Vol. 10, Issue 2 - Hot Shots: Cleveland topples Garfield in OT

Cleveland STEM High School

Vol. 10, Issue 2 facebook.com/clevelandpublications Twitter & Instagram: @CPub_Eagles Website: clevelandjournal.org

5511 15th Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98108 Friday, December 7, 2018

HOT SHOTS

CULTURE SHIFT

New staff brings burst of energy to CHS

Cleveland topples Garfield, 66-65, in OT

ANDREW CORNEL Staff Reporter As Cleveland’s student body grows, so does the number of staff members. And the new hires are giving the faculty a boost of energy. More teachers are stepping up by leading clubs, participating in events and wanting to do more around the school. They are also finding new ways to teach content and seeking ways to get to know and support students and families.

New hires Francis Lin and Paige Wakamatsu Wilson, who teach science and math, respectively, immediately found ways to plug into the school community. Lin is currently serving as the advisor to two after school activities, the Smash Club and the Vietnamese Student Club.

Wanting to broaden her involvement, Wakamatsu Wilson quickly got involved with school committees.

“I was lucky enough to get selected to be on the BLT [Building Leadership Team],” she said. “I joined the social committee – so trying to celebrate … staff birthdays or any celebrations … I picked up some CASH shifts.”

ENERGY > PAGE 4

BRANDON TRUJILLO

M

embers of the boys basketball team rush the court after Anthony Thompson, center, hits the game-winning shot from half court in overtime against Garfield on Nov. 30. Playing in front of a packed crowd for their Metro League opener, the Eagles led for most of the game. The Bulldogs took the lead before the half, but Cleveland would not stay down for long. A clutch three pointer by senior Calvin Law Jr. sent the game into overtime. After Garfield sank two free throws with 2.6 seconds

left on the OT clock, Angus Vlasty inbounded the ball to Thompson, who dribbled for a few steps before launching a shot from half court. The ball went in at the sound of the buzzer and Cleveland fans stormed the court.

This was the first time the Eagles have beat Garfield since the early 1960s.

After the Bulldogs became a 4A squad, the teams went decades without playing one another. The last time Cleveland beat Garfield, the Bulldogs were denied a chance at a state title.

Shortage of bus drivers makes getting to school on time a bumpy ride BROOKLYN JIMENO Staff Reporter

HUNG ‘FLOKI’ NGUYEN

Bus 403 waits for students on 15th Avenue South on Dec. 4. Several bus routes have been running late every morning, making bus riders late for class several days a week.

For most people, the sound of their morning alarm is a call to action. Get up. Get dressed. Get to school. But for a group of students who ride the yellow bus to school, there’s an added component to their morning ritual: Show up late.

By the time bus riders arrive to school, teachers already have received an email alerting them that buses are running late, with buses 401, 402 and 403 being consistent offenders. And it’s not just minutes behind; some buses show up more than an hour late.

Sophomore Makana Haynes has taken bus 401 for the past two years and is

outraged by the lack of organization within the district’s transportation department.

“I would get to school at 9:17 a.m.,” he said. “I missed a lot of school work.

It’s super annoying trying Makana Haynes, to just jump right into the a sophomore, lesson after being so late.” said his bus was Haynes said the conconsistently late. sistent late bus arrivals began to affect his grades.

“I had this project due … and I had to turn it in late and get a late grade on it,” he said. “It affected my grade a lot.”

BUSES > PAGE 5

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| December 7, 2018

The Journal

News

Eyes on the Eagles — December MON

TUES

WED

3 Last day for STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES

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THURS 5

BLT Meeting

FRI 6

JUNIOR CLASS FIELD TRIP “In the Heights” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

EOG & Staff Meetings

WINTER CONCERT 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium

Hanukkah begins Dec. 2

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Pearl Harbor Day

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AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE FIELD TRIP 2nd/4th periods

Hanukkah Ends

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WINTER SPORTS TEAM PICTURES 4-6 p.m. in the gym Boys Basketball Wrestling Girls Basketball Cheerleading Boys Swim

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SENIOR CAP & GOWN PHOTOS 9 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Class Photo during lunch/advisory

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9TH GRADE FIELD TRIP (Dreeben/Gandy Humanities) “In the Heights” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

PD & Staff Meetings

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BLT Meeting

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MULTICULTURAL NIGHT 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium

PLC & Department Meetings

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NEW EPISODE OF VANTAGE POINT

1-HOUR EARLY RELEASE

9TH GRADE FIELD TRIP (Shinn’s Humanities) “In the Heights” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Winter Solstice

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WINTER BREAK - NO SCHOOL Christmas Eve

Christmas

Kwanzaa Begins

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JANUARY WINTER BREAK - NO SCHOOL New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Day

News From the Nest fle off a 2019 Mercedes-Benz to raise money for the school. The group must sell a set number of tickets to reach their goal, but there are other prizes along the way.

#SnrSzn On Wednesday, Dec. 12, the Class of 2019 will have their senior portraits taken in a cap and gown. The group will pose for their official senior class photo during lunch and vote for Hall of Fame. Portraits will be taken from 9 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the auditorium. This will also be the last day for seniors to purchase a cap and gown at the discounted rate. Representatives from National Achiever will be on hand to take orders.

• 100 tickets - $100 Starbucks Gift Card • 200 tickets - $500 Amazon Gift Card • 400 tickets - $1,000 Nike Gift Card • 700 tickets - iPhone XS • 1,500 tickets - Weber Genesis Grill II You matter LX Gas Grill with Cover Yearbooks are on sale for the reBaby Stark • 3,000 tickets - MacBook Pro (15”) mainder of the first semester for $60. do-do-do-do-do-do • 6,000 tickets - 2019 Mercedes-Benz Seniors may still purchase a baseball Congratulations to Assistant Hu- CLA jerseys and tees until Dec. 21. manities teacher Lauren Stark, who gave birth to a baby girl, Josephine Tickets are $10 and anyone who Got an important Clara Stark on Nov. 17. Both mom and is 18 or older can be purchased from announcement? baby are doing well. Stark will be on any PTSA board member or at any Email submissions to maternity leave until next year. home game. Winning tickets will be clevelandjournal@gmail.com. drawn at the Red & White Auction Get your gear on May 4.

It’s finally here! Students and staff who ordered spirit gear may pick it Parents night out up in Room 1162 during lunch and Cleveland’s PTSA will hold their In the Nov. 9 edition of the Jourafter school. Anyone who owes a bal- monthly meeting on Monday, Nov. nal, due to a reporting error, Sofia ance must pay it off before receiving 19, at 6 p.m. in Room 1162. Teachers Heron’s name was misspelled. their gear. Extra gear will be sold on and parents who wants to submit an In the same story, the attribution a first come, first serve basis. item for the agenda or submit a fund- for a graphic on Cleveland’s student ing request should contact PTSA body was omitted. The figures were Can’t win if you don’t play Staff Liaison Teresa Scribner at ch- provided to the Journal by Seattle Cleveland’s PTSA is aiming to raf- seaglesptsa@gmail.com.

Public Schools data.

Corrections

Recycle this newspaper in Room 1162

The Journal

December 7, 2018 |

News

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Young voters galvanized by midterm election ALIYAH NEWMAN Staff Reporter History was made across the nation when several trailblazing candidates won coveted spots in American politics. Headed to the Capitol are Muslims, women, and African Americans, who were big winners on Nov. 6. Two Native American women share the distinction of being the first to serve in Congress.

Closer to home, initiatives on gun regulation laws will give Washington some of the strictest firearms laws in the country.

Other ballot measures included increased police training, including a higher standard for use of deadly force and environmental taxes.

While less than one-fourth of Cleveland’s student body can vote, November’s midterm election gave those who were eligible a chance to shape the future of the state. But not being old enough to vote doesn’t stop younger citizens from getting involved in politics.

Junior Andrew Hong is self-described as one of the more politically active students at Cleveland. Since 2016, he has been campaigning and volunteering for the candidates he admires – and may even ask his peers to convince their parents to vote for some of his favorites.

“I started to try to pay attention to politics … with Bernie Sanders’s campaign,” Hong said.

“I got more active in politics right after the Stoneman Douglas shooting in Florida.”

The Valentine’s Day school shooting left 17 students and staff members dead and dozens injured.

CREATIVE COMMONS

Students protest at Ingraham High School on March 14, which marked exactly one month after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre in Parkland, Fla. The massacre sparked a nationwide discussion about gun violence and school safety.

Hong is a strong advocate for the new gun control and police training laws, as he believes they directly affect Cleveland and other teens around the state.

“It definitely makes Cleveland safer and Seattle safer and the whole state safer from gun violence,” Hong said. He believes the law enforcement training will prevent more people from being wrongly shot, particularly African-American males.

Mitchell Moss, a junior, also supports the new law enforcement proposal.

“We need have more conflict resolution and less combat training for police officers,” Moss said.

“I don’t really trust them much as of right now.”

Moss agrees that police officers need more de-escalation tactics instead of resorting to pulling their guns, but he does

not like the new possibility for more gun control in Washington state or the country.

“I feel like banning a tool Junior Mitchell that can be used Moss supports in multiple, difmore training for ferent ways is police officers. not fair because there’s a lot of good people out there that do own guns, and I think limiting them isn’t fair,” said Moss.

Even through differing opinions for political subjects, Hong and Moss agree on the importance of political power in this country, and the value of voting rights. Both juniors are looking forward to voting in the 2020 election and are hoping for a larger young-voter turnout.

this is the world that you guys will inherit.”

Micklin made sure the workers from the Washington Bus visited all 12th grade classrooms to create equal access to any students who wanted to vote.

Shanti Knutzen is one senior who became an eligible voter this year.

“Voting is a responsibility I was excited to Shanti Knutzen have,” she said. learned more “It’s an opportuabout politics in nity to be a part Humanities. of making things happen.”

She feels that Cleveland helped her understand politics more due to the government focus in her Humanities class this year.

“I got to learn more about the importance of voting and democracy and everything around the time we voted.”

Knutzen also utilized the Washington Bus support, which helped her and others register or pre-register to vote.

Understanding the importance and relevance of voting can be difficult to young people who haven’t been exposed to the idea.

Elections that don’t include a presidential run can seem less significant, but midterms determine many things that affect Cleveland’s population directly. Knutzen knows how voter turnout can make or break the country.

“Deciding who we want to represent us as a city or state in Congress … is extremely important.”

Librarian Lee Micklin wants students to get involved and start voting because in her eyes, it affects everyone.

Micklin helped to partner Cleveland with the Washington Bus to spread the word on how students Librarian Lee can register to Micklin helped vote. The orgaregister students nization aims to to vote. increase political participation for young people across the state.

“If you look at the issues that were on the ballot, every single one of them affects all of us. Be it climate change, be it police justice, be it gun control,” Micklin said. “[The younger generations] Read Andrew Hong’s are going to be living longer in opinion piece on gun violence this world longer than we are, so on Page 6

Acts of violence causing anxiety in ‘safe spaces’ TAYLOR MOE Staff reporter Church. School. Your bedroom. Most people have a special place they retreat to in times of stress, sorrow or to simply feel safe. But recently, those safe spaces are being invaded by acts of violence.

Mass shootings around the country are dominating the headlines, the most recent taking place at a bar in Thousand Oaks, Calif., on Nov. 7 and an Alabama mall on Black Friday.

But there are times when people don’t feel comfortable in the places that were meant to be safe havens, causing fear and anxiety to take over.

With more and more shootings happening in places of worship – one at a synagogue in Pittsburgh left 11 people dead – congregants are no longer focusing on going to a safe place. The focus has shifted to making these safe places safe from others.

“I do worry sometimes when I go to my place of worship, given how often [shootings have] happened in the last several years,” said Ana-Claudia Magaña, a 10th grade Humanities teacher.

Magaña worships at Our Lady of Guadalupe in West Seattle.

“For me, that’s a place to re-center myself with my religion and to be fully pres-

TAYLOR MOE

Sophomore Humanities teacher Ana-Claudia Magaña reads “Things Fall Apart” to her students on Nov. 30.

Magaña said recent shootings in places of worship have made it harder for her to feel safe when she attends church, but she tries not to focus on the negative.

ent,” she said. “And those events … they oftentimes make it harder to do that.”

Even though it is hard, Magaña still finds ways to not dwell on the fear. She believes obsessing about the shootings and other tragedies makes it worse.

“Even though I acknowledge [a shooting] is a possibility, I feel like I would go crazy if I were to dwell on it,” said Magaña.

Even people who are non-religious can be affected by shootings. David Dreeben teaches ninth grade Humanities. Two of his cousins, who are Jewish, live only several blocks from the temple where the synagogue shooting occurred. On the morning of the shooting, Dreeben’s fiancée told him about the tragedy and he immediately called to check on his relatives.

“I had heard of that community and knew I had family members who were there,” Dreeben said. “Luckily, they don’t go to that temple; they were okay.”

Both Dreeben and Magaña talked about these occurrences in their classrooms, giving students a place to process their emotions.

“I know there were a lot of sad and shocked faces in the room,” Magaña said.

“There was also a hint of fear.”

Dreeben had a class discussion about the Pittsburgh shooting, which helped him reason why studying religion is important to his class. They used the conversation to transition into learning more about Judaism for a class project they were working on.

Even though the most recent shootings occurred in public places, there is still a fear for safety within homes. There have been several instances of people being shot by stray bullets while in the privacy of their homes.

Sophomore Zhong Wang feels most relaxed when she is in her quiet room, but feels pain when people get hurt or injured. Still, she prefers to stick close to home.

“I only find my house, my friend’s house, my cousin’s house, and my community center safe because there are people I know there that can protect me.”

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| December 7, 2018

Lack of funding, low interest keeps school from hiring Chinese teacher FRANCIS NGUYEN Staff Reporter To graduate, students are required to have completed at least two world language credits. At Cleveland, those options are limited to Mandarin-Chinese and Spanish.

However, the numbers of available language teachers differ. Spanish is taught by teachers Victoria Jones, Sadie Sattler and Jennifer Wittenberg, while Chinese instruction is solely provided by Ching-Hsien Shu. Shu has been teaching at Cleveland for nearly 10 years. During that time, she’s been the only language teacher instructing four levels of MandaChing-Hsien Shu rin-Chinese: 1-3 and is the only World Language teacher advanced placement (AP), with the AP for Chinese. class being the most recent addition.

“Sometimes I don’t have enough time for myself or family, I always put more time and effort into the Chinese classes,” Shu said. “I’m still struggling on how to teach AP and helping my students to pass the AP test.

Class sizes contribute to Shu’s struggle.

“The class sizes are a given hard, because it’s so big,” Shu said. “It’s hard to manage, especially Chinese 1.”

A resolution suggested for this staffing shortage is more funding.

Cleveland has a budget on how much money they can allocate to their language department, and it can only pay for so much. Shu said this year has been tougher because AP requires more reading materials.

“The books are very expensive,” she said. “In order for everyone to have a book, it costs a lot.”

Jones is optimistic that the staff shortage will improve next year.

“Right now, there’s only one Chinese teacher because we didn’t have funds,” said Jones. She believes that Cleveland will have enough funds to get another Chinese teacher next year.

Principal George Breland believes that student interest is the reason behind the difference of the world language teachers.

“It’s what the kids choose,” Breland said. “It’s any course. If you have like 250 freshmen, if more of them are coming in taking Algebra 2 and Geometry, you got to have more of those sections, because that is what’s required and requested, so we would have to increase those sections.”

While adding another Chinese teacher would decrease the class sizes, the interest in Chinese seems to be lower for students.

Not only is interest a factor but also earning potential. Shu said a teacher only receives 20 percent of the full-time income for teaching one class.

“It’s hard to hire a teacher who’d want to come here for [20 percent] of the payment. They’d need to drive, and that’s gas and time, so, you know, it’s hard.”

The Journal

Academics

Taxpayers say ‘yes’ to better education NIA JONES Staff Reporter Seattle voters once again renewed the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy (FEPP) in the November midterm elections. The levy aims to provide students and their families better access to education.

“People that are trying to have their kids go to preschool will have to try to pay for, or find a high-quality preschool on their own,” Seattle Public Schools’ Chief Strategy and Partnerships Officer Brent Jones said.

This would mean low-income families may struggle to afford or even find a preschool that sets their child up for success.

In addition, students would lose access to the Seattle Promise scholarship funding.

“This is an exciting opportunity for many students who may not have seen college as an option,” said Sherri Kokx, special assistant to Superintendent Denise Juneau, about the Seattle Promise scholarships providing all students access to postsecondary education.

The Seattle Promise Program is a government-funded scholarship that provides access to two years of community college for high school graduates.

It aims to increase access to higher education for students of color, low-income students, and first-generation college stu-

dents.

“At the K-12 and Community level, our investments strive to increase the number students graduating and prepares them for college and a career,” Dwane Chappelle, director of the Department of Education and Early Learning in Seattle Schools said.

But this funding would have been lost if the levy didn’t pass.

In addition, some SPS staff members may have had to move schools or even have lost their jobs.

“Family support managers would not be available to give families needed supports to connect them to other services.”

Jones said of the levy funding.

MOLLY HOUSE

Science teacher Francis Lin, left, works with senior Keimyah Gayden on an assignment. The new hire advises two clubs. He came dressed as “Seattle Freeze” on Halloween.

ENERGY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Wakamatsu Wilson said she wanted to join the school’s Race and Equity team, but the group meets on Thursdays at the same time as CASH. On the weekends, she goes to a local library to support students in AP Calculus or Algebra 1 students who want to test out of Geometry.

“I’m trying to make myself as available as possible,” she said. “I try to go to … the Beacon Hill Library most Saturdays. I’m there at least three out of the four Saturdays of the month.”

Teachers are also looking for more ways to be more engaged with students outside of academics. Handing out candy on Halloween and attending sporting events are just some of the ways staff members are showing their support. Ninth grade counselor Claire Abe said reaching out to all new students and families is her way of trying to connect.

“Just kind of being available to support any student that comes into the counseling office and helping out where I

MOLLY HOUSE

Math teacher Paige Wakamatsu Wilson has thrown herself into the Cleveland culture. She is the head of the staff’s social committee, a member of the Building Leadership Team and tutors students in CASH.

can,” said Abe. She also advises the Key Club.

Science teacher Steve Pratt is in his 11th year at Cleveland.

He used to serve as the manager for Ultimate Frisbee before handing it over to the new attendance counselor, Lynda Hoang. Pratt said the culture of the school is becoming different by how his colleagues teach their curriculum. He said the teachers are more enthusiastic.

“When I first came, I remember there were teachers that ... would give out assignments for [students] to just watch a film and write down 10 facts about it. That’s all you had to do,” he said. “There wasn’t a lot of critical thinking, there wasn’t a lot of asking questions, there weren’t a lot of projects around social justice.”

Now, teachers are making students think outside the box

“Health centers wouldn’t be available to high schools and middle schools.”

Renewal of the levy means Seattle taxpayers will pay more each month to support education. During the past seven years, a little more $600 million has been taxed and put toward SPS students.

“Investing in quality preschool, K-12 and access to college and career opportunities will help our young scholars throughout their lives,” Chappelle said. “These investments will build economic opportunity for all young scholars in Seattle by closing the opportunity gap and creating pathways to good-paying jobs.”

and critically about the world around them.

“We’re doing the CHIA project and the Water Project, which try to address larger global issues through the lens of science and engineering and problem solving,” said Pratt.

Students appreciate the teachers who are choosing to step up. Senior Xiao Lin Huang said there is a definite difference in her ninthgrade education versus his Senior Xiao Lin senior year.

Huang sees the “In ninth difference in the grade, [my staff’s energy. teacher] didn’t really teach us what is happening around us, like what is going on in the news,” Huang said.

“Now I have Ms. [Stephanie] Cristol. We learn about what is going on in the real world ... something that is relevant to us like our personal statements … and our government.”

Hoang thinks the new staff is more caring.

“They are more aware of what we need instead of just teaching us the … standard.”

Wakamatsu Wilson said it isn’t just the new staff who’s the source of energy. She is impressed by her colleagues who are giving “110 percent.”

“I see my colleagues working really hard and doing everything they can to support students,” she said. “It kind of pushes me to a little more in math … so I can make sure my students are successful as well.”

The change can be placed on multiple aspects, with hiring being at the top of the list.

“I think [administration does] a good job of looking for candidates who are energetic, and I would also say humble in the sense that they take feedback and do something with it rather than always saying, ‘Well, this is how I’ve done it, and so I’m going keep doing what I want to do,’” said Pratt.

“Cleveland of today is not the Cleveland of when I came in 11 years ago.”

The Journal

December 7, 2018 |

Features

5

Caring custodian makes Cleveland shine From staff reports To say Bruce Shields is a hardworking person is an understatement. The school’s head custodian is on campus before 7 a.m., and by the time students arrived, he’s already checked several items off his to-do list. It’s that type of dedication that keeps the school running.

“My typical day is coming in and opening up the school, making sure that substitute teachers have their keys,” said Shields.

While Shields spends the bulk of his day making sure the school is in working order, his priority is on keeping Cleveland clean. “[The custodial staff] has a lot of pride in ourselves, and we want this school to reflect the type of work ethic that we have,” he said. “We want this to be one of the cleanest schools in the whole Seattle Public Schools … and we want our kids over here in a clean and safe environment. So that motivates us to do a good job.”

In his two years at CHS, Shields has grown fond of the school. He likes the “togetherness” he sees among the students and staff.

“I just like the friendliness of this

BUSES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Freshman Isaiah Banks also used to ride bus 401. He gave up on the yellow bus after several late arrivals and opted to take the Metro bus lines, which comes with its own set of logistical problems.

“The Metro was harder because the bus stop by my house is closed down, so I have to walk pretty far to the next one,” he said. “Sometimes I would forget that it was closed, and the bus would pass right by me.”

Like Haynes, Banks also was missing large parts of instructional time in class. He has Physics and Individual/Dual Sports as his morning classes Freshman Isaiah and struggled to Banks gave up on keep up. riding the bus.

“In Ms. [Sharon] Gard’s class … she gets moving real fast, but in Mr. [Ryan] Kastl’s class, it’s easier,” Banks said. “I get caught up by the people at my table.”

Banks said it’s getting better now that he has an alternative to riding the bus: his grandmother.

“I was missing a big chunk, but it’s gotten better … they have a new bus route, and now I think that the bus will be better.”

According to Kathleen Katterhagen, director of Logistics for Seattle Public Schools (SPS), there is a shortage of bus drivers for the district. First Student, the company that provides the yellow bus service, has struggled to

time to clean up the small messes … and it may be small but it’s a big place to clean up so I really do appreciate what Bruce does.”

Draculan said Shields’ warm approach is what makes him relatable to students. “[Bruce] enjoys his job doing it, and the fact that he’s enjoying … his job makes me want to help him,” Draculan said.

Outside of Cleveland, Shields is a minister at Greater Glory Ministries Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Way, a position he has held for five years.

“I didn’t particularly want to be a minister,” he said. “I think I ran from it. I didn’t really feel like I was qualified to be a minister.”

Shields said he fought the idea, but God led him to do the work. “[God] … will be persistent if he wants you to do something, and I didn’t have any BRANDON TRUJILLO peace so I accepted … my calling.”

Head custodian Bruce Shields responds to an email during the last hour of his day on Nov. 30. Shields spends Shields is a father to a daughter and two much of his day overseeing repairs around the school, making sure everything is in working order. sons. His youngest son, 16-year-old Brennan, attends school at Franklin. He enjoys school,” he said. if it wasn’t for the man he affectionately taking trips away from the city with his Shields’ dedication doesn’t go unno- calls, “Mr. Bruce.” wife and grandson, Tyree. ticed. Students and staff members like to “There’s a lot of things to appreciate sing his praises. Junior Isaiah-James Drac- about him,” Draculan said. “He takes his Staff reporter Brandon Trujillo ulan said the school would be falling apart time to talk to students, he even takes his contributed to this story.

keep steady drivers to cover all the routes.

“There is so much competition in the Seattle area for commercial bus drivers,” Katterhagen said. “First student has to compete with Metro bus drivers, Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks; there is a lot of need for drivers.”

The lure of full-time work with health insurance is a strong one over a part-time job without any benefits. Katterhagen said the problem wasn’t a local one.

“This is a labor market issue that is regional and nationwide.”

As a solution, SPS have consolidated some of the bus routes in order to reach more kids on time. The district also reached out to other companies for help.

“We … recently contracted with an alternative bus service who happen to have 15 buses and drivers available to pick up and add them to our district services,” Katterhagen explained.

“They are basically going to cover 15 routes for us to and from school.”

Students who ride the buses do not have to worry about being marked late. Attendance specialist Lynda Hoang and the main office staff have a detailed list of bus riders and make sure teachers are alerted early when buses will be late. Since September, they have sent dozens of emails about tardies.

More recently, it seems as if the solutions from SPS has proven to work. Haynes said he used to be late to school every single day, but now his route has a new bus driver that has remained consistent.

“It’s not late at all; it’s actually super early,” he said. “I’m happy about that.”

Recycle this newspaper in Room 1162

MOLLY HOUSE

Cleveland’s Building Leadership Team discuss an upcoming schedule change on Dec. 4. Members are Bryan Gordon, left, Catherine Brown, Teresa Scribner, Paige Wakamatsu Wilson, Napsiyah Sallee, Evin Shinn, Andrew Cornel and Jessica Truong. Not pictured are Logan Reichert and Megan Claus.

Committee’s decisions keep school running smoothly MOLLY HOUSE Staff Reporter It’s not a sandwich filled with bacon, lettuce and tomato. The Cleveland Building Leadership Team (BLT) is the behind-thescenes team responsible for making the bulk of the important decisions that keep a school running smoothly.

This select group of teachers, staff members and students meet to make collaborative decisions regarding matters of Cleveland, while respecting Seattle School District Policies, rules, contractual obligations and procedures (according to the official by-laws of the Cleveland BLT). The team takes on issues concerning the budget, assemblies, and special schedules.

Megan Claus, academic intervention specialist and principal intern, is a member of the BLT. “The Building Leadership Team has meetings twice a month, and we talk about decisions that need to be made for Cleveland,” Claus said. “They’re often things that make sense for a small group of staff members to talk about before they’re presented to the whole staff.”

The BLT handles any event that may disrupt the regular school schedule. Representation and diversity are important factors in a school BLT, because the committee is responsible for representing the entirety of the school in its decisions.

“I think that our BLT includes a really good representation of teachers and staff members, and we also have students this year, so I think that’s been really powerful,” Claus said. “The BLT does a really good job asking questions and trying to include the voice of all of the people they represent in the decisions that are made.”

Seniors Andrew Cornel and Jessica Truong serve as the student representatives. They were chosen because of their involvement in student government, having exemplified leadership skills.

Truong hopes she can give the BLT a real student perspective.

“I feel like it’s really good that we are in the BLT ... if we weren’t, then we wouldn’t get to see what they were doing, and how the students could be more involved,” Truong said. “For me, I personally like being in the meetings, because I get to talk … since I’m a student, I already know

what goes on at Cleveland, and I can put myself in the students’ shoes.”

Napsiyah Sallee, SoED counselor for 10th, 11th and 12th grades, is new to BLT. She describes the team as having a diverse mix of genders and races.

She also thinks student voices are an important part of the team.

Sallee believes that well-rounded representation is a vital part of the BLT. As a counselor, Sallee hopes that she can shed light on social-emotional issues and scheduling topics as they come up in the meetings. For example, the BLT decided to have a schoolwide play about anxiety and the effects it has on students. The play will be half an hour long and include a half hour Q&A session for students.

“I’d hope it would normalize it, and say that, you know, students are going through modern types of issues,” Sallee said. “I think having students being more aware that anxiety is an issue.”

The Cleveland BLT is going to a two-day conference early next year to learn strategies about decision-making, and how to be stronger as a team.

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Opinion

The Journal

Compromise needed for gun reform ANDREW HONG Guest Columnist

Everyone has a story; I want to hear it

BY MOLLY HOUSE Journal Content Manager Wide-eyed and full of coffee, I was rapt with attention. I was at the National High School Journalism Convention in San Francisco, taking an advanced storytelling class. Legal pad and pen in hand, I was ready to learn. The teacher, a seasoned journalism instructor, stood at the front of the room and cleared his throat.

“What I am about to tell you is the key to good journalism,” he said.

We leaned forward in our chairs, and you could’ve heard a pin drop.

“Everybody has a story; you just have to find it.”

You could hear everyone in the room exhale as we thought to ourselves, “Is it really that easy?” Does everyone really have a story?

For part of the class, we were sent out and told to come back with a story. I had the whole city to work with! I started talking to a woman waiting for a cab, but when her cab left, so did her story. I walked up to a security guard in the hotel, not quite knowing what to expect. I ended up talking with the woman for over an hour, learning more than I could have ever fathomed.

Outside of her regular job working security, the guard mentored young women in need of guidance. She got pregnant in high school, and while she loved her daughter more than anything, she hoped that she could guide other girls to reach their fullest potential. She felt one of her greatest achievements in life (besides raising her daughter) was helping a young woman graduate high school and get accepted into college.

Since then, I have realized that everyone truly does have a story. It’s the job of a student journalist to tell the stories of their school, to give a voice to students who otherwise might not get heard.

Walk up to a stranger. Ask how they are doing. Ask them questions? You’d be surprised by what you might find out.

Being a journalist, I get to go up to people and just talk. When I walk into an interview, I never know what I will end up learning. Most of the questions I prepare lay forgotten, the conversation often veering in a more interesting direction. Some of the most memorable experiences I’ve had have been interviews.

I’ve had the amazing opportunity to attend various journalism conventions and take classes taught by journalists. They would all say, ‘Everybody has a story, you just have to find it.’ I listened. Now, it all makes sense, but sitting in those classes, I didn’t realize the impact those words would have on my life.

Cleveland Publications leadership team: Molly House, Andrew Cornel and Mauricio Vasquez

Gun violence is distinctly American; no other fully developed nation has more mass shootings than the United States. According to Gun Violence Archive, there have been 323 mass shootings this year.

Thirty-six of these shootings happened at schools. In September, Cleveland went on lockdown because of gun violence in the immediate area.

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that there is a gun violence problem.

But we are divided on how to solve it, and perhaps today, more divided than ever.

Democrats favor more gun restrictions like a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines (devices that allow guns to fire at a rapid pace). Republicans favor increase attention to mental health and placing armed security guards and teachers in schools.

Guns are on top of many Americans’ minds. According to MSNBC, it was the fourth most important issue for Americans in the 2018 elections last month.

“Guns are a really important issue,” said junior Kai Laslett-Vigil. “[Congress] needs to do something now to fix gun violence.”

In the 2018 midterm elections, Americans elected a Democratic House of Representatives alongside a Republican Senate. Come January, we will have a divided government. Passing gun control has been unsuccessful in recent past, especially through a divided government. All five gun control bills failed in the past 20 years.

One reason why Congress hasn’t passed gun regulation is because of the powerful gun lobbyists. Groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA), spend millions of dollars every year promoting pro-gun candidates. The NRA is very influential amongst conservative voters; an endorsement could make or break a candidate.

But another reason why Congress doesn’t act on gun reform is the sharp divide amongst Americans. Here at Cleveland, we can see this divide.

Laslett-Vigil supports liberal positions like a federal ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines, while opposing implementing armed security guards at schools and arming teachers.

“We shouldn’t be spending our money on bringing more guns to school when that money could go to something else.”

In contrast, Victoria Jones, a Spanish teacher, holds a more moderate stance on gun control. Jones shared how her experiences working in a school, having children and living in an area where many people own guns have given her a unique perspective.

“I do think we need more mental health checkups and criminal background checks for people who have guns,” Jones said. “I don’t like it when I hear gunshots outside my home with

BY STEVEN TRAN

my children asleep.”

But at the same time, Jones also is a strong supporter of gun rights and opposes an assault weapons ban and any kind of gun confiscation.

“The second amendment is what makes Americans American. We shouldn’t criminalize self-defense.”

Mitchell Moss, a junior, holds a more conservative stance. Moss believes armed security guards at schools would best keep students safe from shootings.

He supports increased mental health support rather than increased gun restrictions.

“I think there should be fewer regulations on what kind of guns you should get.”

Despite Jones’, Moss’ and Laslett-Vigil’s differences on guns, all three support a bipartisan approach to solving the problem of gun violence in our divided government. Laslett-Vigil would support a deal that would place armed security guards in schools in exchange for a ban on high capacity magazines.

Jones would wholeheartedly support a bipartisan bill that would increase mental health supports and criminal background checks. Moss also would support a bipartisan approach, emphasizing the need for compromise in order to get anything done.

While the Cleveland community is willing to compromise for gun reform,

it’s Congress that actually needs to.

Congressman Adam Smith, Cleveland’s representative in the House of Representatives, is not in favor of compromise. Smith, a supporter of gun control, believes the gun lobby and the Republican Party have become unreasonable and impossible to work with.

“Twenty years ago, I worked with [the gun lobby] after the Columbine shooting. But now, they won’t even agree to a bump stock ban.”

Perhaps with his eyes on a new president and Senate in 2020, Smith believes it’s most important to show the American people that Democrats will work for sensible gun control and that Republicans will not. He believes the Democratic majority in the House should work solitarily on gun control in the next two years, even if it won’t become law.

“We need to put forth sensible gun control, and show the American people this is what a Democratic Congress will look like. Even if that means we can’t get an agreement with the president and Senate.”

While no one was killed in September gun incident near Cleveland, we may not be so lucky next time. Despite Cleveland’s divided stance on guns control, we are willing to compromise to address this dire issue. Is Congress?

The prospects of gun reform look grim unless they do.

Recycle this newspaper in Room 1162

The Journal

December 7, 2018 |

Sports

7

on Dec. 7, against Seattle Prep.

WRESTLING Wrestling is arguably one of the most underrated sports at CHS. The team consistently does well, with several members advancing to post-season action.

But the team doesn’t have the fanfare of some of the more popular sports.

After a poor showing at last year’s Metros, junior Nathan Truong is looking forward to getting another shot.

“I been practicing a lot so I want to see if I’ve improved this year,” he said. “Practicing all the moves that I know; also learning new moves so that I can be smarter about them to use in wrestling.”

Winter sports preview GIRLS BASKETBALL Last season, the Lady Eagles ended their year as Metro League Champions. But after their head coach, Jamie Redd, left the team in September, the girls worried they wouldn’t be able to find a replacement in time.

Giovan Richardson was hired in October, and now the Lady Eagles have their eyes back on the prize.

“I want to bring the team structure, competing at a high level, also helping to be better at their position, Richardson said.

“Got to take one game at a time because I want to see the team gets as far as they can go.”

Senior Rasheal Spikes appreciates Richardson’s coaching strategy, which focuses on team bonding.

“I think it’s good because he brings a lot to the team,” Spikes said. “I think him trying to bond with the team is really nice.”

BRANDON TRUJILLO

Senior Rasheal Spikes puts up a shot against Franklin in Cleveland’s gym on Dec. 5. The Lady Eagles are struggling in the early season, but the team is building momentum going into Winter Break.

BOY SWIM The boys swim team had a strong season last year with three wins. But the team didn’t stop there, they fought their way to District Championships and got into finals. They are hoping to

keeping the streak alive this year.

Junior James Doan, a former lifeguard and a transfer from Garfield, wanted to help build team spirit, which he felt was missing.

“This year, I just want to see a

COURTESY OF LENNY HAYNES

Career Choices teacher Lenny Haynes, front, poses with his group of trainees after a morning workout.

Haynes has been working with students and athletes who want to get in shape or improve in their sport.

Trainer offers early-morning workouts for students, athletes

BY KATRINA NGUYEN Staff Reporter Participating in sports can help all ages and genders get more into shape and feel stronger. Career Choices teacher Lenny Haynes owns a gym in Rainier Beach and has been training students to help them improve in their sport.

Haynes trains athletes who participate in basketball, swimming and even some who do not play a sport in the mornings on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“Basketball guys needed help so the coach asked me if I can train them before season to get them a little bit stronger and a little bit more in shape because we want to prevent injuries,” said Haynes.

“They have a safe place to go in the

morning, where they feel supported, where they can learn more about getting healthy, they can learn how to get stronger.”

Haynes teaches the students a wide range of exercises so they can work independently.

“We do a lot of cardio, calisthenics, back workouts, legs, bunch of different things,” said junior Omar Yussuf, who is preparing to run track in the spring. Yussuf believes the workouts are helping him get stronger and is good for his overall well-being and health.

Haynes trains students in core exercises, strengthening, speed and agility. He hopes to have more students come so he can help them get into shape.

“We have everybody.”

lot of smiles, a lot of great practices, a lot of great swims. I just want everybody to be brotherly,” Doan said. “I just want everyone to know that swim team is going to be an amazing this season.”

The team has their first meet

BOYS BASKETBALL Last year, boys’ basketball had a solid season, but the team replaced seven seniors, including standout C.J. Elleby. Now the team is looking for other players to step up and fill their shoes.

“Now, there are seven more guys have more opportunities to go out there to show us,” said head coach Jerry Petty. He’s already got his eye on some standout players.

“If I have to pick, it would be Shahid because he has a huge upside and it’s really raw.”

The Eagles take on Nathan Hale on Dec. 7 before going on the road to Bainbridge on Dec. 11.

Compiled by staff reporter Hung ‘Floki’ Nguyen

8

Eagles’ Nest

| December 7, 2018

Book showcases human connections, mental illness Review “Highly Illogical Behavior” Staff Reporter Ellie Works Through well-written characters, clever language and a realistic depiction of a mental illness, John Corey Whaley proves the importance of human connection in his book, “Highly Illogical Behavior.”

The story dives head on into the life of Solomon Reed, a 16year old boy with agoraphobia.

Reed hasn’t left his house since he fully submerged himself in the fountain outside of his middle school in order to suppress a panic attack.

Three years later, Reed’s isolation from the world seems perfectly OK to him, but in swoops Lisa Praytor, an ambitious 17-year old with plans of “fixing” Reed in order to write a scholarship-earning essay, and her water-polo playing boyfriend, who is understandably skeptical of Praytor’s plan.

While Whaley could have gone along the route of romanticizing mental illness the way other young adult literature often does, he instead gives a clear, raw depiction of Reed’s severe agoraphobia

through empathy and humor.

Whaley separates the book’s chapters

by Praytor’s and Reed’s internal thoughts and the external moments in which the characters crossover. The reader experiences Praytor’s anger toward her mother and strong desire to escape her suburban hometown, as well as Reed’s panic attacks, enthusiasm for Star-Trek and strong desire to not leave his hometown - or even his backyard.

The flaws and layers that make up human beings can be spotted in all of Whaley’s characters, no matter their motivations, age or gender. The clever dialogue and banter between the book’s personalities is fast paced yet smooth, leaving you interested and excited for what’s to come.

Whaley ends the story with a bang.

Your investment in each of the character’s inner desires and struggles all feel suddenly validated and secure, just the way a book of this type should make you feel.

Any reader of Whaley’s “Highly Illogical Behavior,” will come out the other end with a new appreciation for the people and connections that make life worth living.

The Journal

Baby, it’s cold outside

CHRISTMAS

SHOPPING

WINTER

ELVES

FOOD

ADVENTURE

VACATION

TRAVEL

CANDY

MILK

HANUKKAH

KWANZAA

LIGHTS

BREAK

DARK

SOLSTICE

HOLIDAY

SANTA

SLEEP

COLD

REINDEER

COOKIES

FAMILY

RAIN

SNOW

FRANCIS NGUYEN

Every month, The Journal will compile a suggested playlist from students and staff members. This month, you should listen to

Tony’s Tunes “SICKO MODE”

By Travis Scott featuring Drake Genre: Hip-Hop/ Rap Why this song?

“It’s the ear worm that’s in my head I like how the beat changes up 2 or 3 times over the course of the song.”

“Show Love”

By Kiana Ledé Genre: R&B/Soul Why this song? “In this song she sings very well she is able to hit those high notes real well in this song, it’s also very catchy.”

“Make It Out Alive”

By Nao featuring SiR (Remix) Genre: R&B/Soul Why this song? “This is a song that you

can really bop too and I think people should listen to her previous albums as well.”

“Whipped Cream”

By Ari Lennox Genre: R&B/Soul Why this song?

“I like this song because she has a beautiful voice in this song and I have never heard a song from her that I didn’t like.”

BY ELLIE WORKS

“Moo”

By Doja Cat Genre: Why this song? “This is the undercover bop of the Summer I don’t care what anybody says, and the music video was hilarious.”

Compiled by Briana Lee

Multicultural Night Wednesday, Dec. 19 from 6-8 p.m.

Bring your family for food and fellowship with the CLeveland Community!

SPS seeks student advisory board members MAURICIO VASQUEZ Staff Reporter The Student Advisory Board (SAB) is comprised of high school students from the Seattle School District to provide a way for kids to share their perspectives directly to Superintendent Denise Juneau.

The Board was formed by the superintendent to ensure

that students graduate from SPS prepared for college and ready to be a part of a community, while also exploring a multitude of issues involved with educational and racial equity for all students.

There is at least one representative for each high school in the district. Cleveland is represented by two freshmen: Rena Mateja Walker Burr and

Sarah Perez Olmedo.

“I really like to help people, especially when it comes to change and justice,” Walker Burr said. “People in higher power have a lot of work to do, so they may forget what they should be held accountable for.”

Students on the board will have their first official meeting on Dec. 7 at John Stanford

Center.

While the board’s decisions will not directly affect Cleveland, it aims to tackle district issues.

There are talks for a student board at CHS. Activities Coordinator Bryan Gordon is considering creating a board which would pick one representative from each advisory.

Those students would be an extension of the school’s governing body, ASB.