Bear Witness - August 2022

SPECIAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL ISSUE

BEAR

WITNESS BRANHAM HIGH SCHOOL

AUGUST 2022

@bhsbearwitness BHSBEARWITNESS.COM

HEART SCREENING "Something as easy as a heart screening could have saved his life."

Jennifer Sarmento, mother of Leigh alumnus Kyle Taylor

SALARY DISPUTE

District mandates heart screenings Rule is first in state

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hether you are a nervous incoming freshmen or an exhausted senior, the new school year is here. In this issue, we introduce you to Branham’s new teachers, essential back-to-school items, and to advice from administrators. Good luck to all starting the 2022-2023 school year!

Editorial Later start times may have unintended effects on students' sleep schedules Page 3

The Prez says ASB President Justine Dreux shares tips for freshmen o making the most of their first year.

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AVA STARK

Arts & Entertainment Editor

ANGELA CHOI

Science & Health Editor

LAUREN GERNALE

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Meet the teachers More than 20 new teachers join Branham. Here's what they're saying.

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Alli Wang, Lauren Gernale, Teryn Cheng and Finn Albano/Special to the Bear Witness

SCHOOL SAFETY

School to roll out anonymous reporting system ALLI WANG

News Editor

ARESEMA AGDIE Staff Writer

rincipal Lindsay Schubert will soon P roll out an online system for students to anonymously report online bullying, sex-

ual harassment and issues discrmination.

Executed as a Google form, Schubert’s system aims to be a potent platform to help students feel safe on campus, both physically and mentally, according to Schubert. It is expected to go online the third week of August.

Schubert said the idea to implement this form took root during the 2020 school year at Del Mar, where she served as assistant principal. After compiling feedback from students, she observed that

WELCOME BACK

students found it hard to report incidents in an online learning environment.

From there, she said she had hoped to make it easier for students to report concerns, even if it is hard for them to discuss with a trusted adult.

“It'd be great if everyone came directly to us and told us but we also want to provide a platform where students feel like, ‘I'm not quite ready yet, or I don't have a trusted adult yet, right?’” she said.

Schubert said that the form implementation may not be perfect for all incidents, however. There may be multiple cases in which the form may fall short, such as addressing special cases that might require police or child protective services, but not having the necessary information from the form to resolve an issue.

Another issue she hopes to address is in

August 10 School begins

Aug. 12 Welcome back rally

following up with online reports that do not provide enough information.

The form will be a stepping stone to a districtwide system later during the school year, where the CUHSD plans to collaborate with the Sandy Hook Promise’s “Say Something” anonymous reporting system, which also aims to make it easier for students to report bullying, harassment, seek help during a mental health crisis.

Schubert said that she hopes that the reporting form creates better “trust” between students and adults in the community by creating a more accessible reporting system “Adults on campus are going to do everything they can to keep students safe, but there are a lot more students,” Schubert said. “It's hard to shift that culture because there's really a culture of ‘no one wants to be a snitch.”

Aug. 12 Senior sunrise

Aug. 12 Week of Welcome Dance

Lindsay Schubert Principal Idea for form came from experience as Del Mar assistant principal.

Aug. 18 Open house

Staff Writer

ore than 90 student athletes lined up for heart screenings in the small gym Aug. 4 as part of the district’s new heart screening mandate, a first in the state.

The district, in partnership with the Kyle J. Taylor Foundation, is the first in California to mandate athletes’ screening for heart conditions. Heart disease is one of the top five leading causes of death among student athletes as said by the Centers for Disease Control.

The California Interscholastic Federation also stated that sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of medical death on school campuses, with one in 300 youth having an undetected genetic heart condition that puts them at risk.

The foundation was established by Jennifer Sarmento, mother of Kyle J. Taylor, a Leigh alumnus who passed Screenings Fall athletes away in 2018 at 18.

At the time, Sar- have until their mento didn’t know first matchup that sudden cardiac arrest was possible in to receive a youth. She hopes that screening, heart screenings can whether provide information through this that isn't available in district or with yearly physicals.

“Something as easy their physician. as a heart screening could have saved his life,” she said.

When the foundation reached out to the district school board about screenings, members were instantly sold on the idea. Board President Kalen Gallagher, who knew a few friends of Taylor’s, said hearing about his life and passing was “absolutely heartbreaking.”

“If you can prevent one tragedy, why not do it,” he said.

Though the heart screening is mandatory, many students were unsure why, as it was announced without much fanfare. Junior and field hockey player Lily Pratt described the screening as something to check off a box.

“I don't really understand what they're trying to get here,” she said.

Though the foundation said that the heart screenings could potentially protect a student from getting hurt, the Journal of the American Medical Association and other health groups have recommended against using electrocardiograms on low-risk patients, saying that the benefits for them are low and follow-up exams can be dangerous and unecessary.

Still, allies of the group has provided a way for those affected by Taylor’s death to help the cause in the community as well. Sheila Shariat, a family friend of the Taylor’s, frequently volunteers at the foundation’s events as a way to channel her emotions into action.

Shariat hopes that mandated heart screenings can spread to all school districts nationwide.

Aug. 31 Back-to-school night

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BEAR WITNESS

NEWS

| AUGUST 2022 |

BHSBEARWITNESS.COM

PHOTO ESSAY

SUMMER AT SCHOOL

Students have been on campus weeks before school began. Here are some summer moments

Five-minute handbook At more than 40 pages, Branham’s

Parent-Student Handbook can be unwieldy and daunting to read. To help, we’re going to make you experts on it in less than five minutes by summarizing main points in the handbook.

Student Activities: In order to participate in any extracurriculars, you have to maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA. You're not allowed to leave the dance more than 30 minutes before the end. If you would like to bring a guest to the dance, you have to submit a guest pass from the main office to the assistant principal. Lastly, keep it PG at the dances.

Food: Don't lose your ID or else you won’t be able to receive free lunch/ snacks.

Communications: If you don’t check your emails for the daily bulletins, follow @bhsbearwitness on Instagram.

Additionally, it’s advised that if you have any issues in the classroom, start with your teacher.

Make-up work: Whether your absence is excused or unexcused, you can make up work missed, but it must be at least similar, or exactly like, the actual work.

Alli Wang/Bear Witness The Royal Alliance Color guard practices during band camp, which was held on campus in late July. Marching band season lasts through November.

Attendance: You’re tardy if you’re less than 30 minutes late. Late more than 30 minutes, you’re considered “Late Truant.”

Any student who is not in their first or fourth period class before the bell rings will have to go to the office for a late pass. Five or more unexcused tardies to a single class or three unexcused absences to a single class during a six week grading period will result in social probation. You must have an off-campus pass before you would like to leave the campus. When you are feeling sick, contact the health secretary or else you will be marked with a “truant.”

Anti-Gang Policy: Don’t associate yourself with gangs, or wear similar attire such as rags, belts and other colors.

Behaviors such as tagging your school accessories (books, bags, clothing, etc.) are also off-limits.

Rules/Discipline Policy: Be respectful of your peers/teachers and resolve conflicts in a calm and friendly manner.

Don’t possess or use any form of drugs.

Cell phone policies differ depending on the teacher, and teachers do take away your phone if it's distracting to the class. Branham is a closed campus, meaning that you are not allowed to leave campus until your school day ends.

Sexual harassment of any kind is off-limits. Illegal activities such as using drugs or drinking on campus are not allowed on campus.

Aadyant Suresh/Bear Witness The freshmen group tour the halls during the Freshman Orientation on Aug. 3. At 546 students, it is the largest class ever at Branham.

Lauren Gernale/Bear Witness Junior Aresema Agdie pops a water balloon during session on shutter speed photography at the Bear Witness' journalism boot camp Aug. 3.

NEW SCHEDULE

Students fret over potential impacts of late start ALAN SCHAEFFER News Editor

LIA CHOI

Staff Writer

ith the California law requiring W that all public high school middle schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. al-

ready in effect, students are expecting that the changes, along with a new schedule, could create problems for their extracurriculars or work.

For sports on every B day, when 7th period lets out at 3:55 p.m., practices cannot take place earlier at 4:30 p.m., a full hour later than last year’s practice, and can go no later than 9 p.m.

Sophomore Kevin Kim, who plans to be a part of the water polo and swim team, worries that the new schedule will make it more difficult to balance schoolwork and sports and affect his sleep schedule.

“I feel like practice will end too late, and for athletes who have back to back practices such as swimming and water polo, we would be home around 7 or 8 p.m., which is generally dinner time,” Kim said.

“I feel like I'm going to sleep less than I did when we had the early schedule.”

Kim is not the only student who feels that school ending later will hamper athletes’ ability to participate in sports.

Junior Riley Guttadauro, who plays club hockey, worries that the later dismissal time could make it harder to commute to his practices and arrive on time.

With these new issues, students will have to start searching for other ways to get their schoolwork done while still playing the sports they love. According to Kim, one solution may lie in the previously underused tutorial periods.

“I feel like I’m going to start studying for important classes between lunch, and definitely use tutorials and outreach more,” he said.

Junior Michelle Heo, who has participated sports all three years at Branham and is now a part of varsity cheer, recognizes that even with tutorials and breaks available to get work done, students sometimes have too much on their plate.

She advises that students relax and take things easy on themselves, and reach out for help.

“If anything comes up, email your coaches or your teachers,” Heo said. “They understand that everyone has busy lives.”

Dress Code: Has evolved to be more gender-neutral, with the following basic rules: Students must not wear clothing that reveals their genitalia, buttocks, breasts and nipples. Cover the front and the back and wear footwear. Anything that promotes violence and drugs is not permitted.

Academic Code of Conduct: Just don’t cheat or plagiarize. There are consequences. Any time that you represent other work as your own, that’s dishonest. Consequences range from call to parents, referrals, to receiving an F in the class.

School Counseling Services: Talk to your counselor frequently! They will help you cover all of your A-G requirements, inform you about duel enrollment, middle college and SVCTE and apply for and find the best AP and on-level classes.

Computer Use: Bring your Chromebook to school charged every day, may be useful to bring your charger too.

There is also a brake it you buy it thing so take care of it.

Alan Schaeffer/Bear Witness Sophomore Laya Dublin-King performs a cheer routine before and family Saturday. Athletes worry the new schedule will impact extracurriculars.

Athletics: There are fall winter and spring sports. Athletes to embody the best person they can be, whether you win or lose, and represent our school as a role model for others. Parent Boosters: Your parents can join any of the booster teams on campus.

Student Compliance Complaint Procedures: you and your parents can file complaints by writing a description of the matter to the District office.

— Compiled by Reese Gardner and Mila Windell

BEAR WITNESS

Editorial

The opinion of the Bear Witness editors

We're anxious to see how the new schedule will affect sleep patterns.

| AUGUST 2022 |

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BHSBEARWITNESS.COM

OPINION A MATTER OF TIME

New schedule, late start may pose problems

f you’re a senior, you’ve seen four new I schedules in four years. Our new A/B schedule resembles the old schedule from

four years ago, with addition of the 8:30 a.m. start time requirement due to state law.

Though the true effects of this later time will be played out in the months ahead, we are anxious about the impact of the schedule on our sleep schedules and extracurriculars.

California is the first to require an 8:30 a.m. start for high schools and middle schools, and other states such as New Jersey and Massachusetts are considering similar proposals.

A big part is safety. The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine reported that later school

start times by an hour were connected to a nearly 70% drop in vehicle accidents involving teen drivers.

Though the later start will ensure that teens get more sleep, a recent Bear Witness online poll of 272 readers, about 44% predict that their sleeping habits will deteriorate. Note: Our surveys are unscientific and are simply a snapshot on any given issue.

For those with after-school obligations, the new schedule imposes a strict timeline.

Another Bear Witness survey showed that 83% feeling that the new schedule imposes delayed work and homework hours, as classes can end as late as 4 p.m.

Adding on to post-pandemic struggles,

many students have been scrambling for employment to help support their families.

Tight work and transportation schedules leaves students with no choice but to drop 7th period classes.

The inconsisent late ending times are pushing sports and club schedules back.

SPARE, which had previously met every Wednesday after school, have had to spread out their meeting days over both Tuesdays and Wednesdays to avoid clashing with an A day schedule’s 7th period.

While there’s nothing that can change this year’s schedule, there are some things that students can do to avoid staying up late due to homework. This includes taking

advantage of tutorials to get a head start on homework, or even taking a break if the workload isn’t strenuous. This time is specifically blocked out to benefit students and give them an opportunity to avoid procrastination.

Beyond this year, students have the opportunity to speak up about the schedule if the later start is a campus-wide problem.

While it’s unlikely the statewide 8:30 a.m. start time law will be changed anytime soon, students can participate in choosing their next one.

Though a Bell Schedule Committee has not yet been created, but given enough pushback, it's never too early to do so.

BACK TO SCHOOL ADVICE

BEAR ESSENTIALS

The absolute, most important items that everyone should have during the first weeks of school.

Nolan Zils, co-editor-in-chief | Illustration by Karis Do School map: Oh, they still have those? And are the new buildings hand-drawn in? That's pretty neat.

Baseball cap: Like Swiss Army knives, they protect you from sunlight, cover up messy hair, and show your allegiance to a sports team.

Chains: It don’t mean a thing without the bling! You’re sure to impress everyone with obnoxiously big and obviously fake golden chains around your neck.

Puffer jacket: They help in the frozen, air-conditioned classrooms. Even when it's 100 degrees outside thanks to climate change, these will forever keep you cool.

Loose paper: Enjoy the convenience of finding the worksheet you need crushed under your Chromebook.

Textbooks: The number one suggested weapon for all students across the nation.

School bullies can be dealt with handily by hitting them with nothing but hard facts.

Crop Tops: Unpredictable weather calls for unpredictable clothing combinations. With the daily weather varying wildly, we’ve determined a crop top is the best (and most fashionable) way to deal with any temperature.

Double belts: Contrary to belief, sagging pants are not the way to make an impression at this school. Show your dedication to modesty (and your tendency to buy oversized pants) by doubling up on belts.

P.E. Shorts: Wear your P.E. shorts as a badge of the hard work you’ve put in in P.E. after the unimaginable horror of a mile run.

Heelys: They takes less energy than running, and look way cooler. For bonus points look at everyone with a sense of superiority as you glide past them in the halls.

Roller backpack: It’s advised that you should not carry more than 10% of your body weight on your shoulders. How about 0%? Zero is good, right? There is no better pastime than making friends by running over their feet with your roller backpack in the hallway.

Editors-in-Chief Nolan Zils and Jiyoon Choi Editors Alli Wang Ava Stark

Angela Choi Reese Gardner Alan Schaeffer Staff writers Aresema Adgie, Lia Choi, Owen Daszko,

Lauren Gernale, Aadyant Suresh,Ryan Walters, Mila Windell and Makayla Wu Adviser: Fitzgerald Vo

Hydroflask: The daily incident of Hydroflasks hitting the classroom floor loudly is a small inconvenience compared to the dangers of dehydration. Drink up!

Mission Statement The Bear Witness is committed to providing accurate, timely coverage of local and world news while connecting these events to the lives of our diverse student body.

Q&A Justine Dreux ASB President

When it comes to school spirit, senior Justine Dreux may have the answer. The Bear Witness reached out to her on how freshmen (or any student) can make the most of their year.

Q: What’s something I should look forward to this school year as a freshman?

A: High school is a new environment and it’s exciting to navigate that with the new people you will meet! Definitely look forward to making new friends, memories and having fun at events. Also, you can look forward to typical high school dances and games.

These are really fun, and a great time to meet new friends! Another thing to look forward to as a freshman is work that’ll be put out by our new ASB involvement committee, who will work to make freshmen and transfer students feel really included in our campus culture. One last thing is BLU! Our mascot is incredible, and you’ll have fun giving him high fives.

Q: What is some advice you have for balancing school with extracurriculars?

A: In freshman year, the balance is a lot easier to maintain than your other years, and it’s important to learn what you like doing during your freshman year. The workload is lighter than your other years, so it’s a great time to try out different clubs and sports. You can narrow down your favorite activities for the next few years.

A balance between everything is important, and as a busy person, prioritizing has been extremely helpful. Sometimes, missing one day of an activity to do a project is ok, so is putting off some homework in exchange for going to an important game for your sport. Most importantly, sleep.

Q: What are some clubs I should look into?

A: There are so many different clubs on campus, try to join as many clubs as you are interested in as a freshman. It’s important to be part of some that you are truly passionate about (not just ones you think could look good for college) and that you would have fun being in for some time.

To help you in your search, visit the club database: bit.ly/allbhsclubs. Also, don’t worry about clubs being a huge commitment, you can go to a meeting or two and decide you don’t want to be a part of it. Most clubs’ meetings are open to anyone, meaning you can just show up some days, whenever you’d like — there isn’t much pressure!

— Interview by Makayla Wu Website: www.bhsbearwitness.com Phone: (408) 626-3407 Email: bhsbearwitness@gmail.com Address: 1570 Branham Lane, San Jose, CA 95118

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BEAR WITNESS

THE BACK PAGE

| AUGUST 2022 |

BHSBEARWITNESS.COM

NEW BRUINS

More than 20 new teachers and staff are joining the Branham ranks. What are they looking forward to the most?

Lindsay Schubert Principal

Tori Waite Assistant principal

Interviews by Jiyoon Choi, Nolan Zils, Ava Stark, Angela Choi, Reese Gardner, Alan Schaeffer and Alli Wang

Nikita Shah Assistant principal

Todd Harrison Assistant principal

Wise words STUTI ARORA English Arora has spent three months working in a 7th grade ELA class.

ANDREW BARLAM English Barlam has previously worked at Pioneer High School.

RACHEL BASORE Biology Basore spent 14 years teaching at Hoover Middle School.

CHRISTINA CARRERAS Activities Director Carreras taught history and leadership in the Union School District.

"Branham has a great community that is so sweet and friendly. I'm excited to get to know the staff and students."

"I’ll be excited to be teaching freshmen and sophomores."

"I've always been naturally drawn to helping other people. I'm really excited to work with older students."

"I'm looking forward to connecting with students and seeing activities run here.

MADELINE FAMA Social Studies Fama is an alumnus of Leigh High School.

"I am most excited to meet my students and join the Bruin family. I can’t wait to teach a multitude of perspectives to my students, and get them excited about history. "

GABRIELLE GRAMENGA Art Gramenga has taught for five years at El Camino High as a CTE teacher.

“It's exciting to be back in the classroom and teaching kids who are from my neighborhood."

LAUREN CELLINI English Cellini was a student teacher under English teacher Chelsea Follett last year.

"I feel really lucky that I get to stay here and continue to be part of this community."

DANIEL GREEN Social Science Green has been a football coach on campus.

ABBY HARRIS PE Harris taught at Sheppard Hills Middle School.

SUNYOUNG JEON Korean Jeon taught high school for 10 years in Korea.

"I have been coaching football here for a while, and I really liked the students."

"I fell in love with teaching. I'm excited to teach high school, build relationships, and get to know the community."

"I'm so excited to meet my students. I hope this could be a wonderful opportunity to embrace other cultures' languages."

he Bear Witness met T with Branham administrators Aug. 2 to discuss a range of topics, from welcoming the freshman class to adjusting to the new schedule.

The Golden rule Fresh from a year that saw students causing thousands of dollars in damage to bathrooms and school vehicles, administrators emphasized the need for students to look out for each other. They also acknowledged that the pandemic made the transition to in-person learning difficult.

Nikita Shah, assistant principal: “I’m a big believer in respect. Respect me, I respect you back. Last year, most of our students were great, but some students had to be reminded of that respect, and how to interact with each other.”

Freshman year At 530 students, the Class of 2026 is the largest ever.

Tori Waite, assistant principal "Every year counts. Freshman year counts. And you want to make sure you’re going into it with the understanding that you want to do the best you can do in your classes. You want to start strong, and if you can start strong freshman year, then you’re going to feel really good.”

Vince Leeburn, school counselor: “It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Stick with it, we’ll get you there.”

Schubert: "All freshmen are welcome. We’re going to welcome them and make them feel a part of Branham, and that’s a lot. If you’re not a freshman and you’re an upper class member, that’s a good thing to help them and welcome them. I know there’s kind of this myth that high school is about harassing the freshman because they’re freshman but that’s not a thing.”

JENNIFER JOHNSON Special Education "I am excited to be a part of the community. I love working with students, watching them grow as people and learn new things."

MIA KOH Math Koh will be teaching IM1 and IM3. said the proximity of Branham to her home convinced her to take the job.

"I’m excited to get to know my students. I'm hoping that I'll be able to get everybody involved."

JACOB LAPINSKY Social Science Lapinsky has been a football coach for corners and quarterbacks on campus.

"I’m excited to interact with students and develop relationships and for the overall experience."

ANJELITA LEONES Special Education — Mild and Severe Leones worked as a special education teacher at Fremont High School for six years.

"I’m excited to be teaching new students."

PRATIBHA MAURYA Special Education This is Maurya’s first year teaching high school.

"I'm teaching because they have a mission for me. I’m excited to work with new people."

Adjusting to the new schedule The new block schedule will take some time to get used to, and administrators shared a few tips to stay on top of the confusion.

Shah: "Use Google Calendar: “I know it’s gonna take time but it’s gonna be worth it. The days when we have a Monday or Friday off and we’re gonna switch off, those are the days you have to watch out for.”

Leeburn: “I would advise this to every student. Have an A day and B day binder, or an A day and B day backpack. It just makes it simple.”

Shah: "If you don’t like the schedule, remember you have a voice. Use it.

Next time there is an opportunity for you to use that voice.”

JANETH QUEBRADO Spanish Quebrado is new to the teaching community.

"I'm excited to learn from and get to know them students. It’s very rewarding. I like helping them learn something new."

NICOLE SCLAFANI Math, Biology Sclafani taught in Rhode Island and Massechusets during the pandemic.

"I am most excited to get to know a lot of my students and see them in action doing all different activities."

JOSH SHERIDAN Photo/Yearbook Sheridan has 10 years of photo experience and taught photography at Carlmont High School.

"I'm excited to help kids improve photography skills and take awesome pictures."

LUBOMIRA SVAJDOVA Special Education Svajdova has taught in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

DAN WINSOR Math Winsor has taught middle school math.

"I'm very excited because I already knew some of the students as I worked at Branham last year."

"My goal is to get as many kids excited about math to get as many students who don't believe they can do it, to know that they can."

Drills With more than 2,000 students on campus, drills and where to go will also take time to sort out.

Leeburn: “Students should not look at these drills as the end all be all of the process. That’s just the beginning of the process. But you’ve got to start thinking individually of what options you’re going to do.”

— Compiled by Nolan Zils and Owen Daszko