina to drink and a lemon tart
for a treat afterwards.
Best Dinner Spot:
Feeling adventurous? How
about eating some raw fish at Danville’s new sushi restaurant, Akira
Bistro.
I’m a big fan of sushi and when
this restaurant opened I was eager
to try it. Stepping in, the atmosphere
was open and the décor was modern. The presentation of the rolls
and each dish are professional and
beautiful.
My suggestion would be to try
the Godzilla Roll (Inside: tempura
shrimp, crab meat, avocado. Outside:
unagi, avocado, masago, crunchies).
But if you’re not a fan of raw fish, don’t
fret! There are many more options
for you! Try the Tempura Udon dish
which is a bonito broth soup with
shrimp and vegetable tempura, or
the Chicken Katsu (which is basically
fried chicken with a yummy sauce!).
I was terrified when I saw the
first trailer for Martin Scorsese’s
new movie, “Hugo.”
It was incredibly ludicrous. Sacha Baron Cohen, aka Borat, ran into
a cake, and the whole thing looked
incredibly stupid.
Not to mention that it was in
the disastrous format of 3D. Then the film premiered at the New
York Film Festival and word spread
quickly: “Hugo” was apparently one
of the best 3D liveREVIEW
action films of all
time.
While the film didn’t resonate
with me that significantly, it is without a doubt an enchanting story for
movie lovers of all ages.
“Hugo” is Scorsese’s adaptation
of the bestselling book “The Invention of Hugo Cabret.” It is the story of
Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield), a child
living in the walls of a train station in
1930s Paris.
He is now responsible for operating the clock in the station since his
uncle passed away.
Hugo was left an automaton, a
robot type wind-up toy, by his deceased father (Jude Law). He finds
the key to operate the automaton
around the neck of his new friend
Isabelle (Chloe Grace-Moretz), who
is the goddaughter of George Melies (Ben Kingsley). Melies is a once
famous filmmaker, who now sells toys
in the train station.
Hugo and Isabelle must unravel
the secrets of Melies and the automaton, all while evading the Station
Inspector (Cohen).
The movie is not what viewers
expect when thinking of visionary director Scorsese (“Taxi Driver,”“Raging
Bull,” “The Departed,” “Good Fellas”).
It is enchanting, uplifting, and
very cute. But lovers of Scorsese
will recognize the dynamic style he
brings to every one of his films.
It works as well in “Hugo” as it
ever has, but the movie is far from
perfect.
The writing is clearly dumbed
down for younger audiences, which
is understandable, but it has a clear
effect on the story.
While Scorsese seems more
inclined to focus on the more interesting storyline about Melies and the
birth of filmmaking, an unnecessary
amount of focus is put on story lines
involving the worst character of the
movie, Cohen’s station inspector.
Cohen’s performance is borderline horrifying. He is completely
over-the-top, and has no place in
the movie.
He robs screen time from his
very deserving co-stars, Butterfield,
Grace-Moretz, and Kingsley.
The depiction of Hugo is one
of Butterfield’s first efforts, and he
clearly has work to do, but he proves
here that he deserves many more
chances.
He can clearly develop into a
promising young actor.
As for Grace-Moretz, she has
already landed on the radar for her
acclaimed performances in“Kick-Ass”
and “Let Me In.” She gives the most
compelling performance in “Hugo,”
and proves once again that she is
one of the most promising young
actresses in Hollywood right now.
Kingsley has had a long history
of great performances, and this is certainly not a misstep. He is wonderful.
The best sequence of the movie
is a charming flashback from Melies,
recalling his career as a filmmaker. It
starts as a lovely portrayal of early film
making, and becomes a heart breaking portrait of a washed-up genius.
It would have been nice to hear
more about this character, but I’ll take
what I can get.
As for the 3D, there is a lot of
hype surrounding it, suggesting that
it basically saves the dying format.
I disagree. I think it is some of the
better 3D ever seen, but it still adds
almost nothing to the film.
At best, it enhances the occasional shot, and is certainly not worth
how much it costs for the viewer or
the filmmaker.
But with a director like Scorsese
supporting it, I’m sure 3D will be
around to bother me for a long time.
GRADE: B+
A cheesy'Footloose' misses the mark
By Jacob Hisohn
“Footloose,” a remake of the
widely loved 1980s Kevin Bacon
movie, opens with the perfect title
sequence for a remake: an unapologetically cheesy dance sequence, set
to the main song
from the original.
REVIEW
Unfortunately, things don’t remain that ideal.
This is the story of a little town
that bans dancing, and its new big
city hunk hero, Ren McCormack
(Kenny Wormald). He quickly exposes the film’s main flaw. Wormald,
and the movie as a whole, just take
themselves too seriously.
The dancing endsand transitions into a car crash, and a speech
from uptight Reverend Shaw Moore
(Dennis Quaid).
While Quaid’s performance is
surprisingly decent, it seems too
dark and serious for what should
be a movie that is nothing but fun.
“Footloose” is at its best when
it doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Sequences focusing on McCormack’s
best friend Willard (Miles Teller) and
his girlfriend Rusty (Ziah Colon) are
often so enjoyable that it seems a
better movie could be made about
the two of them.
McCormack’s love interest, Ariel
Moore, is played by Julianne Hough,
who gives the weakest performance
in the movie.
McCormack and Moore make
a couple almost impossible to like,
forcing you to ignore their dialogue
and focus on their beauty and dancing abilities.
The greatest example of this is
also one of the best scenes in the
movie when the couples go to a
country dance club in the big city.
The dancing is great and the dialogue shifts from being obnoxiously
bad to being almost enjoyable.
Willard gets to be a likable,
funny and overall more compelling
character than McCormack.
The movie’s greatest weaknesses are the script and a very
inconsistent tone.
Remakes often try too hard to
force in memorable scenes from
the original.
“Footloose” only does this once,
when McCormack storms off to a
warehouse to yell awkward angry
dialogue, drink beer, and do some
strange out of place hip-hop dancing, along with swinging from some
chains.
Overall, the movie is a fun, pleasant surprise.
Polished film viewers may find it
hard to overlook some of the silliness
and the lack of intelligence, but I recommend that viewers do something
I usually condemn: turn off your brain
and enjoy a stupid movie.
GRADE: C+
'Dance Moms'features toddler drama
By Neelam Nandra
California High
Abby Lee Miller and her army of
little dancers and their doting moms
from Pittsburgh are off on a quest to
once again win the title of national
champions.
Through blood, sweat, and tears
(mostly from the moms) the girls
prance around in
hopes of making
REVIEW
it to the top of
Miller’s famous
pyramid, which orders the girls from
best to worst performance, upsetting
the moms more than their daughters.
Lifetime has really outdone itself with its show “Dance Moms,” an
extremely entertaining addition to
those drab and depressing movies
that the network usually airs.
This new show is about mothers
who are still sad, but it’s because of
their daughters’ dancing.
Reality TV has once again been
pushed a little further with these
young girls and their charming mothers, who are obviously living their
dreams through their daughters.
Many of the moms are pushed to
the limits by Miller, resulting in highly
entertaining screaming matches
in the dance studio. The mothers
and daughters are basically slaves
to Miller, who rules with an iron fist.
Although the mothers’ attempt
to stand up for themselves, Miller
usually shuts them down winning
every battle.
Unlike “Toddlers and Tiaras,”
the girls in “Dance Moms” actually
work hard.
Not only do they have to keep
their wigs on while dancing, but they
have to deal with Miller, and she’s a lot
worse than any old pageant mother.
The girls also have to work together, which means their mothers
have to get along.
It’s a lot more interesting to
watch the group dynamics rather
than one little girl who looks like a
porcelain doll. With “Dance Moms,”
you get eight!
As the season goes on, the girls
and their charming mothers travel
the country and compete in competitions.
As the girls work hard to learn
their new routines, their mothers
bad mouth each other or go out
and drink.
One mother, Christi, seemed to
enjoy drinking her problems away
while on a trip to Las Vegas for a
dance competition.
She takes shots off a ski in a club
and screams, once she’s a bit tipsy,
“IT’S A SHOT…SKI!!!” Very clever.
It seems like the world of competitive dance for these young girls
is too much for them. Some even
consider quitting during the season.
Christi is dead set on her daughter, Chloe, continuing with dance
because of the annual $16,000 that
she spends on lessons. She then
adds with a giggle, “Don’t tell my
husband.” Maybe she forgot he’s the
one paying the bill.
Sticking these girls in tight, show
girl outfits, with enough spandex and
sparkles is something that makes
even Lady Gaga look conservative.
Add in some provocative butt
popping dances, and it’s entirely
wrong, but viewers like me are sadly
captivated.
It’s like watching a train wreck.
You want to look away but you just
can’t.
“Dance Moms” has hit reality TV
gold, proving to viewers everywhere
that “Toddlers and Tiaras” has nothing on these little champions.
Features
CC Spin
Northgate's Production Workshop
season debuts with 'Tartuffe'
By Michael Lin
Production Workshop has always been
the backbone of Northgate’s drama department. Every year this ensemble of actors,
actresses, artists and technicians produce
new plays and fills the Little Theater with
their charisma. This year, Production Workshop debuted another season with the play Tartuffe.
In Tartuffe, the patriarch Orgon and his family are introduced to the titular character
Tartuffe, a fraud who initially appears to be
sweet-talking and charming in nature but
ultimately reveals his deceptive side and
puts Orgon’s family in jeopardy.
The play was exciting for Production
Workshop to do, but precarious as well:
It would be a risky venture to interpret
a play no one really knew about. Would
anyone care? To Production Workshop’s excitement,
tickets sold out quickly and the Little The-
ater was packed to full capacity for all four
showings. “We were initially really worried about
being able to sell a play like Tartuffe. It’s
French, it’s from the 16th Century, people
have never heard of it, and the whole concept sounded strange to a lot of people,”
said junior Conor O’Donoghue, who played
Orgon’s brother-in-law, Cleante in the play. “Not only did we manage to sell the play,
but we also actually sold out. People loved
it and the show really paid off.”
Because it is a comedy, Tartuffe is laden
with jokes and hilarious buildups, many of
which center on Tartuffe and his interactions
with other characters as he manages his
way through tight situations.
“The comedy is fabulous, it’s wacky and
people don’t know what to think when they
hear the word Tartuffe. It’s a little raunchy,
but by the end it has good morals and it is
absolutely hilarious,” junior Leslie Bridges
stated.
What makes Tartuffe unique, though,
isn’t just its 16th Century French origin, but
that it revolves around a persistent rhyming
scheme throughout. This adds a new spice into the production, as wordplay becomes a key element
and actors and actresses adjust their
strategies to work together perfecting this
technique.
Senior Alex Gunter played the patriarch
Orgon. “Honestly,” he said, “this play was a
lot of fun to put on. I thought it was great
that we get to do something a little bit different, but people still seem to enjoy for
the most part. It’s a lot of physical fun and
it’s a lot of silliness.”
Ms. Ludden, head of Northgate’s Performing Arts Department, said, “We took
a play from the 16th hundreds and made
it contemporary, and current high school
audience laughed along with us tonight so
that definitely makes it very unique.”.
Production Workshop’s winter play, All
My Sons by Arthur Miller, will be performed
in the Little Theater from February 8-11.
Drama Dons bring underworld to
Acalanes for tragic tale 'Eurydice'
By Gerry Vazquez
From the depths of the Underworld
comes a production never before performed on the stage of the Acalanes Little
Theater: Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice. A play full
of heartache, comedy, and demons on tricycles, this modern interpretation of a timeless Greek myth will captivate audiences.
“What I really like about it is that it’s very
sad and it’s also extremely funny, and it’s all
written in completely modern language,”
said senior Abby Faber, the director.“It’s just
peopletalking,andithitsalloftheemotions;
it’s really good.”
The play follows the tragic tale of
Orpheus and Eurydice. At the start of the
grippingtale,Eurydicediesandfindsherself
in the Underworld. From then on, her lover
Orpheus dedicates himself to bringing her
back.
“I play Orpheus, and he is basically‘the
greatest musician of all time’ in the myth,”
said senior David Patty. “My character is
about to propose to Eurydice, and I spend
the show trying to figure out how to get
her back.”
ThisisthefirstAcalanesdramaproductiontoeverbedirectedentirelybyastudent.
Faber chose the play, cast the actors herself
and managed executive decisions for the
playrangingfromtheblockingoftheactors
to the conceptualization of stage aspects.
“You really don’t think about how
much there really is to do, but at any given
second, I’m probably thinking about the
set, the lights, the music, the blocking, and
the costumes simultaneously and trying
to make decisions [based on] all of that,”
said Faber.
The idea for Faber to direct the play
stemmed from drama teacher Ed Meehan’s desire to have a skilled student lead
a production.
“A number of years ago, I had thought
that it might be an interesting idea to have
[Faber] be the director of a play, which I had
never done before,” said Meehan.
“It was really kind of an impulse
decision that took me a long time to
make. Faber worked with me as a student director a couple of times, and she’s
either worked on or been in every play
that I’ve done in the last three years. I
thought that she had an interesting
point of view and I thought she could
probably pull this off. I hadn’t met a
student that could do that before.”
Though the idea is innovative and
may prove to be an efficient use of the
drama program’s resources, the job
itself is a not a responsibility that many
students can handle.
“Iwouldn’tsaythatthisissomethingI’m
going to do every year, or every other year.
I’m not trying to set a precedent,”said Meehan. “I have a lot of awesome students—I
love my students—and we do really excellent work, but I haven’t had a student with
the drive and the vision that [Abby] had.
There may be another.”
Withthisinmind,itisimportanttonote
that Faber’s outstanding accomplishments
and experience in theater alone qualify her
for this position.
“I’ve been acting since I was seven,”
said Faber. “I’ve appeared, I believe at this
point, in over thirty productions. I’ve done
workatTownHall.I’vestudiedwithCalifornia
Shakespeare Theater. I’ve worked professionally as an assistant stage manager. At
Acalanes, I have acted in, student directed,
or stage managed every show since fall of
my freshman year.”
The idea of being directed by a peer
may seem a bit daunting to the actors,
however, according to Faber, the job of
actually directing those peers proves to be
even more difficult.
“It’sintimidating.Theywouldneverbelieve me, but I’m actually pretty intimidated
by doing it and by telling them what to do,”
said Faber. “At the same time, I feel like we
cancommunicatebetterbecauseweknow
each other so well, and we kind of speak the
samelanguagebecausewe’rethesameage
and whatnot. It’s kind of a plus and a minus.”
With Faber controlling the direction
aspectoftheplay,Meehanhastheopportunitytofocusprimarilyonproduction.Everything from the design of set building to the
direction of work crews is his responsibility.
“The producer is that role that no one
really understands because it means so
many different things,” said Meehan. “My
job is to make sure that all of the elements
come together. ”
The extravagant, multi-level set was
constructed through a joint effort between
Meehanandstudentsofthestagecraftclass.
Design elements ranging from specialized
lighting effects, pulley-operated door
systems, and large on-stage props were all
built from the ground up. These elements
elevate the possibilities of student theater
to another level.
“Stagecraft students have been helping tremendously,” said Meehan. “Without
stagecraft,Iwouldhavetohaveotherclasses
helpbuildsetsandcreatethestage,andthat
wouldgettiresometopeople[intheDrama
2 class] for the most part.”
In addition to stagecraft, the production is receiving a tremendous amount of
help from parents in the Acalanes Performing Arts Boosters, which handle advertisement and community outreach.
Eurydice will be performed from November 2 through November 5. Tickets
are priced $10 for general admission and
$7 for students.
“It’s going to be something you
don’t want to miss, because it’s going
to be really, really cool,” said Meehan.
“People are going to go, ‘Remember
Eurydice?’ They’ll be saying that for a
while.”
'Toddlers & Tiaras' takes TV to a new low
By Courtney Carlson
There’s nothing more endearing than
young girls parading around as if they
were runway models or women standing
on street corners.
In fact, some pageant contestants, such
as 3-year-old Paisely Dickey, did just that.
She dressed up as Julia Roberts from
“Pretty Woman,” leaving America speechless.
Such lovely children are the stars of
“Toddlers & Tiaras,” a TLC hit show that
highlights all of the wonderful aspects of
child beauty pageants.
Viewers are sent into the magical world
of makeup, spray tans, fake teeth, high heels,
and $1,000 outfits, for a mere half hour.
“Toddlers & Tiaras” takes the crown for
the trashiest show on cable.
It rewards the semi-psychotic mothers
with publicity and glorifies their children’s
tantrums.
The parents are probably what give the
show its extremely trashy rating. It shouldn’t
be legal to allow children to dress up, or
down, to the scale that they do.
“Toddlers & Tiaras” takes television to a
new low because unlike “Dance Moms,” it’s
a show that represents the whole country
and exploits even younger girls.
Plus, the skills learned in“Dance Moms”
can actually benefit the girls portrayed in
the future. Pageants don’t do much for girls
besides promoting questionable ideals,
such as the value of appearance.
“Dance Moms”promotes self-improvement, and hard work, and a system of
rewards and punishments for appropriate
behavior. “Toddlers & Tiaras,” however, rewards girls for throwing tantrums or having
a cute costume.
From trainers to salons, to waxing
and wigs, these dedicated pageant moms
know it all, and help their daughters win
crown titles such as Mini Supreme or Grand
Supreme.
Almost as important is the moms’ ability to deal with the tantrums thrown by their
wonderful children.
Tears, screaming and chaotic behavior
would be enough to make any normal mom
crazy, but these pageant moms are in a
different league.
Negotiations with the girls such as
monetary rewards usually work to get them
on stage. Or, if they won’t sit still for their
makeup, the promise of a new pet might
do the trick.
The competitions are more than winning crowns. They’re about recognizing
how important looks are. By overemphasizing the makeup, hair and wallet-burning
outfits, the girls learn early on that these
are the things that truly matter.
The young girls are given an advantage
when they’re forced to grow up so fast.
They’re ahead of other children who
know nothing of the real world and play
with dolls. These girls are dolls! They’re
equipped to deal with the tough stuff in
life, like broken nails and torn dresses, or
forgotten choreography.
I know I can’t wait to become a mother,
so that I can live out my dreams through
my angelic little girl.
When I’m old and don’t have much to
be proud of in a bikini, I know I can still be
proud of my genetics that have passed on to
my children, or as I like to call them, winners.
7
January 2012
Monte Vista alums
graduate to fame
By Emma Sol
You might not realize it, but every time you walk
onto Monte Vista’s campus, you could be mirroring the
exact steps of Christy Turlington, a famous supermodel,
or sitting in the same seat as Olympic silver medalist
Jessica Steffens. Since the school was established in
1965, we’ve had students of fame stumbling in and out
of Monte Vista’s doors.
Christy Turlington
A graduate of Monte Vista’s Class of 1987, this supermodel might be the most famous of the Mustang
Hall of Fame. Turlington, who was discovered while riding horses in Miami, grew up to be a part of “The Big 5,”
otherwise known as the five most famous supermodels
in the 1990’s. She’s modeled countless times for Maybelline and Versace, as well as made her own fashion
documentary, Catwalk.
Jessica and Maggie Steffens
These extremely talented sisters are Jessica, graduate
of 2005, and Maggie, graduate of 2011. Jessica is already
a seasoned veteran for the National Water Polo team,
winning two Pan Am gold medals (2007 and 2011) and
a silver medal in the 2008 Olympics. Maggie has recently
joined her sister on the National Team, being credited
for scoring the winning shootout goal in the 2011 Pan
Am’s, cinching a gold medal. Keep your eye out for these
athletes in the 2012 Olympics.
Kyle Weiss
Another graduate of 2011, Kyle is credited for being
a co-creator of a local charity called FundaField, which
provides schools in Africa a soccer field and equipment
to play. On Nov. 8, Kyle and Fundafield were one of the
four teens with charities picked to be featured on TeenNick’s Halo Awards with soccer player David Beckham.
This charity to date has raised $140,000 and is working
towards its goal of $200,000. If you’d like to help, look
into the FundaField club on campus.
Lauren Lindberg
If you’re a girl and read Seventeen magazine, you
might remember Lauren Lindberg, a graduate from the
Class of 2011. She, and four other girls were picked for
“Seventeen’s Pretty Amazing” Contest, where she was a
runner up. Her face and cause were broadcast on TV and
in magazines, where she discussed her love for making
important documentaries, like her one about the blind.
Make sure to check her documentaries out online.
Schedule of activities
means little sleep
By Haley Short
????? High School
Having a seven-hour school day is hard enough,
but for sophomore Claire Huskins, participating in numerous after-school activities makes for a very strained
educational schedule.
Huskins is a member of nine clubs and also takes A.P.
European History. Her clubs include: Interact, National
Honors Society, French Honors Society, American Cancer
Society, CFS, Jewish Student Union, and Choir Council.
“They were things that I believed in, a lot of things
I like to do, like service projects, and lots of them were
service-project oriented,” said Huskins, “So that’s why I
chose a lot of them.”
With such a busy schedule, how would anyone be
able to maintain a social life? Huskins says she always just
makes sure that everything is done and ready before she
goes out with her friends.
Having so many different activities can take away
some time that most people give to studying, but Huskins
makes sure to have everything done, even if it take away
from prime sleeping time.
“I just don’t sleep. I sleep, like five hours a day,” said
Huskins. “ You
have to make
sure that you
get everything
done.”
Huskins has
been researching colleges and
what she wants
to do for a few
years now. The
school of her
choice would be
Georgetown and
she has looked
into what it takes
to get there. She
goes to meetings
when college administrators are
on campus to
talk about their
schools.
With all of
t h e d i f fe re n t
clubs and school
activities Huskins
does, her schedule is busy and
filled withactivities to put on her
college applications.
Features
8
January 2012
Going by the book
By Camile Debreczeny
I
s it weird that I miss AP Lang? At the risk of
confirming myself as the biggest nerd of all
time, I have to admit that I actually had fun in
Advanced Placement English Language & Composition last year.
My favorite part of the class, without a doubt, was
the independent reading projects. Each semester we
read books in small groups and then created interactive presentations to share them with our classmates.
These fun projects gave us a chance to explore
literature in a creative way, and the whole learning experience wouldn’t have been the same without them.
The current AP Lang students are missing out on
that essential element of the class.
VIEWPOINT Starting this school year, teachers
are no longer allowed to ask their
students to purchase their own books, thanks to a
lawsuit filed last year by the American Civil Liberties
Union (ACLU) to protect public school students from
paying for their own educational materials.
“The ACLU made a list of California schools that
asked students to pay for things like textbooks, and
these issues were brought to light at some schools in
our district,” principal Janet Terranova said.
“Monte Vista was not mentioned but the reality is
we could have been, because we were misinterpreting the law and we need to correct that.”
Independent reading groups are difficult to
organize with this new rule. The selection of books
changes every year based on what the students are
interested in reading, and the school will have to
come up with the resources to provide the reading
material for this flexible curriculum.
So say goodbye, for now, to that cool and creative
aspect of English class. This year’s AP Lang students
are missing out on an opportunity to make memories
that would have lasted them a lifetime.
I know I’ll never forget Jason Vawter dressing up
as a grandma to simulate a children’s story time for
Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Jane Nho wading into an ice-cold
lake on camera for The Awakening, or Josh Williams rewriting and performing a Nicki Minaj song for Trumpet
of Conscience.
Watching our classmates have fun with these
projects really brought the literature alive for the rest
of us.
“The independent reading projects were great
because even though it’s work, it’s fun,” AP Lang
teacher Barbara Buckley said. “It’s more light-hearted
but the students still learn and still have to think.”
I, for one, think this whole ordeal is just a little
bit ridiculous. It could be justified at a less privileged
school where kids paying for their own books could
actually be an issue.
But at Monte Vista, where it’s the norm for a
17-year-old to own the latest iPhone and a brand-new
sports car, I just don’t see why it’s a big deal to ask
students to spent $15 per semester on a book.
“What we did was if any kid said to me, ‘I can’t do
that,’ I would say, ‘Okay, let me help get you a book,’”
Mrs. Buckley said.
No student was ever forced to purchase books if
there was a real financial problem.
On the bright side, Mrs. Buckley hopes to order
enough copies of books through the school budget
to be able to continue independent reading projects
in the future.
Still, for this year’s students who are affected by
the change, it’s unfortunate that the school has to
save itself from being sued by obeying the letter of
the law.
Northgate hosts robotics competition,
fund raise for future endeavors
By Austin Holian
In November, Northgate High School hosted
a full-day robotics competition among 27 teams
from all across Northern California, with one team
even coming from as far as San Luis Obispo. The
winner of this particular competition was Green
MacHHHHine from Mountain View.
The competition consisted of matches in which
each team directed their robots to move balls and
stack objects. Each robot was racing against the
clock.
A projector displayed the scoreboard and
time, while the teams ran around the ring talking
strategy and tactics. All of this, added to the noise
of the color commentator, made for a very noisy
and exciting competition.
Although Northgate’s robotics team did not win
the championship title, winning was not necessarily
the focus of the competition.
“Because we hosted the whole competition, we
raised a lot of money for the team, even though we
lost miserably,” junior Chris Katrak said.
Northgate’s team, led by senior Apurva Pradhan, was created five years ago. Although it is mostly
student run, it, like all clubs must have a mentor.
At Northgate it’s teacher Guy Moore.
“I’m here to handle the business stuff and to
keep them [the team] in line sometimes, but they
do all of the work themselves,” said Moore.
The team, which meets after school on Thursdays, spends its time programming and building
robots, which are controlled with radio transmitters. The design and functionality of the robots are
important and could be the difference between a
win or loss.
The team attends six to seven competitions
each year since, and it’s qualified for the VEX World
Championship every year since the team’s inception
in 2006 -- and it doesn’t plan on ending the streak
this year. VEX World Championship is sponsored by
a worldwide organization that engages students in
a highly intellectual and motivated environment to
develop skills through intense collaboration.
Not only does the team operate during the
school year, but it also has many summer meetings
to think of ideas and create prototypes.
The team consists of programmers, who write
the necessary codes for the robot; designers, who
create multiple prototype designs; engineers, who
construct the team’s robot, and finally scouts, who
find the strengths and weaknesses of other robots
during competitions to help the team in future
competitions.
There are no prerequisites for joining Northgate’s team. Although the team did not win in
November, the club raised money for future competitions and is looking forward to competing more.
CC Spin
NBA owners, players
alientated fans
By Eric Wang
Hercules High School
L
ast-second buzzer-beaters. Highlight reel dunks. Fourthquarter comebacks. As much as fans love to watch these,
we’ve been denied because of the National Basketball
Association lockout.
The lockout resulted from the inability of players and owners to agree on how to split their revenue. This ridiculous and
petty dispute should have been resolved long before Nov. 25
- 24 days after the season was supposed to begin.
The Basketball Related Income (BRI) is generated from
a variety of sources such as parking fees, concessions and
broadcasting rights. Prior to the lockout, players held 57 percent of the income. Owners claimed to need a 53/47 split, but
players initially refused to accept anything below 52/48 their
favor.
On the 135th day of the lockout, Nov.
VIEWPOINT 12, it appeared that a breakthrough was
made when the players announced that they
wanted to play and would settle for a 50/50 split. But when
owners put a 50/50 deal on the table, the players rejected the
deal due to minor details. On Nov. 25, the two sides agreed
that players would receive 51.2 percent.
Because of the lockout, neither party was making money.
With the NBA season set to begin Christmas day, a quarter of
the 2011-12 season was lost, and thus about a quarter of the
revenue was lost.
By bickering like children, the players and owners alike
have alienated the people who pay to watch games and help
generate income. Players argued that the owners’ deal was unfair, but how could they have made that argument when NBA
basketball players earn an average of $4.79 million per year,
according to www.sportingintelligence.com?
Instead of whining and complaining, the players should
have swallowed their pride and made a compromise a long
time ago, before the situation got worse and the season appeared to be canceled altogether. That NBA players could have
felt they were being underpaid was simply absurd.
Now that the lockout is over, I can finally enjoy the NBA:
“Where Amazing Happens.”
Still, I should have been enjoying this a long time ago.
Sleep sacrificed for school
By Haley Short
Having a seven-hour school day is hard enough, but for Monte Vista
High sophomore Claire Huskins, participating in numerous after-school
activities makes for a very strained educational schedule.
Huskins is a member of nine clubs and also takes A.P. European History.
She is a member of the American Cancer Society, California Scholarship
Federation, Choir Council, DECA, French Honor Society, Interact, Italian
Club, Jewish Student Union, and the National Honor Society.
“They were things that I believed in, a lot of things I like to do, like service projects, and lots of them were service-project oriented,” said Huskins.
With such a busy schedule, how would anyone be able to maintain a
social life? Huskins says she always just makes sure that everything is done
and ready before she goes out with her friends.
Having so many different activities can take away some time that most
people give to studying, but Huskins makes sure to have everything done,
even if it take away from prime sleeping time.
“I just don’t sleep. I sleep, like five hours a day,” said Huskins. “You have
to make sure that you get everything done.”
Huskins says the school of her choice in the future would be Georgetown
University in Washington, D.C. With all of the clubs and activities Huskins
partipates in, her schedule is filled with great things to put on her college
applications.
Affirmative action quandry
From AFFIRMATIVE ACTION Page 5
equal.”
Some argue that affirmative action is unfair
to those who are non-minorities. If the bill passes
in the future, California college admissions officers may admit minority students solely on the
basis of increasing diversity on a school’s campus. Positions may be denied to equally qualified,
if not more qualified, non-minority applicants
because of this system.
“It’s hard enough for Asians to go to UCs
right now,” said junior Sophia Takashima. “I don’t
want a bill that will make it harder for one race to
get into college. Especially because you can’t do
anything about your race.”
While the bill would make it easier for junior
Om Narayan to attend California universities, he
maintains that it is unjust.
“I am Indian and I don’t think this bill is
very fair at all,” said Narayan. “It seems like racial
profiling, and . . . it is not fair to others who may
deserve [to get into a college] more than me.”
Feelings of unfairness sparked the affirmative action bake sale at UC Berkeley. Creators feel
betrayed by the rules of SB 185.
“Affirmative action looks at people’s race
and the color of their skin and treats them preferentially or differentially” said Lewis. “Our bake
sale pricing structure was meant to highlight that
exact point.”
Currently, many private universities outside
of California are allowed to use race as one of the
determining factors in deciding student acceptance.
“In higher education, the Supreme Court
uses the word ‘diversity’ in admissions and found
that there was a state interest in promoting
diversity,” said Wilcher. “The Court also found
that admissions officers should take a ‘holistic’
approach and look at the entire person. They
should not use quotas, or set aside places according to race, but they can consider race among
other factors.”
UC regents, who govern all UC schools,
weigh the positives and negatives of the bill.
“We are neutral about the bill,” said UC media
officer Steve Montiel.
“We are supportive of the bill’s goal to
achieve a more diverse student body. We were
not urging the governor to veto or sign the bill.
The reason that the governor vetoed it is because
he likely felt that the bill is something that should
be worked out with the courts to prevent conflict
with Proposition 209.”
Regardless of mixed feelings about the bill,
because SB 185 was vetoed, it is unlikely that the
bill will be considered in California legislature in
the near future. But not unlike many other modern day controversies, the affirmative action issue
has no simple solution.
Athletics
CC Spin
New test 'imPACTs'
Acalanes athletes
By Stephen Wemple
Although Athletic Trainer Chris
Clark’s room is always full of kids getting various muscles worked on and
extremities taped, every Acalanes
athlete will now be making an extra
visit annually regardless of whether
an injury is an issue.
At the start of each season, athletes will now be required to take the
Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and CognitiveTesting (imPACT
test,whichisacomputerizedtestthat
provides a neurological baseline for
individual athletes. The test is then
used if an athlete receives a blow to
the head to measure the severity and
time required for recovery.
“After any significant immediate medical issues are resolved, the
imPACT test is used to re-test the
athleteandcomparewherehisorher
brain is to his or her original baseline,”
said Clark.
“Anydeviationfromthebaseline
is an indicator that the athlete’s brain
isn’t completely healed yet.This takes
the guesswork out of the process.
We can test and see that the physical
symptomsaregone,butthiswilltruly
give a depiction of how the brain is
healing with a neuro-cognitive assessment.”
Athletes will complete a series of
what appear to be simple brain teasersormatchinggamesfor20minutes,
while the test measures the baseline
fortheirbrains’reactiontimeuptoone
one-hundredthofasecond,problemsolving ability, and sustained and
selected attention span.
“The test was pretty long and
tiring. It got pretty confusing at times
and I felt like, even without a concussion,Iwasn’tdoingverywellonit,”said
senior football player Danny Thoren.
Before the installment of the
imPACTtest,Clarkcouldonlyperform
simple physical tests such as balance
tests,visiontests,andmemoryteststo
trackhowwellanathletewashealing.
While effective and still necessary, these primitive tests don’t catch
details that the imPACT test can.
Thetestwillprovideanotherreliableprognosis,inadditiontothoseof
doctorsandClark,onwhenanathlete
isreallybacktohisorherbaselineand
safe to return to play after an injury.
“The imPACT test is just another
tool in the tool box,”said Clark.
“This isn’t the end all be all for
testing; it’s just another assessment
toolthatwecanusetohelpanathlete,
and his or her parent, and the professionals helping them, make a more
informed decision about his or her
return to play and possibilities.”
Thetestwasacquiredattheend
of last spring and was implemented
at the start of this year’s fall seasons.
Both Clark and Athletic Director
Randy Takahashi are pleased with its
success so far.
“It has worked as well as we were
hoping it would,” said Takahashi.
“Coaches and players of fall sports
have taken to the test well and, u
fortunately, Clark has already had the
chance to use it with a few athletes.”
Clark added,“Therehavealready
been athletes that have directly benefitted from having taken a baseline,
then comparing a second test to
theirbaselinetoshowthemthatthey
really are impaired. It has given me
moretangibleprooftoshowathletes
howwellthey’rehealing.Itmakesour
evaluations much more objective
than subjective.”
TheotherschoolsintheAcalanes
Union School District have also acquired the imPACT tests and have
put them into use as well.
“Introducing imPACT has gone
wellforus.Everyoneunderstandsthe
importanceofestablishingabaseline.
We have made sure our athletes’
questions are answered prior to their
participation in the testing.
"We emphasize to our athletes
that they need to focus on the test,
and they have responded favorably,”
said Las Lomas trainer Ron Abrew.
“Mygoalthisyearistoimplement
the imPACT test into all of our athletic
programs. I feel this is a great tool for
us and for keeping our athletes safe.”
Senior football player Charlie
Ennis was one of the athletes to use
the imPACT test after a blow to the
head. Ennis understood the test was
ultimately benefitting him, but was
slightly annoyed when the test kept
himoutlongerthenhefeltnecessary.
“For the first week I knew I was
out for sure,”said Ennis.
“But starting the next Monday
and Tuesday, I felt fine, it’s just that I
wasn’t cleared by the imPACT test, so
I felt like I was robbed from two days’
worth of practice.”
Although they are happy with
its progress, Clark recognizes that the
introduction did not go as smoothly
as possible and hopes the winter
season will go better.
“We started with football and
trickled out to other fall programs,
but we missed a few sports because
of timing and logistics. I’d rather that
not happen but we are still just figuring it out right now.
"I think we will be acting more
seamlessly in future seasons,” Clark
said.
Although the future of the imPACTtestisuncertain,thegoalisclear:
“We just want to keep our
athletes as safe as possible and
prevent them from sustaining longterm permanent brain damage,”said
Clark. “That’s the ultimate need and
purpose of the imPACT test.”
ALL AMERICAN San Ramon High School quarterback Zach Kline and Under Armour representative Mike
Sullivan hold Kline's No. 12 jersey for the high school All America game scheduled for Jan. 15.
Photo by Brynne Ichiuji
By Brynne Ichiuji
San Ramon Valley High
Zach Kline, the star quarterback of San Ramon Valley High School’s football team, is about to get national
attention.
After leading the Wolves in an outstanding fall
season, which ended with a 10-4 record, Kline will play
in Under Armour’s All-America game Jan. 5 at Tropicana
Field in St.Petersburg, Fla.
The All-America game features 90 of the best football
players in the country and will be televised on ESPN.
“To be an All-American,” Kline said, “you have to
go to various camps where you’re guaranteed to be
noticed. I went to Stanford’s ESPN Nike Training Camp,
Stanford Elite 11, ESPN The Opening, and the Malibu
National Elite 11.” From there, Under Armour selected
their All-Americans.
On Oct. 5, about 1,000 students, staff members,
friends and Kline family came to San Ramon High’s
gymnasium to honor Kline. Mike Sullivan, representing
Under Armour, was there to present Kline with a jersey.
The size of the crowd was a surprise to him. As Kline
walked into the gym, the stands went crazy. It was evi-
The rivalry between Monte
Vista Mustangs and the San Ramon
Wolves, which started in 1969, has
had some memorable moments.
From former showdowns between
Monte Vista quarterback Kyle Wright
and San Ramon quarterback Sam
Keller, to the games in the 1970s, it
has always been fierce.
Both schools have produced
many collegiate and NFL players.
This year’s game pitted two of
the best high school quarterbacks
in the country against each other.
San Ramon’s biggest weapon,
quarterback Zach Kline, is a highly
touted recruit heading to UC Berkeley this fall. San Ramon also has
strong offensive weapons in running
back Jordan Weiss and receiver Michael Tagliaferri.
The Dec. 2 game started off with
San Ramon taking a 7-3 lead after the
first quarter. The defenses were playing strong and keeping the opposing
quarterbacks in check.
At half, the Wolves were up
14-10, letting everyone know it was
going to be a dogfight. After the third
quarter, San Ramon was up 24-18.
San Ramon scored making the
game 30-18, and looked in control.
The Mustangs responded with
a touchdown drive of their own,
capped off by a 3-yard touchdown
run by running back Zack Chang.
Monte Vista held the Wolves on
defense, and sparked another touchdown drive finished by a one yard run
by Jeff Lockie with four minutes left.
The Wolves came back with a
half-minute drive to take a 2-point
lead with a little over one minute left.
While the San Ramon crowd
cheered, thinking that they had
the game in the bag, the Mustangs
engineered a great drive.
They marched all the way up
the field to the inside of the 10-yard
dent that his teammates and coaches, sporting Kline’s
No. 5 on their shirts, were proud.
At the panel in the middle of the gym, his parents
and sister sat next to him. San Ramon Coaches Mark
Kessler and Aaron Becker sat on the opposite side, and
Sullivan stood in the middle addressing the assembly.
Sullivan said it was extraordinary to become an AllAmerica athlete. Kline and Sullivan stood up and shook
hands, and both held up Kline’s All-America jersey for
the cameras. Kline put on his jersey and matching hat
and thanked the Under Armour rep, his team, coaches,
teachers, and classmates.
Kline will graduate early at the end of the first
semester and enroll early at UC Berkeley on Jan. 20,
majoring in communications.
“Graduating early is pretty normal for a quarterback
like me,” he said. “I feel prepared.”
At the end of the first semester, most high school
seniors are still just getting used to senior year let alone
preparing for college.
“I owe a thank you to the football staff at San Ramon
for shaping me into the player I am today,” Kline said.
“Also, a thank you to Roger Theder, my quarterback
coach, and Dave Spitz, my weightlifting coach.”
Hercules earns first CIF sectional spot
By Eric Want
With a 7-4 record this school
year, the Hercules High School varsity
football team qualified for the North
Coast Sectional Division III playoffs
for the first time.
The outcome was disappointing,
but even so the season was Hercules’
most successful ever, as the Titans
outscored opponents 329-154.
In the playoffs, the Titans faced
Campolindo High School, which
went 11-0, in Moraga Nov. 18. The
Titans trailed the entire game, despite scoring 21 unanswered points
in the 3rd quarter. The Titans failed to
score in the fourth quarter; eventually losing 58-21.
The Titans offense, averaging
338.7 yards of overall offense per
game and 32.9 points per game,
struggled against the Campolindo
defense, which gave up only 13.4
points per game and forced an average of 2.8 turnovers per game. “This year’s team is more disci-
Thrilling end to 42nd edition of the I-680 competition
Monte Vista High
January 2012
QB Kline named to All America
high school football team
Monte Vista, San Ramon Valley rivalry endures
By Jack Ritterbush
9
line. It was there with 9 seconds left
kicker Makay Redd scored a 27 yard
field goal and gave the Mustangs a
1- point lead.
Following the kick the Wolves
tried a desperation play, but were
held short, giving the Mustangs a
1-point victory.
“I was confident in my holder
and snapper, and that I was going
to make [the kick],” Redd said. “It felt
amazing hearing the crowd roar, and
knowing we had won.”
The rivalry between
the Monte Vista
Mustangs and the
San Ramon Wolves,
which started in
1969, has had many
memorable
moments.
plined, organized, listens better ...
There’s a lot of focus,”Hercules senior
and team captain Javen Bradshaw
said.“This year has been a big change
and we work together better (than
previous teams).”
Led on offense by running back
and senior Nico Murillo, who rushed
for 926 yards, and quarterback and
junior Daelan Robinson, who passed
for 1,011 yards and 13 touchdowns,
the Titans qualified for the playoffs
and set a school record for most wins
in a season.
“The goal for next year is to
make playoffs again and improve,”
Hercules head football coach Gerald
Montgomery said.
“I think more people are going to want to play and possibly
come to Hercules,” Athletic Director
Jason Strickland said. “Our eighthgraders who might have moved
to other schools like EC (El Cerrito
High School) and Pinole Valley are
considering coming here because
of the success.”
Hercules is among three other
teams, El Cerrito High, Berkeley High
and Pinole Valley High, that qualified
for playoffs from the Alameda Contra
Costa Athletic League.
“This school has never made
playoffs, so this is a new opening
for the future ... It’s a stepping block,”
Bradshaw said.
Personal Trainer
Repairing your
desk-job posture
These exercises counteract changes
in your posture and muscle tone that sitting at
a computer or other sedentary work causes.
“Waxing”
Sit straight, press elbows against
sides, turn hands outward with palms
facing down; push shoulders together
and make a waxing motion in the air
for 20 seconds; repeat four times
Wall angels
Press lower back, elbows, forearms
and wrists against wall; lift and lower
arms slowly in a small arc; keep
elbows touching wall; repeat 10 times
Abdomen isometrics
Source:
University of
California-Los
Angeles Office
of Environment,
Health and
Safety
Breathe normally; sit
with back supported;
tighten stomach as
strongly as possible;
push with fingers and
tighten abdominal
muscles to resist them;
hold 15 seconds;
repeat five times
Standing up from sit
Sit forward in chair with knees a little
ahead of feet; stand up slowly keeping
neck and back erect; donÕt bend forward;
sit down immediately, but donÕt put full
weight on chair; do three sets of 10
repetitions each
© 2011 MCT
Graphic: Paul Trap
TEST RULES
e contest is open to all high school newspaper staffs
ated in Contra Costa and Eastern Alameda counties.
blication period for all entries should be SEPTEMBER
30, 2011.
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torial staff of the Contra Costa Times.
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judges areeach
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to 3 categories.
HIGH SCHOOL
will be accepted. Any corrections or clarifications
printed as a result of the entry must be included as
supplementary materials with the submission.
OBJECTIVE
NEWSPAPER
the young people who staff high school newspapers
and to offer recognition to the outstanding staffers
and their products.
AWARDS
5. Categories will be judged by selected members of the
editorial staff of the Contra Costa Times.
6. Decisions
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7. If any category receives fewer than two entries, that
category may be eliminated.
D E A N S. L E S H E R
8. All entries become the property of the
Contra Costa Times.
HIGH SCHOOL
9. Deadline for entries is MAY 2, 2011.
NEWSPAPER
10. One entry form MUST accompany EACH entry.
Staple to the upper right hand corner of the entry.
AWARDS
11. Awards will be presented May 18.
12. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY
CONTRA COSTA TIMES OFFICE BY MAY 3.
Please mail or deliver to:
Deborah Nordstrom
Contra Costa Times
as indicated in category description. No photocopies
2640 Shadelands Drive
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Contra Costa Times
2640 Shadelands
6. Drive
Decisions of the judges are final.
or further information category may be eliminated.
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Part of Bay at
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CONTEST RULES
1. The contest is open to all high school newspaper staffs
2. Publication period for all entries should be SEPTEMBER
1, 2010 through APRIL 30, 2011.
3. There is no limit to the number of categories entered
by school. However, each individual writer is limited
to 3 categories.
4. Complete pages (tearsheets) or issues must be submitted
T R editorial
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6. Decisions of the judges AareNfinal.
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7.
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If any category receives fewer
2011
Contra Costa Times.
SPONSORED BY
Part of Bay Area News Group
D E A N S. L E SPlease
H EmailRor deliver to:
ANNUAL AWARDS
COMPETITION
2011
HIGH SCHOOL
Deborah Nordstrom
Contra Costa Times
NEWSPAPER
AWARDS
For further information
SPONSORED BY
ANNUAL AWARDS
COMPETITION
2011
Contra Costa Times.
SPONSORED BY
Deborah Nordstrom
Contra Costa Times
OBJECTIVE
theAyoung
who staff high school newspapers
ANNUAL AW
R D people
S
and to offer recognition to the outstanding staffers
C O M P E T Iand
T Itheir
O N products.
CAL
2011
CONTEST RULES
SPONSORED
BY
1. The
contest is open to all high school newspaper staffs
2. Publication period for all entries should be SEPTEMBER
1, 2010 through APRIL 30, 2011.
3. There is no limit to the number of categories entered
by school. However, each individual writer is limited
to 3 categories.
4. Complete pages (tearsheets) or issues must be submitted
6. Decisions of the judges are final.
Contra Costa Times.
Deborah Nordstrom
Contra Costa Times
DEA
HIG
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AW
Features
CC Spin
11
January 2012
Students advance through AVID program
AVID's goal is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and career success
By Lexis Byom
P
apers shoved into a backpack, hours
spent studying the wrong thing, or poor
note-taking skills might be a description
for you that is all too familiar.
Countless high school students struggle
with the same thing, which is why a new and
innovative program was started at Monte Vista
last year. AVID stands for Advancement Via
Individual Determination.
This program was given its name because
the key to its success is that students must be
committed to achieving their personal best.
It’s a class that can be taken all four years of
high school.
One misconception of AVID is that it’s a
remedial course. You actually need to apply
for the class, and have adequate grades to be
considered.
English teacher Nicole Main is the teacher
of this new and unique class.
“In order to be invited to apply for AVID,
you need to have strong grades and test
scores, and supportive teacher and counselor
recommendations,” Main said. “It’s basically
just a class for students that do well in school
already, but want to do even better and get
some extra support.”
AVID is based on goals that teachers and
staff have in mind for their students. The basic
goals include that students are competitively
eligible to be accepted into a four-year college
or university, and that they will be prepared to
succeed once they get there.
“We prepare students by focusing on
organizational and test taking skills, time
management, note taking, and critical thinking
skills.” Main said.
The AVID class also takes part in philosophical chairs, critical reading, and writing
activities. A few times a week, students in
AVID will come up with questions from their
academic classes on a tutorial request form,
TRF for short.
“ The students are grouped with a few
other students and one AVID tutor,” Main said.
The students are then able to present their
questions to their groups, and get help from
the tutor and other students to reach their
answer. The students and tutor work in what
is called a “Socratic Method,” where the tutor
and other students ask the presenter questions
to help them reach their answer.
“The group members and tutor will typically ask questions like, “Do you have notes on
this topic?”“Have you solved a similar problem
before?”or,“Can you organize your information
in a different way?” said Main.
Sophomore Sarah Wissinger, who is taking
AVID again this year, saidAVID mainly helped
her with organization, but she has also learned
new skills.
“I really like how AVID forces me to stay
organized. I have to take notes, but it’s really
helped me figure out what I don’t understand,”
said Wissinger. “Mrs. Main is a great teacher
too, which makes the class more fun.” She is
planning on continuing with AVID throughout
high school.
Sophomore Irie Sargent, who is also taking
AVID for the second year, felt that once she was
able to get more organized and learn some
new studying tips, those efforts were reflected
in her grades.
“Since taking AVID, I have learned how
to take better notes in my classes and my
grades have improved,” Sargent said. “I would
recommend this class because it helps with
grades and it looks good on college applications, which is always a plus.”
Campus supervisors see it all Arts, creativity missing
By Ivar Laanen
E
verywhere you go, you see them patrolling the campus through dimly lit hallways,
the locker area, the windowless rooms and
the solar paneled-filled parking lot. But who are
these ladies who seem to be everywhere?
They are the seemingly omnipresent campus
supervisors.
In this school, students can usually turn around
and find themselves in the zone of a supervisor, but
really there are only four of them: Patrice Christiansen,
April Croce, Lisa Zaffino and the veteran Shannon
Bottorff. She has been a part of this school for more
than a decade and is known by the entire Northgate
community.
“I’ve been here 14 years. I think I have seen it all,”
Shannon said one afternoon while walking in the art
wing. “But I always find myself in new situations.”
Every school day is a routine for the supervisors –
who are known and mostly affectionately referred to
by first name.
Although they seem to all be everywhere at once,
they actually work staggered shifts with some arriving
as early as 6:45 a.m. and all staying late through the
end of school.
Like the teachers, the supervisors prep for the
day. Shannon observantly walks the perimeter of
the school to look for any vandalism or graffiti. If any
is found, she radios the vice principal to report the
damage.
For the majority of students, the school day starts
with the first bell at 7:50 a.m. At this time, the supervisors walk around to direct students and to help keep
the hallway traffic moving.
At brunch and lunch, the supervisors play a zone
defense – except this is no game. They stay in specific
parts of the school so it’s hard to get out of their sight
At lunch, one supervisor, guards the entrance of the
parking lot so students cannot escape. During class
periods, they help out the administrators and other
students – for example, by taking them out of class
when they are sick -- or they may be investigating a
situation on campus.
“We need a supervisor to the office immediately
to escort a student back to class,” called Vice Principal Jon Campopiano’s voice over the radio one day
recently.
“Be there right away,” April Croce responded, and
hurried to the office.
Even though it might sound as if the school is a
prison and the students are trying to escape, it really
is not that way. An important task, they say, is to
maintain student safety on campus, whether it is in
crowded hallways or when students attempt to leave
campus without permission.
But supervisors also get to know students, many
students, and hundreds on a first-name basis. Those
who get to know them will say that they are kind and
care. Supervisors have perhaps the closest connections to students.
“I am not here for the money, I never have been.
I am here because I love students, and I want to
save education,” Shannon said near the atrium one
afternoon.
Patrice Christensen agreed. She has been at
Northgate for eight years, and worked at Foothill
Middle School and Clayton Valley five years before
that. A mother of six, five of her children graduated
from Clayton Valley and the sixth from Northgate.
“I started working so I could be in my kids’ environment. I wanted to help my kids, and help other
kids,” said Patrice, whose children are all adults now.
“That’s the best part, relationships with the kids,”
she added.
Who can forget Frank Rhodes, whom some
students call a legend? Students had to say goodbye
to Frank last year as he retired from the job he held
for 13 years – which was actually his retirement job
from a career with Procter & Gamble. He built quite a
reputation of being a big- hearted fellow – and one
who could get students to clean up their lunch areas.
“He is a good man,” sophomore Jake Smith said,
adding that Frank used to stop by where his football
team ate lunch. “He was the man who got the JV
football team to pick up their trash.”
Many students were sad to see him leave but
were happy to find him in the hallways occasionally
this year as a substitute for supervisors who are out
for the day.
“My personal reward from the job is talking to
the kids, helping the kids, making laughs, making
memories,” said Frank, smiling as filled in recently,
standing next to fellow supervisor Lisa Zaffino.
When the last bell rings, the day is nearly over for
the supervisors – but maybe not. Even if students are
not attending classes, the supervisors may be working the ticket stand at the football game, helping at a
dance or going to staff meetings.
“They talk to the kids, they connect with them,”
Campopiano said standing by the principal’s office.
“We could not survive without the supervisors -- they
are the essential key to Northgate.”
Shannon and the rest of the gang have seen
every trick and lie in the book when it comes to kids
sneaking out of class. Just ask them.
“I am a T.A.,” Shannon said, mimicking the voice
of a teenager. “I can’t stand that.”
Remember not to try that one.
AppleÕs new iPhone 4S, which features a better camera, a faster
processor and a new voice based assistant, will go on sale Oct. 14.
A better listener
Siri is a voice
based assistant
• Can send messages,
schedule meetings,
place calls
Take a picture
• 8-megapixel camera
• Autofocus
• LED flash
• Video recording,
30 frames per second
with audio
More capacity, same size
$199
$299
$399
4.5 x 2.31 x 0.37 in.
(11.5 x 5.9 x 0.93 cm)
4.9 oz. (140 g)
iPod upgrades
iPhone sales
20
15
10
iTouch
• New iOS5
operating system
• Starting at $199
• Redesigned Nano
user interface
• Starting at
$129
To date, the iPhone 4 is
the best-selling iPhone
iPhone 4
introduced
Sales, in millions
5
0
Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3
2007
2008
2009
By Edison Lei
D
o students absolutely love school? Of course not. But why
not? Why is school something that most students dread?
Why is it that something so imperative to our future is
often times seen as a hassle?
I really have no idea.
What I mean to write about is the universal problem with
education, not only here but globally. Practically every education
system around the world has the same basic setup, and mathematics and literacy are always on top.
The arts are always neglected and regarded as the lowest priority. When funds need to be cut, the creative departments are always the first to go. One of the most important things in our modern education system should be creativity.
I am not saying mathematics and literature
Picasso once said are not important, but they should be held
that “We are all at the same level with the arts.
Picasso once said that “We are all born
born artists.” I
artists.” I believe this. We are all naturally
believe this. We creative, innovative and original. That is
are all naturally what has allowed humans to rise above
creative, innova- other species of animals. Now, education
tive and original. steers us away from that innate creativity.
Our system is based on a faulty idea of
That is what has intelligence and academic achievement,
allowed humans which says that one’s intelligence is solely
based on one’s ability to do math and unto rise above
other species of derstand literature.
Our high school system focuses only
animals.
on getting students into a university. This
system results in many brilliant, creative,
amazing people who think that they are not -- just because what
they are passionate about was not valued in school.
I do not mean to say that analyzing literature, writing a newspaper article or figuring out how to solve a math problem does not
involve creativity. However, by that notion, one could say there is
creativity in absolutely everything, and this view harmfully trivializes the fact that there can be varying amounts of creativity.
Human progress and development is not a simple or static
process-- it is dynamic and ever-changing. Our education system
needs to reflect that because its fundamental purpose is to prepare the next generation for the future. Our communities depend
on different views and talents.
We are in desperate need of a system that does not stigmatize
creative growth, but instead promotes and nurtures the greatest
human gift of all: imagination.
Students 'fuzzy' about cops on campus
Apple upgrades
16 GB
32 GB
64 GB
from school curriculum
2010
2011
NOTE: Apple’s fiscal year ends in September Source: Apple Graphic: Melina Yingling © 2011 MCT
One group of guardians is on a constant mission
to maintain safety at Acalanes. This group patrols the
halls, assists the administration, and keeps a keen eye
on students. These watchmen are not teachers or parents, but members of the Lafayette Police Department.
Though students may well not notice them, local
police are on the Acalanes campus several times every
week to ensure safety and good student behavior.
“I come on campus about two to three times a
week, [whether] the administration calls me or not,”
said Lafayette police officer Berch Parker.
Parker is in charge of juvenile crimes in the Lafayette and Acalanes school districts. He regularly checks
in at schools ranging from elementary to high school.
Often, police spotted on campus are checking
on a student or assisting the administration in a difficult situation.
For example, if a student on campus had a weapon,
the police would immediately be called. For less serious
problems, the administration can decide whether or
not to call the police for reinforcement.
“Educational Code, the law that governs the
schools, mandates us to call the police at certain times,”
said Principal Aida Glimme. “Alcohol we don’t have to
report, but for substances like marijuana and other
drugs, or for a fight in which someone is injured, we
have to report it to the police.”
The legal requirement behind calling these crime
fighters to the Acalanes campus does not comfort all
students. Some feel that the presence of police on
campus is a sign that the administration does not
trust its students. They believe that student privacy
and personal space are being invaded.
“Having police on campus “feels like an invasion
of space,” said sophomore Annie Knox. “We are not in
jail. We’re at school, and we should be trusted.”
Most parents, however, support police presence
within the school, and are relieved that their children
are under the watchful eyes of policemen.
“I’m in support of having police on campus. It
turns out that schools are becoming more and more
dangerous, because there is more exposure to drugs
and weapons at school,”said Brad Curry, Acalanes parent of sophomore Amelia Curry.
Many agree with Curry that a police presence
on campus is necessary because of the irresponsible
nature of teenagers.
“You never know who could be doing something
illegal or dangerous, ,” said freshman Jillian Wickline.
10
CC Spin
December 2008
CENSORSHIP
The dirtiest word of them all.
Without The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
you wouldn’t have the freedom to listen to, look at, or say
what you choose. Censorship is a way of life for others
around the globe. Leaves you speechless,
doesn’t it?
One of the most important things in our modern education system
should be creativity. I am not saying mathematics and literature are
not important, but they should be held at the same level with the
arts.
The First Amendment – Keep It Strong!
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of RELIGION,
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof or abridging the freedom of SPEECH,
or of the PRESS; or the right of the people peaceably to ASSEMBLE,
and to PETITION the government for a redress of grievances.
This message made possible by the
Illinois Press Association Foundation and Copley First Amendment Center
www.illinoisfirstamendmentcenter.com

January 2012 - Contra Costa Journalism.net

Transcription

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