Brahma Tales

#N o w W h a t ?

Spring. Volume 52.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Demetrius Brock looks to fall p. 8

Out To Lunch- Off Campus Lunch at Last? p.2

The Death STAAR

BTrahma ales

May 2013

brahmanews.com

MacArthur Student News

Students Look into Standardized Testing

By Kayla Gunn Multimedia Editor

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yes scan over the questions quickly and fingers wiggle in an attempt to release the tension built up from constant use. Time ticks away as students scramble to finish their STAAR test and essays, a long on-going process, recently changed, and now repeated numerous times for already stressed-out high school underclassmen.

STAAR was thrown at the current sophomore class like a curve-ball, contradicting what the students have learned prior about testing. Class time material is now based on an array of specific subjects covered compared to the general subject knowledge formerly needed for TAKS. Without previously released STAAR tests, foreign curriculum required teachers to prepare students and make sure it stuck as they were forced to move fast.

In 2009, the high school testing regimen was increased to 15 for a student’s high school career, not including other tests

such as the AP tests, SATs/ACTs and even the infamous final exams. Students are constantly bombarded with new material in an effort to cram all the needed knowledge down student’s throats so they can simply pass.

“I feel that it is really unfair to try to prepare us for STAAR as guinea pigs,” Bonny Chu (10) said. “Our teachers have no idea what is on the STAAR test and that is a disadvantage to us.”

The Texas Education Agency states that the STAAR tests are designed to measure a students college and career readiness, starting in elementary schools.

That regimen is fine for the generations being taught this style now, but the students who entered high school with TAKS preparation, they experience a different test that they may “...it is not be fully really unfair to prepared for. try to prepare Educators have critiqued us for STAAR as and studied the STAAR guinea pigs.” determined that the test written three reading abilities, or Lexile levels higher than TAKS tests for the same grade level. Though stu-

Continued on p. 2

SadAbout Project Grad

By Sarah Morales Editor in Chief

E

very high school in the district is having the traditional Project Grad party for their seniors- that is, every school except Mac. PTA didn’t sponsor the 2013 Project Grad party because the general attendance for last year’s Project Grad was roughly 40 out of 600 students.

“We chose not to do it,” Principal Peter Martinez said. “Project Grad is done strictly by PTA and it’s just to give kids some place safe after graduation. I think if we had enough students committed to going, Project Grad would happen.”

The question of how many students would be hypothetically committed may lie within the problem of how many people actually know about the party.

Continued on p. 5

#N o w W h a t ?

#BrainDead STAAR continued dents may know the subject, they may not comprehend what is being asked.

Whether the implementation of STAAR was to help boost Texas’ educational reputation, or to challenge the students accountability, all depends on point of view.

However, that doesn’t change the fact that 47 percent of ninth graders failed at least one STAAR test this past year.

“Even with the Illustration by Kayla Gunn increased difficulty of the test, students motivation won’t change,” Chu the AP exam that might benefit said. “They’re going to put the students in college, the fear of failure on the SATs that can same effort in that they did before, and that is going to drop determine students getting into the number of passing grades on college, or the STAAR which can affect their current and fuSTAAR.” Not only has STAAR pulled ture scholarly status, one thing is definite: students are feeling the rug out from under the students feet, it also differs from more pressure rise and crash down on them to do better the other tests that students than generations prior. Despite may take in style and format.

For example, the AP curriculim distractions that lurk about in differs from what is required in high school, the current classes the STAAR curriculum.. Essays will pick up the slack that Texas written for AP exams, especially has allowed to consume young in certain subjects like history, minds. Now, students are forced to step up after settling are almost polar opposites to essays written for STAAR. The into a comfortable testing routine that they had allowed questions also differ as SAT questions take a more straight- themselves to learn.

“I want to know when they forward approach, asking for the decided to change testing, and meaning of vocabulary words, drop this whole bomb on us,” whereas STAAR asks for connoAlexis Parsons (10) said. “If tation. This, along with various they even bothered to come to tests and quizzes that happen the high schools or the midweekly and every semester add dle schools and see how this to the student’s responsibility would aff ect the students.

It plate until it overflows. does have an impact on us, and “Well, I definitely get less they’re adults, they don’t really sleep,” Alexis Parsons(10) said. know what we’re going through Whether it is the stress for anymore.”

Staff 02

Letter from the Editor

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hank you for reading our first print issue in two years.

It’s not like we haven’t published in two years, it’s just that we’ve moved all of our content online. We’ve published this print issue not only to remind the school that we do exist, and we appreciate your readership.

But, we want to give the student body a look into what happened and what should happen after the year comes to an end.

We want to try to answer the inevitable questions (or at least start the conversation) that roll around at the end of every school year: now what?

Done with STAAR, now

what?

A closed campus is maintained, now what?

Graduated... now what?

The articles and opinions written by the staff should be credible to you because they’re honest, down to earth, and authored by students just like you.

Join the conversation. Use the hashtags to start the ball rolling on what you think about the topics we’ve addressed and let your voice be productive.

Let us know what your #nowwhatbrahmas looks like and stay in the conversation .

We hope your opinions remain as honest as ours.

Scan with your smartphone to watch video from the physics boat-race, powder puff, and summer activities!

Brahma Tales

MacArthur High School 2923 MacArthur View San Antonio, TX 78217 www.brahmanews.com @brahmatales @brahmanews Editor in Chief: Sarah Morales Assistant Editor: Jacob Dukes Business Manager: Brittany Trub Features/News Editor: Jacey Yarbrough Multimedia Editor: Kayla Gunn Sports Editor: Sierra Scafadio Entertainment Editor Maddy Tompkins

Opinion/Editorial Editor: Brittany Trub Artist: Mari Amos Staff Reporters: Andrina Alvarez Cornelia DeLainey Daniel De La Rosa Frank Garcia Jared Hare Megan Howell Thank you! India Nikotich Layout Design: Brittany Trub Photographer: Jessica Snyder Adviser: Amanda Cardoza Principal: Pete Martinez

#OpenCampus

Vol. 52 Spring 2013

Going Out To Eat

to go to other restaurants instead of eating the cafeteria food.

Not only are students breaking school rules, but they are breaking district policy.

“I feel we should have [an open campus] if people can not

By Jacob Dukes abuse the fact that we can go out Assistant Editor to lunch,” Lindsay Carleston (11) tudents scraping the roofs of said. “If [students] come back, their mouths on a cardboard then that is okay.”

Bryan Sandoval (12) has slice of bread and scooping issues with the school lunch, lumpy mashed potatoes onto but is still against the idea of an forks have become constant open lunch period. issues battled in the cafete“I wouldn’t even leave just to ria. These problems result in cravings for a greasy Big Mac or save gas,” Sandoval said. “I think it’s just the whole trust issue. a Honey BBQ Chicken Sandwich, which is observed by the Some people won’t come back.”

The punishments for many students who may risk leaving include: losing the leaving school campus during privilege to drive onto campus, lunch periods.

The problem for administra- in-school-suspension (ISS), tion is students leaving campus alternative eating areas, and

S

What’s on Your Plate?

Take in the Calorie CountHere’s look into what you pille on your tray each day:

Students Risk Going Off Campus in Search of Other Options: The Truth About Skipping alternative high school (AHS). “[Going off campus] is against district policy,” Principal Peter Martinez said. “Students insist on doing it and we have to enforce discipline, it’s not something I enjoy doing.”

Disciplinary consequences are unneeded, according to students, because the reason students leave is because of the opinion that school lunch is not nutritional and of the low quantity provided in an average meal.

“I wish it wouldn’t be the same every week, but I don’t control that,” Angelean McMahon (11) said.

“It’s not the healthiest, I know there’s the salad bar, but some

“I wouldn’t leave just to save on gas.”

Recommended Daily Calorie Intake for Teens

kids don’t want that. I know I don’t want that.”

Schools make strong efforts to protect the student body, but allowing students to leave campus is not a “safe thing” to have happen. Once a student steps off campus, they are then subject to incidents such as: car crashes, burglaries, and other criminal activities that would endanger their lives.

“While they’re here, we do our best to keep everybody safe, we can stop and prevent things from happening as much as possible, but once you’re off campus I can’t control that anymore,” Mr. Martinez said. “Given the recent history of kids getting hurt, even getting killed, while they’re off campus, I understand but I think it’s just important that the kids be safe.”

Females age 14-18 daily calorie intake: 1,800-2,400 Males age 14-18 daily calorie intake: 2,200-3,200 Depending on age, size, and activity level.

Carrots 59 calories Cucumbers 3.9 calories Broccoli 10 calories

Data from exercise4weightloss.com

Tomato slice 3.6 calories Mixed Greens 1.8 calories

Sweet Potato Fries 100 calories

Ketchup 20 calories/tbl spoon

Cheeseburger 270 calories

Chocolate Milk 130 calories

This tray contains approximately 598 calories.

Data Compiled By Jacob Dukes and Megan Howell from neisd.net and caloriecount.com

Features 03

#S e n i o r s 2 0 1 3

#WhoAreYou?

Are You Gonna Go My Way? See you on campus! A small look at campus co-ed gonnabes.

Matt Adams Baylor University “I like the sense of community and how close-knit the campus feels. The small-town aspect appeals to me.”

Kole Pantuso University of North Texas “I think it’s nice that there’s going to be a lot of people (maybe too many people) sharing the same interests.”

Texas

Noureen Rojani UT Austin “Excited to join my fellow Longhorns.”

Monica Villalobos UT San Antonio “It’s great to go to a college close to home.”

Calvin Dietrich Texas A&M “I think it’s going to be difficult but it’s going to be worth it.”

Kyle Argueta Trinity University “I’m so excited to rep that tiger pride. hashtagtigerpride.”

Paul Gamache and Steven Dowdle Northeast Lakeview “I hope this is going to be easy.

Sike.”-Paul “I’m scared to see what the future has- but I’m ready.”

-Steven

New York

Tori Santillan Culiary Arts School of America New York, NY “I’m very excited to get very far away from Texas.”

Victoria Goodwin University of the Incarnate Word “Since the student teacher ratio is so low I feel I’ll be valued more as a student and not just a number.”

Mayra Aparicio San Antonio College “I’m excited to get my basics out of the way and head to AI.”

Hannah Poluka Texas State “It’s the perfect get away without going too far.”

#JaFeelMe?

Vol. 52 Spring 2013

Life or Debt: Are Student Loans the Only Way? for college has become increasingly difficult as the status quo continues to change.

First, everyone and their mother knows that students should try their best to not take out student loans. When

By Brittany Trub students (hopefully all of you) Business Manager submitted their and got back eality will slap us across the the federal aid report detailing the loans and grants they qualiface the moment we step on stage. Some of us have been fied for, the federally subsidized Stafford loan may have been looking forward to graduatlisted. On July 1st, if Congress ing all our lives, and some will does nothing about the deficit remain onlookers for the next and the proposed increase on two or three years. No matter education spending, the interest how long we have prepared to on Stafford student loans will graduate, nothing can stop th double from 3.4% to 6.8%, e sinking feeling of having to take responsibility of our futures this may not sound completely and decide the best steps to take terrible, considering the Stafford loans don’t accumulate interest as we enter the real world. The while students are enrolled in issue of how students will pay

school, however the average loan of $3,400 has a $1,000 payment tacked on to it. This payment is based off of a one year loan, being paid back within that year.

The average student graduating with a bachelors degree will take up to 20 years to pay off student loan debt, which grows that $1,000 to about $11,000 in debt.

So, avoid taking out loans unless you plan on finding a pot of gold somewhere at your out of state college.

Hope still exists for students looking for financial aid. Students should apply for a workstudy program with their school, and then have their parents apply for a Federal Tuition and Fees Tax Deduction. This gives up to a $4,000 deduction off of their taxes to make the tuition

fees more affordable. Also, students within their first two years of college can apply for the Hope Tax Credit, which will provide a tax credit to families with students in college.

If you have to take out a loan then go for a fixed rate loan. Variable interest rates rise or fall as the Federal Funds Rate is set, and the loan payments vary on a monthly basis.

Consistency will be your best friend when it comes to paying for college, so find something that will give you benefits when you pay on a regular basis.

Square everything away before Orientation, because finding a bank that will work within your means after you’ve started college will be harder than getting into college.

Project Grad Continued

why others would.”

The big picture of it all isn’t if seniors get a party or not, it’s what the final party represents.

“Project Grad is the opportunity to spend time with friends you may never see again: close acquaintances and people

you won’t see after high school,” Botts said. “Project Grad allows you more time as a class and provides a means of keeping people from doing stupid stuff at parties. It’s to prevent that from happening, but to do that it has to be successful.”

R

“The reason people don’t go is because they don’t advertise it well,” Stephen Botts (12) said.

“If no one knows about it no one shows up. Obviously, our [students’] work ethic is sub par.”

The seniors that did know and were looking forward to going are disappointed after the news spread that the traditional party would not take place.

“I just wanted someplace to go after graduation and hang out with my friends one last time,” Alex Saul (12) said.

“Graduation parties usually involve alcohol and things like that. I’d want to participate in something safe and fun with my friends- not get into an accident.”

But to a majority of the students, a school sponsored party hardly sounds like a party at all.

“I don’t care much about it...

it, doesn’t matter to me,” Jacob Basse (12) said. “I don’t see what Project Grad does. I mean, kids still go to parties after Project Grad.”

Next year’s seniors will determine whether or not the class has a Project Grad party, but the fact that most don’t know what it is and can’t decide so far in advance whether or not to make a commitment to go paints a picture on how next year’s events will proceed. “It depends on how many people are wanting to go,” Marjorie Cartwright (11) said. “I would go if I had time but unless a bunch of people go I don’t know

“I just wanted someplace to go after graduation and hang out with my friends one last time.”

#brahmadorkaprobs

By Mari Amos Artist

#N o w W h a t ?

#SunCareDontCare

Summer and SPFun

to make themselves look more attractive by soaking up the sun all day, then they’re wrong.

Even the simplest things can protect pool babies from the dangers of skin cancer in the are plenty of ways to protect future. Keep your skin looking your skin and hair, while still hydrated and lovely all summer looking fab. long by frequently applying Sun Skin Care 101 sunscreen and washing your The burning topic this face after sweaty hours of play. sumer is sunburn; the scorching Myths about sunscreen, like it summer sun can leave skin dry will prevent you from tanning,

By Andrina Alvarez and irritable, causing wrinkles, are so wrong. Sunscreen not Staff Writer/Photographer premature aging, and even skin only protects you from harmful UV rays, but also bakes your his summer, turn plain old cancer. However, SPF allows you to stay protected while still skin to a nice golden brown.

SPF, into SPFun! In order to engaging in outdoor activities.

If Sun Hair Care 101 care for your skin this summer, beach-goers think they’re going In the summer, people you must remember SPF. There

Ways to Stay Fabulous in the Sun and Sand

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The sun can cause cataracts and other eye damage. P lacing small slices of avocados under the eyes can get rid of ugly eye baggage.

Lips can burn easily and hardly tan.

Cantaloupes are good for boosting collagen production.

Protect Your Hair and Face the Natural Way. Watered Down.

By Mari Amos Artist

#RealTalk

migrate to the pool and beach like a pack of thirsty animals.

Those who typically spend their days laying out by the water are exposed to chlorine or the salty winds of the hair-damaging beach. Taking care of hair is a necessity of a girl’s life. Love those locks this summer by drinking plenty of water, washing your hair after a dip in the pool or ocean, and use natural or home-made shampoos. Also adding Jojoba oil to your shampoo or conditioner can strengthen locks.

Arm yourself with fruits, veggies and natural beauty products for flawless hair.

Over exposure to sun makes hair lighter and drier. To improve hair growth, eat spinach and leafy greens to help keep hair follicles healthy and scalp oils circulating.

Being in the sun for too long can cause ugly, unattractive sunspots.

High fiber foods such as beans, nuts and seeds help your body hold water, f lush out toxins and are full of rich sources of healthy skin-promoting nutrients.

#OpinionOrFact?

Vol. 52 Spring 2013

Welcome GunShow to the

learn everything they know about guns from what the liberal media has brainwashed their minds to think. I am personally sick of having my opinion weighed the same as an opinion

By Jacey Yarbrough of someone who knows nothing News/Features Editor about the handling of firearms. The idea that cannot get f a nation is unable to defend through the anti-gun supporter’s itself against the tyranny withminds is that the responsibility in its government because the of pulling the trigger belongs right to bear arms is so eroded, to the person pulling it, not the then how is it possible that the gun itself.

American government can still We are told it is wrong to be called democratic? judge Middle Easterners by The increasing support for the acts of a few terrorists, but the Senate’s gun control proposal when a couple of Americans will not stop society’s criminals commit crimes with firearms it from using guns to break the is enough for the government law, but it does illustrate a misto condemn all citizens who understanding about gun techhave Second Amendment rights. nology. The people who seem At the Boston marathon two to oppose guns the most are so bombs,constructed by the use uneducated with fire arms, they

I

Gay Marriage Now Why Nobody Cares that You’re Homophobic

Radical protesters believe that a child should have a mother and a father, but that’s a huge slap in the face to single parents and children put up for adoption. They’re allowed to remarry and marry, so the fact that

By Sarah Morales homosexual couples can’t is a Editor in Chief double standard.

Religious protesters argue that he Supreme Court is unthe Biblical standards dictate the decided on the legality of marriage rights everyone must gay marriage, but the nation has abide by.

However, if they’re already made the call: the time arguing a biblical card, they for change is now. should uphold all laws of the

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Gun Legislation Hangs in the Balance as the 2nd Amendment is Ignored

of pressure cookers, exploded and killed three people and injured around 140 innocent runners and bystanders. The explosion devastated lives, as did the Newtown massacre, which started the recent control frenzy.

Should we ban pressure cookers too? Or should we create extensive background checks to buy one? If we all follow the same logic as the anti-gun supporters, then pressure cookers are too dangerous to be in every kitchen in the country and therefore laws should be placed to restrict owning one; it is only fair.

According to Forbes.com, the government has bought approximately 1.6 billion rounds of ammunition for military purposes, leaving the country in a shortage. The government seems to be more concerned

about fighting its own citizens at home than our enemies abroad.

I think they made sure to buy up enough ammo to reduce the supply to the American people and use the name “military” as a cover up. It now seems the doomsday enthusiasts have the right idea of stashing ammunition in trees. It would not surprise me that the congressmen who took oath to abide by the constitution will try to start revising the Second Amendment.

There are those who disagree with the right to bear arms, but the real question the anti-gun-and-confiscate crowd should be asking themselves is: how many of your fellow Americans are you willing to have killed in order to bring about your Utopian vision of the future?

bible, not just the ones they pick and choose.

One of the cases made by a Supreme Court justice was his concern that a marriage law is was “too new”; Sweden has only had it in law for 10 years, and that it would be too new to determine the true consequences. However, Europe has not experienced Armageddon, plague has not struck, and it has not rained fire. The worse thing that’s happened is that 2 people who love each other have had the same opportunity as heterosexual couples to share their love.

The fact of the matter is that marriage is a right for every citizen, and the restriction can

be seen as a hate crime.

As of May 6, Gov. Jack Markell signed a gay marriage bill making Delaware the 11th state to lift their ban on a human rights.

Parades are an annual event and there is a NOH8 celebrity campaign advocating for same sex marriage legalization as well as the intolerance of differences.

Exit polls in November projected that 83% of voters believed gay marriage would be legal in all 50 states within the next 10 years; the obstacle left to overcome would be dealing with the shunning, homophobia, and anti-gay violence, the next step for tolerance.

Opinion 07

#Grindtime

MVB

#N o w W h a t ?

Fall FB Preview Demetrius Brock

Most Valuable Brahma

Miranda Arellano

Arellano waits for the perfect pitch. photo by Meredith Collier

By Sierra Scafido Sports Editor

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hether it was catching a pop fly at the fence for the last out of the softball game, or running up the court and swishing a lay-up to give the basketball team the edge at the half, senior Miranda Arellano seemed to do it all. Having played point guard and outfielder it is easy to understand why she is the Most Valuable Brahma with her dedication as an above average athlete.

“I’ve always played sports,” Arellano said. “I love playing basketball because of the rush and softball is the same way.”

Arellano has been an athlete all four of her high school years.

Throughout that time one thing has remained constant, the fact that sports have never just been about her performance as an individual.

“When playing team sports you focus on what you have to add to the team,” she said. “I’m one of those team players; I care

for myself but I’d rather look at the team aspect of it than my game.”

For Arellano, the fulfillment of being rewarded for her determination has been one of the best aspects of being an athlete.

“When the game is on the line you just have to give it everything you’ve got,” she said.

“All of your practicing goes towards that moment. Softball went to playoffs this year and I was excited because my four years and my hard work was worth it.”

Playing sports was always an escape to Arellano, and thinking about the end of it brings a swirl of emotions upon her.

“It’s sad knowing that it’s over,” Arellano said. “Our last softball playoff game hit me hard. Sports have always been there for me and they have brought me to believe how many people will work to get what they want.”

to other players who aren’t there yet, and I try to lead by example.

By Sierra Scafido Q: What are your expectations Sports Editor for next season?

A: My expectations are a lot As the stadium lights higher. Because it’s going to be shone down onto the flourishing green turf and the roar my senior year, I don’t want to go out losing. I’m going to do of the Blue Crew filled the everything in my power to get air, junior Demetrius Brock us into the playoffs. plowed through a pack of Q: In your opinion, what can defenders and ran the ball all the way down what seemed to you improve on during the off-season? be a never-ending field for a touchdown. He had a breakout A: Everyone can improve on season of rushing for 800 yards something and I can improve and started at the running back on how hard I work. Everything I do this off-season position. should help my team next year.

Q: How do you feel you did overall this football season?

A: Overall, this year in football I feel I did fairly well. I could have done a lot better, but if I work hard enough I can be a lot better.

Q: Did you accomplish what you wanted to with your teammates?

A: I accomplished my personal goal, which was to start and to go over 800 yards rushing.

Overall as a team, we really didn’t accomplish what we wanted to because we didn’t Brock runs a fake during win that many games. the Sept.

Q: What type of athlete do you ‘12 Warren aspire to be? game. photo A: I aspire to be a hard workby Sarah Morales ing, role model type athlete

We are Giving away 2 tickets to Warped Tour onio San Ant

8-3-13

Here is How to Win! Fill this out. Cut it out. Drop it in the drawing box in C351.

Your Name Your email/twitter Your cell phone

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he t Cu

Drawing will be held June 4 4:00 pm