Baron Banner | Volume XXX, Issue IV

Fountain Valley High School

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Issue No. 4 | Volume XXX | March 2014

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Barons expand online learning with adoption of Canvas software

By Rachel Phillips Staff Writer

HBUHSD has adopted Canvas for schoolwide implementation next year, and many teachers have begun integrating the learning software into this semester’s curriculum.

see Infographic on pg. 4

Mr. Zick works with Bianca Singer (‘14), Tyler Kohanek (‘15), and Domenic DeSantis (‘15) on a scene during rehearsal.

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Theatre reanimates “Young Frankenstein”

By Claire Pritchard Staff Writer

FVHS Theatre has begun preparations for its spring musical.

“The movie itself is kind of R-rated, but we were really able to cut it down to be school-appropriate,” said Greenfield-Thong.

Julie Brashear (‘14), who is working on set design, has experienced the trials of working on a musical.

“There are so many scenes we have to do,” she stated. “There’s a lot to sketch out and figure out first and it’s a lot

FVHS Theatre will bring “Young Frankenstein” to the stage as a spring musical. The show will take place April 4-12 in the Globe Theatre, which was built for last year’s play, “Twelfth Night.”

Assistant stage manager Maya Greenfield-Thong (‘14) gave a quick summary of the musical. “[Frankenstein] reanimates a monster, even though he didn’t originally want to, and the monster wreaks havoc on the town.”

“Young Frankenstein” may seem like an average musical, but this year’s crew faces new challenges, one of them being that there is no movie-musical for reference.

“They have a movie out, but the only problem is it’s not a musical,” Greenfield-Thong said. “There are a couple of numbers so we’ve been listening to the music and reading through the script.”

In addition the musical was also cut during produc- Mr. Zick directs the actors of tion due to inappropriate content. “Young Frankenstein.”

of work to do every scene specifically.”

Greenfield-Thong added to the crew’s list of obstacles with the topic of time, or lack thereof.

“We have two months to do this show and we need three.”

Despite the obstacles the crew of “Young Frankenstein” must overcome, both cast and crew are excited to debut the production in April.

Starting next year, Fountain Valley High School will fully implement Canvas as the new educational technology used to post assignments, calculate grades, submit projects, and communicate between teachers and students. Many teachers have already begun the transition for their second semester classes by balancing the online class components between the new HBUHSD Canvas and the ParentStudent Portal.

The portal is the current digital platform FVHS uses to share assignments, class information, and grades with students. However, the system struggles to support our school with such a large demand, See Barons expand online learning, Page 2

Benjamin Din makes his mark on the community Senior Benjamin Din looks back at his achievements through community service and academics during his years at FVHS. Story and Photo By

Kristie Hoang Staff Writer

At first glance, Benjamin Din appears calm and soft-spoken, but his lengthy list of extracurriculars, achievements and awards suggests there is more to him that meets the eye.

Tue Duong | Baron Banner

See The spotlight shines on Din’s stellar volunteer work Page 7

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March 2014

NEWS

Barons expand online learning and with only one primary programmer, that the district has been looking for another solution.

Two years ago, HBUHSD purchased Google Apps for Education, creating a Gmail address for every student and hoping to encourage teachers to incorporate online tools into their lessons.

While parts of the movement were successful, FVHS didn’t feel the intended impact of the push. It faded away quickly, leaving students once again with the antiquated portal to access their classes online. Recently, however, the district has chosen to completely adopt Canvas Systems for all six high schools, after a few teachers demoed the Vincent O’Leary (‘15) explores Canvas in the program with their classes library with his classmates. over the past year, to pleasing results.

PIN (which can be found on any report

Canvas functions much like card). the portal in many ways, but it uses ad- In many ways, Canvas is also a ditional features that make the intermuch more interactive interface than face more user-friendly. First, students the Portal. Teachers can post assignare automatically filtered into their ments, announcements, grades, and Canvas classes when they are enrolled communicate with students in one in the class at school. All students place. Students can submit assignments have an account already created for directly on the site, and Canvas can them; all that’s required for sign-in is a notify students of due-dates not only student’s hbuhsd.edu email account or on the site itself, but also via text or a combination of their ID number and email. On the grading page, students

Continued from Page 1

system, especially one that many have been using for such a long time.

Ms. Hollingsworth, however, is optimistic about the implications of the shift to Canvas.

“I think I like canvas more,” she said. “I’m still getting used to it, but so far the features of it seems to be better than the portal.”

Students also seem to share this view. “Both sites are fine, but I personally prefer Canvas over the portal,” said Emily Tong (‘17).

“It seems so much easier to use.”

“I think the new [CanTue Duong | Baron Banner vas] is more effective,” agreed Thomas Price (‘15). “It has all of the can also input their expected grades or functions of the old portal and more.” calculate how performance on certain

Despite support for the online assignments would affect their overall shift, only time will tell whether FVHS grade without performing any calculacan fully integrate Canvas into classtions because the program computes room curricula. A successful transition the changes itself. seems possible as teachers begin to

While Canvas has its benefits, test out the new platform and students students and teachers are conflicted recognize the possibilities it offers. about the change. After the failed integration of Google Apps into the curriculum, many are skeptical that Canvas is an effective way to change the

FVHS campus beautified for WASC evaluation

By Crystal Hui Staff Writer

FVHS is undergoing some changes in preparation for the WASC visit in April.

As many students have noticed, the school has undergone some changes and construction.

The bungalows have recently been painted in school colors, and the area around the planter near 300-buildings is taped off.

Around finals week, the bungalows were painted blue and white. The bungalows were originally green and came from Edison,.

Repainting them in school colors properly trademarks them as FVHS property. In addition, the hallways of the 200s building have been painted a royal Baron blue.

The planter is still currently being dug up, but plans for it includes putting in cement and new trees. Before the planter was filled

with half-grown grass.

“We have tried to target areas that we feel that can be improved cosmetically: gum on sidewalks, paint the bungalows, and the planter between the 300-buildings,” said WASC coordinator Cory Nelson.

These cosmetic changes have all been made in preparation for the WASC evaluations of the school. WASC, also known as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, accredits all high schools and colleges in California.

“Accreditation is basically a seal of approval that goes on everyone’s diploma, said Nelson.

WASC consists of teachers and students who meet on a schedule to review school programs together. Evaluations for accreditation begin April 7 and will continue through the week.

An accreditation seal is very significant in the way a high school or college diploma is viewed by universities and possible

Students take notice of the newly painted bungalows.

employers.

Having a seal “basically means that Fountain Valley High School is teaching what it should be teaching in the way that it

Ashley Le | Baron Banner

should be teaching it,” said Nelson. “It’s an important thing that everyone needs on their diploma.”

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March 2014

NEWS

Former FVHS student found dead in snowboarding accident Loved ones share their thoughts on Wyatt James Colvard, who recently passed away due to a snowboarding accident.

By Katrya Ly &

Jennifer Chu Staff Writers

Former FVHS student Wyatt James Colvard passed away in a snowboarding accident at Lake Tahoe, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Colvard was found unconscious in the snow Feb. 4. He had difficulty breathing and soon passed away due to his injuries at the scene.

An autopsy later revealed the cause of death as internal injuries due to blunt force trauma.

The day after he passed, family and friends gathered at Harper

editors

Editor-in-Chief Jacqueline Liu

Arts & Entertainment Catt Phan

News

Karen Trinh

Sports

Jessica Le

Designer-in-Chief Trang Le

Photo Managers Tue Duong Ashley Le

Photographers Alex Doan Kristie Hoang Andy Kim

Park for a candle lighting ceremony in Colvard’s honor. Christopher Murdock (‘14), one of Colvard’s many close friends, recalled the times when he would sit with Colvard at lunch.

“Wyatt was a beautifully insane kid,” said Murdock. “The moment you met him, you’d be friends immediately.”

Others remembered Colvard for his bright, infectious personality.

“He showed us all how to keep your head up,” said Daichi Lee (‘14). “ Even through the worst of times, he would be able to keep us laughing.”

All of Colvard’s friends agreed that he left an impact on anyone that he met.

“His drive to do what you need to get what you want will always live on and influence his family, friends and even me,” said Murdock.

Wyatt poses for the camera with his snowboard.

Courtesy of the Wyatt James Colvard Memorial Page

Staff

Designers

Jennifer Chu Alaidria Hendrix Crystal Hui Katrya Ly

Writers

Amina Ahmed Heather Carr Ryan Chu Jennifer Chu Alex Doan Brent Frederisy Alaidria Hendrix Sandy Hoang Kristie Hoang Zainab Khan Ally Lenguyen Katrya Ly Demetria Ma Claire Pritchard Rachel Phillips Nicole Tieu Dennis Tran

Adviser

Sean Ziebarth

Find us at: @BaronBanner

@BaronNews

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March 2014

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

young frankenstein Cast members' favorite lines

original broadway cast The Monster - Shuler Hensley Igor - Christopher Fitzgerald Inga - Sutton Foster Elizabeth Benning - Megan Mullally

Miranda Lennert as Inga

“I can fulfill all your needs, and if necessary, I’ll even bend over backwards for you.”

Rebecca Turner as Elizabeth Benning

“Why, I’m Elizabeth Benning! Dr. Fronkensteen’s adorable madcap fiancé!”

Frau Blucher - Andrea Martin Dr. Frederick Frankenstein - Roger Bart Dr. Victor von Frankenstein - Kevin Ligon Inspector Hans Kemp - Fred Applegate Harold the Hermit - Fred applegate

Jeremy Flores as Frederick

Nikki Tran as Igor

“Dr. Fronkensteen, that’s my name, it’s Fronkensteen.”

“What hump?”

facts about young frankenstein Young Frankenstein is a parody of the horror film genre.

It is based on the 1974 comedy film of the same name written by Brooks and Gene Wilder and directed by Brooks, who has described it as his best film.

won awards

It is a musical with a book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan and music and lyrics by Brooks.

The Broadway production closed on Jan. 4, 2009 after 30 previews and 484 performances.

The musical opened on Broadway on NOV. 8, 2007 to mixed reviews.

The original cut of the film was three times the length of the final cut.

Young Frankenstein won the Broadway. com Audience Award in 2008.

It won an Outer Critics Circle Award in 2008 for Best Musical.

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March 2014

SPORTS

Winter Sports

“This year we had a tough outcome to the season,” said Ashley Le | Baron Banner captain Isaac Garcia (‘14), “but I really am proud of the team and I was honored to play with them.”

Hannah Baldridge (‘16) attempts to make a pass in a game against El Rancho.

Courtesy of PSS Imaging

Varsity girls soccer advances to CIF after 25 years

By Selena Yaghoubi Guest Writer

Barons qualify for CIF after a quarter century, but lose to Corona del Mar.

After 25 years of being unable to enter CIF playoffs, girls soccer finally entered round one this season. In a tie for third place in Sunset League, the team had a very strong overall record of 13-5-5, which led them to a seat in the Division I first round playoffs with a wildcard.

In their first CIF game on Friday, varsity girls soccer came out knowing that they would be playing the Pacific Coast League champions, Corona del Mar High School.

Before the match, varsity coach Scott Goldman said to the team, “Everyone needs to come out aggressive and leave it all out on the field.You never know what will happen tomorrow.”

As soon as the whistle blew, both teams already knew their plan of attack and the ball went back and forth on the field. Strong offensive plays started from the midfielders and transitioned to the forwards. Forwards Kasey Reeve (‘15) and Jackie Garrett (‘15)

were key to the attack for the Barons.

At the 18-minute mark of the first half, an excellent run by Jessica Bracken (‘15) turned into a cross, and Reeve finished into the the net. This play allowed the Barons to lead Corona by 1-0. The Barons center midfielders, captain Valerie Holler (’15) and Leigha Williams (‘16) stopped anything that came through the middle, allowing multiple attack opportunities.

In the second half, outside midfielders, Vanessa Kemper (‘14) and Selena Yaghoubi (‘15) made runs down the sideline and crosses which weren’t able to turn into goals. Although the Barons defensive line held strong in the first half, with Sutton Edwards (’14) and Ryann Callaghan (’15), a breakdown in the middle of the half allowed the opposing team to score, tying the score, 1-1. The score remained a tie, which meant both teams would be forced into overtime.

In both ten-minute halves of overtime, goalkeeper Alison Marlow (’14) saved multiple shots and both teams could not find the back of the net.

The teams then transitioned to taking penalty kicks. The Barons were unable to finish two of five shots, while

Leigha Willliams (‘16) moves away from Newport Harbor. The final score, 2-1, secures girls soccer a place in CIF playoffs.

Corona del Mar finished all but one, making the penalty score 3-4.

Even though the girls were not able to get past round one of CIF playoffs, the Barons still were able to accomplish many things that had not been done in over a decade. The girls soccer program is already looking forward to more accomplishments starting next

Ashley Le | Baron Banner

season.

“This year was without a doubt the best year of high school soccer I have been a part of,” said Sutton Edwards (‘14). “Regardless of the outcome I am so honored to have been a part of history with the team…I could not have been more happy to be a part of it.”

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March 2014

SPORTS

Calvin Le (‘16) sinks it from three-point range during a match-up against Edison.

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Competing against Edison, Mikaila Pacis (‘16) rebounds the ball in the fourth quarter.

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Wrestling continues to dominate at Masters

By Alex Doan Staff Writer

Wrestling placed third overall at the CIF Individuals and six wrestlers will continue their post-season at the Masters Meet.

Wrestling continues to dominate in their post season as they attended CIF Individuals at Citrus High School Feb. 21 and 22.

FVHS wrestling had managed a staggering 11 wrestlers to compete at CIF Individuals out of the 14 available spots for each weight class after they placed top three in Sunset League.

On the first day of CIF, FVHS wrestled hard and nine out of the eleven wrestlers moved onto the second day, with six of these wrestlers moving into the semifinals.

On the second day, they fought hard and were able to have a total of six wrestlers place in the

top five for their individual weight classes.

They will move onto the Masters Meet.

The team had wished to gain another CIF championship under their belt but only unfortunately only placed third overall at CIF. Wrestlers who placed include Quentin Gomez (‘14) for sixth, Karson Ayres (‘17) for fifth, Ben Madrid (‘15) for fourth, Blake Vasquez (‘16) for second, and finally Andrew Isaiah Prado (‘16) leads FVHS to become the undefeated, threeMorgan (‘15), Stone Ashley Le | Baron Banner time Sunset League Champions after defeating Marina High Escobedo (‘15), and Bryant Vasquez (‘14) School, sending four Baron wrestlers to the State Meet. for first.

“The team stayed strong throughout the tour- having another CIF championship,” fortunately we came up short but we’re still keeping up our heads.” nament with not only their goal of said varsity wrestler Gomez. “Un-

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March 2014

NEWS Students demand grades to be posted on the Portal

By Kristie Hoang & Katrya Ly Staff Writers

Students voice their frustrations when teachers refrain from posting grades.

Students are often frustrated whenever their teachers refrain from posting grades on the Portal.

Recently, the Huntington Beach Union High School District bought Canvas for school-wide use to transition from the aging Portal to new technology.

So far, many teachers have been using Canvas instead of the Portal.

“Mr. Eggert, my AP Econ this semester, doesn’t use the portal but instead the new Canvas site,” said Nich Dinh (‘14) “Three out of my five teachers are using the new Canvas right now.”

Despite the change to Canvas, still many teachers are not constantly updating neither the

portal or Canvas about students’ grades.

“Ms. Ziller didn’t post, but gave us little papers with our grades on them,” said Alan Nguyen (‘17).

Nearing finals, students felt the most anxiety to classes which their teachers did not post grades in.

“I was super stressed about it,” said Linh Nguyen (‘16). “I feel like if I know what I need to get on my final, it helps me achieve that goal.”

Some teachers believe that not posting on the Portal benefits the student. For them, A student checks her grades on the Portal. learning should come before the grade. Thus, if the student concentrates on learn- class, instead of having assignments ing the material, the grade that and reminders posted on the Portal. they’ve desired would already be Teachers who did not post on the there. Others believe that students Portal were unavailable for comshould pay attention and listen in ment.

Kristie Hoang | Baron Banner

“I don’t necessarily believe that it should be a duty of [teachers] to put the grades up,” said Dinh.

“It is my grade, so I should be able to take the initiative.”

The spotlight shines on Din’s stellar volunteer work Continued from Page 1

Din spent his eighth and ninth grade years at Morrison Academy in Taiwan because of his father’s job. In the summer of 2011, he moved back to Fountain Valley and began his high school career as a sophomore.

“When I first came here [Fountain Valley High School], I was a bit nervous, because I was coming from a K-9 school with 300 people,” said Din. Like many other new students on campus, Din aimed to become involved to meet new people.

As a sophomore, Din started out by joining a variety clubs. Today he is the president of Habitat for Humanity, Leo, the vice president of Make-A-Wish, and the activities director of Red Cross.

“What can I say? I like to stay busy,” said Din.

His desire to stay active in the community and serve others was the driving force behind his choice of extracurriculars, as most of them are community service clubs.

Din manages to balance his time between school, clubs, and his personal life.

“I try to give 100% to my activities and my studies. Some-

times I come up short, but it’s always a learning experience, never a setback,” he said. “It can definitely get stressful, having to give my time to all the different activities I’m a part of.”

Over his years of experience, Din has learned to manage his hours wisely. Though the stress and the business has not lessened, his activities have become easier for him to handle with schoolwork and his personal life. But through all this, Din barely has enough time to get a long night’s worth of rest every day. “Let’s just say I’m a huge advocate of the power nap,” commented Din.

Besides being an extremely helpful member of society, Din is also has noteworthy achievements in academics. In early fall, Din qualified as a semi-finalist of the National Merit Scholarship competition. From there, Din was also accepted to two college fly-in programs: Explore Bowdoin and Diversity Open House at Amherst.

In acknowledgment of his never-ending lists of contributions to the school and to the community, Din was recognized as of December’s Senior of the Month.

“I was definitely surprised. I knew

I was involved, but I didn’t know if I could compare to kids in ASB who spend hours and hours contributing to the school,” said Din.

When he has free time, Din enjoys to write and read “Harry Potter.”

He is an avid foosball, ping pong, and tennis player. In addition, Din can be found chatting with friends on Facebook or watching television.

When Din looks back on his busy high school years, filled with hours committed to clubs, studying and socializing, he can only say one thing: “Sleep is for the weak - do it when you’re dead.”

Benjamin Din (‘14) helps out a fellow student with homework.

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March 2014

NEWS

Algebra 2/Trig class numbers drop rapidly

By Zainab Khan & Katrya Ly

Staff Writers

The new semester has caused failing Algebra 2/Trigonometry students to be dropped down to Algebra 2, causing new classes to open up.

The switch from first semester to second semester brought many schedule changes, especially for former Algebra 2/Trig students. With many students dropping and failing the class, new Algebra 2 classes have opened up.

“I dropped out of Algebra 2/Trig because it was too much to handle,” said Summer Khaleq (‘16). “I felt pressured due to the speed of the class.”

According to Guidance Specialist Monika Whitman, there has been an unprecedented increase in Algebra 2/Trig students dropping out this year. In more than one class, as many as nine students have dropped out. At the start of first semester, all classes were filled with the maximum number of students, but after the end of the first semester, the average number of students per class dropped from 37 to 31.

“[The students] have confidence in themselves when they come,” said Whitman. “They end up challenging themselves and parents think, ‘My child can do it.’”

Algebra 2/Trig is a rigorous course that requires time and effort.

Most students who dropped the class knew this ahead of time; however, peers were shocked to discover that other classmates had left the class as well.

“My teacher told me the day of the final that I would be dropped from the class,” said Mathew Powell (‘17). “But I had no idea so many people were going to leave the class.”

Those who dropped the course were moved down to Algebra 2, which caused for new classes to open up. Although disappointed they could not stay in Algebra 2/Trig, students agreed that they enjoyed Algebra 2 more, because the class was taught at a slower pace. Furthermore, students who dropped Algebra 2/Trig will still be able to take PreCalculus next year.

“The pace is much slower and there is a lighter homework load,” said Khaleq. “Now with just Algebra 2, I have more time to concentrate on other subjects that I should be

Zainab Khan | Baron Banner

Summer Khaleq (‘16) working hard on her math homework.

spending time and focusing on.”

Khaleq went on to say, “I’d only recommend Algebra 2/Trig for students who have a genuine fondness

for math...it’s not enough to get an A in Algebra or Geometry; you have to enjoy math thoroughly in order to receive a good grade.”

(From left to right) Seniors Alan Loi, Alan Nguyen, David Abraham, Steven Truong, Jun Koo, Ramsey Husain, Sean Taylor, Jeremy Flores, Scott Wilson, and Jordan Venters compete for the title of Mr. Baron.

Ten seniors to compete in Mr. Baron pageant

By Rachel Phillips Staff Writer

After a tough audition process, ten FVHS seniors will compete in the annual Mr. Baron pageant.

Ten Baron boys have been preparing enthusiastically for the

past few weeks to compete in FVHS’s annual male pageant, Mr. Baron, to be held in the gym on March 14.

To be candidates for the prestigious title, senior boys auditioned for a panel of teachers and students to be selected as frontrunners in the competition. After filling out an application, perform-

ing their talent, and answering a few questions, the panel selected the ten contestants from over twice as many applicants.

The contestants have been working to refine their talents, practice interviewing, and pick outfits that define their personality and passions.

Contestant Jun Koo said, “The hardest part of preparing for the competition is honestly thinking of ideas that not only entertain the audience, but also in which I can be myself.”

The show will be hosted by

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juniors Nick Nguyen (‘15) and Matthew Iida (‘15), who are excited to make their emcee debut at FVHS.

Nguyen says, “We’re excited for a great show; in particular, we know the swimsuit section will have some fun surprises, and we can’t wait to see each of the contestants show their talents.”

Mr. Baron contestants Alan Loi, Alan Nguyen, David Abraham, Steven Truong, Jun Koo, Ramsey Hussain, Sean Taylor, Jeremy Flores, Scott Wilson, and Jordan Venters will compete on Friday, March 14 at 7 p.m.