Q C Volume 3 Issue 4
7 We’re Online @ my.hsj.org/ca/southsanfrancisco/thecq and coltquarterly.wordpress.com 8
Editor-in-chief Catherine Tadina Photo Editor Katrina Nolasco
Art Director Christen Alqueza
Quarter 4 Editors Managing Editor Rebecca Gigi
CONTENTS
Page Editors Marcus Ismael Ryan Kratsas-Love Katrina Nolasco Marivic Victoria
4
14
Staff Writers Christen Alqueza Paula Eberle Kayla Kohlmeister Erin Lynch RJ Refuerzo Justin Sanchez Bisma Shahbaz
Photographers Ray Concepcion Marcus Ismael
Lead Researcher Shannon Keach
Online Editor Catherine Tadina
Adviser Adam G. McLearan Printer Folger Graphics Hayward, CA
Pg 4 Berg resigns to take county position After six years at El Camino, Principal Adele Berg announced her resignation April 5 accepting an offer to coordinate ROP for the San Mateo County Office of Education. By Ryan Kratsas-Love
Pg 10-13 El Camino’s most valued athletes of 2010-2011 A recognition of this year’s outstanding athletes, chosen by teammates and coaches based on performance and sportsmanship on their respective teams. By Ray Concepcion & Katrina Nolasco
Pg 14 Student Survival Guide: Senior year Being the most eventful year in high school, senior year comes with countless after school activities, preparation for college and so on. For those juniors about to become seniors, follow these guidelines to enjoy your final year. By Rebecca Gigi
Pg 23 Sojourn to the past Junior Angelina Cowan shares her remarkable story on her the journey to the Deep South exploring the civil rights movement on the Sojourn to the past trip. By Paula Eberle
4 Q
Volume 3 Issue 4 May 26, 2011
23
25
28
Pg 25 S.O.S. Save Our Schools Amidst principals resigning, stessed teachers, overburdened students, the District steamrolls on with its method of reform. The district needs to rethink its direction. Editorial
Pg 28 Is it really 3D? In this review the Nintendo’s new glasses free 3D handheld gaming device will blow your mind as it brings all the characters you’ve come to know and love into focus. By RJ Refuerzo
ON THE COVER Pg 16-19 Eat this not that? Do you ever wonder what goes into making the school lunches you consume daily? The Colt Quaterly investigates the policies and nutritional content of the lunches served at El Camino. By Catherine Tadina What’s for lunch: National School Lunch Program, FDA, USDA, District dietitions... lunch is made up of much more than calories, protien and carbohydrates. Design by Catherine Tadina
El Camino High School
1320 Mission Rd. South San Francisco, CA 94080
Colt Quarterly Mission Statement The Colt Quarterly is a news magazine dedicated to inform the El Camino High School student body and staff of the issues that affect the school and community. We strive to publish each magazine with accuracy and journalistic excellence and provide a forum guided by the ethics of journalism. Our goal is to represent the voice, passion, and diversity of the El Camino student body. We attempt to achieve journalistic excellence through thorough research, accurate reporting, and a structured editing process. All content is realized and produced by the Colt Quarterly staff. For a copy of the Colt Quarterly’s editorial policy please contact the adviser or editor-inchief.
Berg resigns to take county position By Ryan Kratsas-Love
4
May 25 June 3
NEWS Briefs
After a six year tenure at El Camino, Principal Adele Berg announced her resignation April 5. She has accepted an offer to coordinate the Regional Occupation Program (ROP) for the San Mateo County Office of Education. “I decided to resign as a result of the reforms put in place to address the No Child Left Behind Act,” Berg said. “They put in place a one-size-fits-all policy to improve test scores. Expecting every student to perform at the exact same level is not only unrealistic but unfair.” Berg said. Realizing that she could no longer perform her duties to support El Camino’s teachers and safeguard students’ education, she accepted a new opportunity when it presented itself. Berg came to El Camino in 2005 hoping to share what she had to offer the El Camino community. Her strategy was to spend the first year observing
to get to know the staff, students and culture of El Camino to identify its areas in need of improvement. Berg appreciated the strong, respectful relationship she saw between teachers and students but realized, “teachers worked in isolation in the classroom. That was a problem because if you’re going to work together, you need to open your doors and start having conversations within and across departments.” Berg said. “It was a painful process in the beginning, but this faculty is outstanding and worked through it.” In her six years at El Camino, Berg feels that the staff has accomplished much. “The faculty and staff have done an outstanding job collaborating to bring the school along where we want it to be.” Berg said. “The fact that last year El Camino placed fifth overall in the county out of 17 schools is hugely significant to me.” Berg is proud of what she and the staff have accomplished together in
Grad Night tickets were Drama sold during lunch in front of the stage until May 25. Both waiver forms must be signed in order to buy a ticket.
Colt Quarterly / Quarter 4 / May 2011
terms of improving academics and standing in the county but is most proud of the relationships built over the years. She does feel that she’s leaving “unfinished business” having started El Camino’s WASC accreditation process wanting to see the entire six-year term through to completion. Even though progress has been made, she believes El Camino is still in need of improvement that the new principal will inherit. “I have one word of advice for the new principal: Listen. Keep your door open and listen to people and then begin to roll out reform slowly and thoughtfully built on consensus from the team,” Berg offers. The decision to leave was not easy for Berg. She is looking forward to her new ROP duties and has few regrets as she leaves El Camino with lasting memories. “I’ve been in education for 35 years and I have to say, hands down, this has been the best experience of my life.”
Night will be held in the Little Theater on May 27 free of admission. Come and support your favorite drama student!
The Grad Night Com-
mitee will be holding a Car Show in the El Camino parking lot May 28 at 10 a.m.
A list of the four-year universities and colleges El Camino’s graduating seniors plan to attend after high school Private Colleges/Universities 5% UCs 21% CSUs 25% Out of State 1% Community Colleges 39% Technical schools 4% Military 2% 175 seniors reporting
Private Universities Avasinita Kumar Tim Landicho Kevin Madrigal Kamille Mercado Nuriel Garrett Alexandra Miller Catherine Tadina Brian Trinh Clarissa Yaw
Universities of California Shawn Arce Danica Bautista Jessica Bernardo Jason Buenaflor Muriele Catam Philip Evangelista Nicholas Fernando Faris Gheith Daniel Hirsch Cindy Joe
Graduation
Rehearsal will be held on June 2 in the Big Gym at 11 a.m. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.
Sydnie Kitamata-Wong Heather Kriletich Chris Lau Jonathan Lee Kristine Libunao Anwar Massis Rachel Mineses Sammie Mui Shadie Nimri Hazel Panopio Colin Reid Christopher Reyes Desiree Rozzi Mario Roussanov Smithu Sam Katelyn Sivell Emily Sison Danielle Sison Stephanie Sperow Matthew Tan Adrienne Viray Janice Wong Deanna Yee
El
Camino’s Advanced Placement Dance team went to Hollywood over spring break to dance and learn new choreography to prepare for the dance show.
California State Universities Swaaliha Abdul-Rahman Grace Acebo Carlos Alonzo Jocelyn Anaya Michael Tito Anorico Tom Asercion Dominic Bati Erikson Bautista Chrystal Bowdry Francisco Brosas Noelle Campos Andrew Castillo Jasmina Chan Chloe Cruz Kristine Cruz Charlene Decastro Omar El-Kurd David Haynie Ilma Islamovic Sancta Sophia Paran Amethyst Dela Pena Krystelle DeLeon Rebecca Gigi
All
students grades 7 through 12 are required to get the Tdap vaccine in order to attend school in the fall next year.
News !
College bound
Alex Gomez Jilian Gomez Frances Gonzales Nicole Guzman Shannon Keach Matthew Lou Angelica Macrohon Katherine Magpantay Evangeline-Faith Marcelo Roland Norona Justine Oliviano Anthony Perera Samuel Reveles Nikki Marie Roble Ian Santos Nina Stevens Michael Stratakis Malissa Tallett Marivic Victoria Dillon Wong
Out of State Katrina Nolasco Stephanie Surio
If you are interested in being an usher for graduation on June 3, see Ms. Petrovitz in the Attendance Office
May 2011 / Quarter 4 / Colt Quarterly
5
“I believe I probably developed a technique of teaching how I coach.” S
ince 1971 Steve Simondi has been a fixture in the Social Sciences Department and has educated thousands of students. Over the last 40 years Simondi has accomplished a great amount from teaching a wide variety of classes to spearheading some of the schools most celebrated extracurricular programs today. As the 2011 y e a r draws to a close and El Camino prepares to not only say goodbye the current school year but also
Simondi as he has officially announced his retirement. In 1971 Simondi was a new graduate from the University of the Pacific and found himself in immediate need of a job. He was relatively uninterested in becoming a teacher originally but knew that he wanted to go into coaching football. Simondi explained that during
search, Simondi sent out 100 applications remarking that it was fairly hard to find a job as a teacher in 1971. Like most new teachers, Simondi’s first year of teaching was difficult and was a year that he readily admits that he hated. “It wasn’t because of the students, they were great. The nervousness and uncertainty that you’re doing a good job or doing the right thing is what caused it,” Simondi said. What really aided him
End of an era...
6
lar activities over the years, having spearheaded programs like Mock Trial and Youth Government Day. He has also been involved with the Close Up trip to Washington D.C. and is very proud that all of these programs still exist today. Youth Government Day was started in 1980 by Simondi and Gene Mullin, who went on to the State Assembly person. Mock Trial was started for a similar reason again in joint effort with Simondi and Mullin to promote stu-
Social Science teacher Steve Simondi to retire after 40 years of teaching
By Shannon Keach the extra year he had to play football for UOP, he got his teaching credential though he was moderately unsure how he felt about teaching in general. During his job
during that year was the coaching position as an assistant varsity coach. Simondi comments that originally when he started at El Camino he enjoyed coaching more than teaching. Over the years though, it’s all sort of blended together. Some years coaching’s great and teaching is horrible then other years it switches, but I knew I wanted to coach.” While he enjoyed coaching, finding a balance between being a classroom teacher and being a coach was hard. Besides coaching and teaching, Simondi has also been involved in many extracurricu-
Photo Shannon Keach
Colt Quarterly / Quarter 4 / May 2011
dent interest in the justice system. Simondi accepted this offer and was the main organizer for the school’s trip until 2009. “In the Social Studies Department there are clubs representing law, government, and civil rights in a way that really gets students involved,” Simondi says. Simondi expresses that one of the things that he will miss most about teaching and working at El Camino is the people that he has worked with over the years. In his retirement he will spend time with his family and travel.
s e h s a r c s e t u n i s M u p 5 1 m y a r c s ’ Eve o n i m a El C Every 15 minutes, a program to inform juniors and seniors of the consequences of drinking and driving, was held March 14 and 15. The program started with a reenactment of a car crash followed by a video presentation and assembly. The South San Francisco community came together to help make this presentation happen months in advance to insure its impact and success. Junior Adam VanDusen, who played the role of a student in a drinking and driving accident and being paralyzed for life, was given the opportunity to join the program through Counselor Patty Vlahakos. Between November and March, VanDusen and the other students involved had one meeting per month to prepare. They began filming
Photo Catherine Tadina
By Marivic Victoria
Don’t drink and drive: Junior Angelo Goumenidis performs a field sobriety test with an SSF Police officer on the scene of a reenacted crash.
the video component in October. “It was a lot of work, but well worth it,” VanDusen said. Senior Francisco Brosas, one of the “walking dead,” symbolizing the Americans killed every year in drinking and driving accidents, has taken a lot from the Every 15 minutes program. He finds the whole experience has taught him just how dangerous driving can be. “I now don’t text while I drive. It used to be a habit of mine but I noticed how distracted I can get while texting and operating a vehicle,” Brosas said. Following the reenactment of the car crash, an assembly took place featuring guest host former 49er quarterback Steve Young. Another guest speaker, Steve shared his experience of losing his wife to a drunk driver.
Search for new superintendent continues By Bisma Shahbaz The search for a new South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD) superintendent continues after the resignation of Dr. Howard Cohen. After considering two internal candidates and responding to community concerns, the school board is now actively looking outside the district for new candidates. During a five-hour session on March 3, 2011 Acting Superintendent Adolfo Melara and former Superintendent George Kozitza were interviewed out of seven other possible candidates for the
position. Initially the board hoped to focus on internal candidates because of their familiarities with the district, however before closing doors to start the interviews, the board heard comments from about 25 community members comprised of parents, teachers and administrators in the standing-room only meeting. The public was overwhelmingly displeased with the board’s decision to not expand the search. By limiting the search to internal candidates the board initially hoped to save the district up to $25,000 in consulting fees associated with
conducting an expanded search. According to School Board Trustee Shirley Hoch, the public is concerned with saving money especially during these tough economic times, but the need for an effective superintendent is just as important. The Board is looking for someone who can guide the district through the budget crunch and has the best intentions for students’ education. Board President Maurice Goodman said the most important qualification is, “their ability to continue the reforms that we’re making and doing so within the economic situation the state is in right now.”
The public has reacted positively since the board has decided to expand the search. “The board has heard the voice of the people and will hopefully be able to find the best qualified candidate. If one of the two candidates in place is the best qualified after a wide, thorough, unbiased search- then so be it,” a recent commenter on an online article from South San Francisco Patch identified as “Tess” said. An additional open board meeting was held May 16 to solicit community feedback for the superintendent search.
May 2011 / Quarter 4 / Colt Quarterly
7
1
2
Photo
1. The El Camino Jazz Band performs in front of AT&T Park at the District Night at the ballpark May 10. Photo Katrina Nolasco
2. Junior Jen Clemena struts her stuff for a performance based assessment April 7 in the form of a fashion show in French 1. Photo Marcus Ismael
3. Seniors Emily Du and Reginne Ang celebreate a last home swim meet tradition by trying to throw each other into the pool May 5 against Westmoor. Photo Katrina Nolasco
8
Colt Quarterly / Quarter 4 / May 2011
3
4. GSA members Emily McMonigle, Nicolette Cava, Kim Hoffman, Jane Rivera, Erin Cotter and Deo Gammad rally around the Pride flag during Day of Silence April 15. Photo Marcus Ismael
5. Dance 1 students participate in dress rehersal for Dance Show’s presentation of Off the Wall in the Little Theater May 11. Photo Marcus Ismael
ď‚ľ 4
News
5 May 2011 / Quarter 4 / Colt Quarterly
9
El Camino’s standout
The following pages are a recognition of a few of this year’s outstanding athletes. They were chosen by either teammates or coaches based on performance and the sportsmanship they demonstrated on their respective teams.
[Football]
Achievements: First Team League Defensive Lineman, First Team All County Lineman, PAL Lineman of the Year award, Blanket Award winner, Male Senior Athlete of the Year, Sac. State Scholarship
Trevor Kelly
Most memorable moment: “Playing with my friends. Through the whole season we competed to win and became a brotherhood.” Tips for success: “To be successful you have to want to be successful. Work hard. Have a routine work ethic. Once you start to think about quitting, you go downhill.” Words from coach Mark Turner: “Trevor is the best player we’ve seen come through here in a while. He’s the first we’ve had to get a sports scholarship straight out of high school and he’s the most dominant player we have on the field.”
l] l a b t e k s a B ’ [Girls
Achievements: Second Team All League, All Tournament in Half Moon Bay Tournament, MVP, Female Senior Athlete of the Year Most memorable moment: “Beating South City for the first time in my four years here. It felt unreal.” Tips for success: “Stay motivated. Be committed. Have fun with it.” Words from coach Erin Oliveira: “Aira was senior captain, a leader and one of the hardest working players. She put in extra time before and after practice and played very consistently.”
Aira Paclibar
[Volleyball]
Jasmine Viduya
Achievements: Varsity since freshman year, First Team All League Most memorable moment: “First place in our division at the Del Mar Tournament.” Tips for success: “Play with your heart and the skill will come.” Words from coach Christine Serafin: “She has been on varsity since her freshman year and has shown great leadership skills on and off the court. Jasmine was a starter and played a crucial role as my outside hitter. Defensively, she is a very sound player and has a great understanding of the game. Jasmine loves to compete and many of her teammates look up to her because of her volleyball skills and passion for the game.”
]
ry t n u o C s s o r [C
10
Achievements: Personal best in PAL race, qualified for CCS, Most Inspirational Female Athlete, Female Scholar Athlete Most memorable moment: “I and a few of the cross country girls ran up Sign Hill, and when we got there we were greeted by rats!” Tips for success: “Be happy, be determined and work hard.” Words from coach Cliff Lenz: “I chose her because she trained in the off season, set high goals for which she worked very hard to achieve and was a role model for the other athletes on the team.”
Colt Quarterly / Quarter 4 / May 2011
Adrienne Viray
athletes of 2010-2011
%
By Ray Concepcion and Katrina Nolasco
Sports
ll] a b t e k s a B ’ s [Boy Achievements: Made playoffs, First Team All League Most memorable moment: “Playing against South City at the Quad Game. It was my very first game and it felt good to see the crowd packed.” Tips for success: “Work hard, practice harder.” Words from coach Anthony Khoo: “Elijah is one of the best offensive players on the team. He is just overall talented. Also I picked him because he made First Team All League in the highest division”
Elijah W hite
[Girls’ Tennis
]
Achievements: Being #1 on the team Most memorable moment: “I fell before my game at South City. I played with an awkward forehand and serve but I still won in the end.” Tips for success: “Put your full heart into it and you can achieve anything you want.” Words from teammate Camille Weber: “Obviously she’s a hard worker. She sets a good example and she really pushed herself this year.” ra Danica Alfajo
[Wrestling]
Achievements: Pre-season ranked fourth in state, first in PAL, second in CCS, Male Senior Athlete of the Year Most memorable moment: “I wrestled a guy three times for the first slot in PALs. I was nervous because when you wrestle someone multiple times, they know your moves. I ended up losing our first match, but I overcame that fear and beat him the other two times.” Tips for success: “Work hard. Go for it all. Just do it—don’t complain. You need the right mentality; if you can’t win in your mind, how can you win in reality?” Words from coach Rey Reyes: “We picked MVP before sections. He didn’t place first, but based on what he did in the summer and last year he made it inspiring for the new people, which is important for a sport like wrestling where nobody really knows anything about it.”
Brian Ha
[Boys’ Socce
r]
cNab Connor M
Michael McNab
Achievements: C.M.- MVP, First Team All League, Honorable Mention in State Championships M.M.- MVP, Top Scorer, Second Team All League Most memorable moment: C.M.- “Getting up extra early every morning during winter break to practive.” M.M.- “Every win felt really good. We didn’t win much but when we did it was the best time of my life.” Tips for success: C.M.- “Train hard and often.” M.M.- “Play with your team. No teamwork is how you fail.” Words from Connor and Michael: Each thought the other deserved the title of MVP more than the other.
May 2011 / Quarter 4 / Colt Quarterly
11
[Girls’ Socce
r]
riguez Selina Rod
Achievements: First Team All League, second place Goalkeeper of the Year, Female Senior Athlete of the Year, Female Blanket Award, Dr. Nadeau Athletic Scholarship Most memorable moment: “My coach asked me to be goalie and at first I didn’t want to do it. But I eventually stepped up and it was a lot of fun.” Tips for success: “Practice harder and harder every day.” Words from coach Imelda Winkelbauer: “I opened the vote [of who to nominate] to the team, and the team unanimously elected her.”
] s i n n e T ’ s y [Bo Achievements: MVP, First Team All League Most memorable moment: “When I beat the guy from Menlo Atherton. They’re the top team in the Bay, so I guess they’re good, but it was our first time playing them and I won.” Tips for success: “Don’t give up. See everything through.” Words from teammate Alex Cauguiran: “He respected the team even though he was better than all of them. He led the team to two consecutive Ocean Division championships but he was never cocky, always just one of the guys.”
[Badminton
Brian Kya w
]
z
Achievements: 11 wins and three losses, being in badminton for three years Most memorable moment: “Our last game of the season when we faced Westmoor High School. They were undefeated and we beat them and we tied for first place in the division.” Tips for success: “Just keep trying and don’t give up.” Words from coach Marlis Ringseis: “Outstanding sportsmanship, always has a positive outlook, great all-around student, athlete and friend.”
W illiam
Lai
[Softball] Achievements: First Team All League, improved pitching, co-captain for 2011 Most memorable moment: “Our second South City game - they really wanted it, but we pulled it together and finished the rivalry strong with El Camino winning.” Tips for success: “Stick with what you’re doing and practice makes perfect.” Words from coach Steven Kennady: “As a senior team co-captain, she has excellent leadership skills.”
12
Colt Quarterly / Quarter 4 / May 2011
Elaina Revilla
[Golf ]
Achievements: 2010 MVP, placed top 20 in San Mateo County Most memorable moment: “We went up to Green Hills and I ended up shooting a 39.” Tips for success: “Never give up no matter how bad you think you’re doing because you never know- you might get your big break.” Words from coach Michael Zozos: “I chose him for his work ethic, dedication to the team and accomplishments on the golf course.”
Tim Blanch ard
[Baseball]
Achievements: Won two league championships, Player of the Year, Junior Player of the Year for PAL. Most memorable moment: “When we dogpiled after we won the championship at Terra Nova.” Tips for success: “Work hard at practice and don’t take anything for granted.” Words from coach Carlos Roman: “He, along with the rest of the senior players, are the driving source behind our success. He was really dedicated to the team the whole time here at El Camino.” nudson Steven K
r ] g n i m m i [Sw
Achievements: Made it to CCS all three years, qualified for PAL championships Most memorable moment: “When I made it to CCS for the first time my freshman year.” Tips for success: “Train hard and believe in yourself.” Words from teammate Randy Mancilla: “She’s been swimming for a really long time and she’s very committed to the sport.”
Rachel Lam
z
[Track and F ield] Achievements: Co-MVP for JV Boys, made it to CCS for varsity relay team Most memorable moment: “In my sophomore year, my relay team caught up with South City even though we were behind by a lot.” Tips for success: “Work hard and stay positive.” Words from teammate Jeff Chazer: “He’s a good leader. He keeps everybody motivated and he loves competition.”
tt Devante Jewe
May 2011 / Quarter 4 / Colt Quarterly
13
Student Survival Guide: Senior Year By Rebecca Gigi Senior year is the most eventful year in a student’s high school life. With countless after school activities, tests, preparation for college and so on, it’s easy to become overwhelmed without enjoying what the year has to offer. Following these helpful guidelines will help those juniors about to become seniors to enjoy their senior year to the fullest.
SENIOR PROJECT
SCHOOL EVENTS The most important of all school There are a lot of events that are held exclusively for work for seniors is the Senior Project the Senior Class. These are probably the most worthwhile which comes at the beginning of secto attend since one would be surrounded by friends in their ond semester and counts for a large graduating class in the same place all at one time. Events percentage of one’s final grade in like this include Senior Sunrise and Sunset, Grad Night, and English. Be sure to think about what Senior Ball that are made for those high school memories topic you’re interested in pursuing as well as finding a you hear everyone talk about once they graduate. Stumentor during winter break in order to be well prepared dents may also want to participate in “Class pride” events when returning back to school. Stay organized and avoid like Homecoming and the Lip Sync Rally which are known procrastination at all cost since doing so could cause a for their ability to bring people closer together before they major drop in the percentage of one’s grade. Missing just go their separate ways after high school. Popular sports one deadline can put you far behind and will be an uphill games like the Bell Game, and quad games are also great struggle to keep up with the many assignments that folways to spend ones last year as a Colt and having fun low. Stay positive throughout the whole process and pick cheering in the stands while being sura project that you’ll enjoy doing. If you have a negative rounded by friends. Attend as many attitude, it makes the process much more difficult than it of these events that you can and don’t really needs to be. let senior year slip away. Make it one COLLEGE to remember forever! Preparing to enter college is probably one of the most important things to do during senior year. It’s a yearlong process and missing a deadline could cost you an acceptance letter. CSU mentor will be a best friend during the TESTS Many tests come across seniors’ desks and are very improcess as it’s full of resources when it comes to finding a portant when it comes to preparing for college. Finishing up college that is right for you, recording grades, and filling out CSU applications. If you’re applying for Private taking SATs and SAT IIs should be done before December Universities then the Common App with be a real help to in order have scores available for college applications as you. For UCs, students should go to Universityofcalifornia. well as sending scores to your schools of choice. Procrastiedu/apply to apply for any UC of their choosing. When nation will destroy your chances of getting accepted if you filling out applications, it’s probably best to have your par- wait until the last possible minute. Come Spring, placement ents present as there can be a lot of information. Once tests should also be taken before May at any CSU campus applications have been submitted, it’s far from over. Make in order to be placed in the correct English and math courssure to visit campuses and constantly check accounts on col- es. Preparing for Advanced Placement (AP) tests can also lege websites since important information can be sent to be very stressful and cramming the night before will not via email without any notification. As the cost for college be of any help. Remembering to save continues to skyrocket, applying for scholarships, grants money throughout the year for these and financial aid early is an absolute must. Don’t forget to tests will be beneficial since most of them are $20 and up. ask for letters of recommendations from teachers who will put in a good word and transcripts in advance.
14
Colt Quarterly / Quarter 4 / May 2011
stoppable force of an earthquake. Since 1933, California’s Field Act has been enforcing strict review over the construction plans of all public schools. The Seismic Safety Commission raises awareness and reduce risk of earthquake hazard, and they make and update California’s longterm plan for preparedness. Another safety commission called the California Building Standards Commission makes stringent building codes that contractors must abide to. But all the work done by these precautionary groups can not save everyone, especially those who do not know how to save themselves.
of the room, crouch, and cover your head. Most are under the impression that they can leave the building in time to avoid any injuries, when in reality, most earthquake-related casualties occur when people attempt to go outside during the quaking (which usually last only a few seconds). Therefore, staying stationary is key. If you are at lunch, P.E., the Little Theatre, or some other non-Academic Building location, safety procedures for each area have been written by Wetteland: students outside should remain outside, preferably in a wide open area away from overhead wires like the football field;
U
tures, are some of the easier ones. Leaky gas fixtures and damaged electrical wiring make a deadly combination, especially after an earthquake. Reinforcing these in advance just might make them strong enough to endure a quake, thus preventing fires. In any case, it is wise to make a habit of turning off all electric, gas and water appliances when not in use. Since phone lines and roads must be kept clear for emergen-
CampusLife
T
he disaster in Sendai, Japan in March causes many of us to wonder: Is the Bay Area prepared for its next big quake? Is El Camino? Are you as an individual? California has had its share of notable quakes, including the Northridge Earthquake in 1994, the Loma Prieta Quake of 1989 and the Great Earthquake of 1906. Although earthquakes cannot be predicted to a certain day or month, scientists can find the probability of one occurring over a few decades. According to National Geographic, there is a 99.7 percent chance that an earthquake of a 6.7 magnitude or
s Q s e u h n d a t e r r k e Prepa Ea
higher will h i t California in the next 30 years, with a 63 percent chance it will be in the Bay Area. To put things in perspective, the Great Earthquake of 1906 was a 7.8, while the Loma Prieta Quake, which interrupted the ‘89 World Series game, was a 7.1. The Northridge quake was a 6.7, while The Sendai earthquake was at a whopping magnitude 9.0. Since the Richter scale is logarithmic, a 9.0 earthquake has a shaking amplitude of ten times larger than an 8.0. Because the San Andreas fault runs down almost the entire coast of California, the state has taken measures to protect its people from the un-
A t El Camino, we hold numerous fire drills, lock-down drills in the case of a weapon-wielding intruder, and earthquake drills. Earthquakes could be the most likely and devastating disaster El Camino could face. El Camino’s Assistant Principal Sara Wetteland has been responsible for planning these safety exercises for three years. She related, “There must be one announced drill for each semester; The rest are unannounced.” Sure, we all know how to get under tables, but in the midst of an earthquake, it might be difficult to remember to hold on to the table as well, or, if there are no tables around, to run to an inside corner
lqueza
those in the pool should exit the pool; those in the cafeteria should duck and cover where they are; and lastly, those in the Little Theatre or gym should stay where they are and cover their faces. All students should stay away from falling objects and face away from windows until the shaking stops, then wait for further instruction from a school official. Precautions taken before an earthquake can reduce anxiety and risk tenfold. Reinforcements can be made to household items to be more safe: fastening bookshelves, storing or hanging heavy objects lower to the ground, and bracing light fix-
sten A y Chri
B
cies, families should minimize the amount of panicking and scrambling. Although one should try their best to not make any calls, long-distance calls are easier to make. Perhaps your family could assign a far-away family member as the emergency contact, who could help relay information between other disasterstricken family members. Establish an emergency plan entailing a meeting spot and what to do in case of separation. An emergency kit including a flashlight, a portable radio with extra batteries, food, water, a first aid kit, and cash would be a great idea to prepare beforehand, in case of any disaster.
May 2011 / Quarter 4 / Colt Quarterly
15
T A E
. . . S I H T Yum!
By Catherine Tadina Where
A
’s the lettuc e?
ccording to the SSFUSD website, the mission of the SSFUSD Nutrition Services Department is to “adhere to the nutrition standards in meals provided by the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.” However, despite following federal and state standards, the food served at El Camino fails to meet up with a standard of quality that students and staff alike hold. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. Established by Harry Truman in 1946 under the National School Lunch Act of 1946, NSLP now operates in 101,000 institutions in the United States and makes “nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches” available to over 31 million children in the United States every day. The United States Depart-
16
!
ment of Agriculture (USDA) has set guidelines recommending the amount of nutrients each person should get per day. The USDA requires schools to adhere to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which mandates that “no more than 30 percent of an individual’s calories come from fat, and less than 10 percent from saturated fat.” Schools are also required to provide one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, calcium, and calories. El Camino adheres to the Nutrient Standards of the USDA Charter and uses the Traditional Meal Pattern. Students at El Camino are allotted a maximum of 1200 calories for both breakfast and lunch meals at school, and the remainder is reserved for whatever meal students eat outside of school, such as dinner. As required by the USDA, the school allots
Colt Quarterly / Quarter 4 / May 2011
300 to 5 0 0 calories for breakfast and 450 to 500 calories for lunch. The remaining 800 calories are allotted to what students may consume outside of school. High school students are also allotted ten grams of protein, which is obtained from the turkey and chicken sandwiches served at school with three ounces of meat, and three ounces of grain through bread. Students are required two servings of fruits sand one serving of vegetables. The total fat must be at least five percent and must not exceed 30 percent, whereas ten percent of total calories should come from saturated fat. School lunches must meet Federal guidelines, but it is up to the discretion of the school or the district to decide what foods they serve and how they want to divide and
distribute the calories through what is served at their schools. The department director and the district’s Registered Dietician Linda Carrozzi calculates and distributes the allotted calories between the meals. The foods’ nutrition values can be easily divided by dividing the food by weight. El Camino then gets pre-packaged foods from contractors; the prepackaged foods have to be FDA-approved. Any companies the school buys food from must adhere under guidelines of the USDA and must have the USDA seal. Then, the food service assistants—more commonly known as “lunch la-
ity of the food that is being served. “Overall the quality is poor. I often get the pepperoni pizza and it’s either burnt or not well-done. Today, I got a pepperoni pizza and the cheese and the sauce were burnt all over,” senior Jocelyn Anaya said. “The rice and veggies that come with [the Teriyaki beef are] completely [bad], the vegetables are stale, no flavor, and the rice
bery. [The food has] too many preservatives. They try and give fresh fruit to even it out but the fruit portions are small.” “The food looks fake and is too greasy,” freshman Natalie Garcia said. “They also contain too much salt— especially the ground meat for the nachos.” Even those who are amenable to the food served at school believe there is some-
School Lunch items with high sodium content per serving (100g): Turkey Breast (deli meat) - 1,015mg Taco Sauce - 1,049mg Turkey Corn Dog - 1,067mg Ketchup - 1,114mg Salad croutons (seasoned) - 1,238mg Salad dressing (Italian dressing) - 1,654mg is disgusting. It reminds me of prison food straight from the freezer. The quesadillas they give are shameful and have no flavor, and the meat tastes rub-
thing to be desired. “The breakfast, which serves bagels and cereal, has good variety. The school lunch, on the other hand, is okay, but could be better.” senior Claudia Arroyo-Serret said.
gar u s uch it? m How his fru in t
Several years ago, the school also used to serve lunch to the teachers at the teachers’ lounge; the food that was served to the teachers was similar to the food served to the students. However, the number of teachers who bought the school lunches dwindled as the quality of the food dwindled, and with the advent of the recent budget cuts, the lunches served for teachers was taken out entirely. Most, if not all teachers in El Camino, usually bring their own lunch and only resort to buying school lunches during times when they fail to bring or prepare their own lunch. It is disconcerting to find that the teachers would prefer not to eat the food that is being served to the students themselves. “You will find that a lot of teachers bring lunch,” math teacher Megan Connery said. “It’s unfortunate
L
Feature
dies”—sort and package the food according to the standards set by the district. The USDA inspects the cafeteria every two years, usually during summer school to make sure the school adheres to federal standards. Many students buy the food served at school either because they get it for free or reduced prices, or they do not have time to prepare food for themselves in the morning. Perhaps, the only opportunity for even some students to eat is through the meals served at school. Consequently, for many students, the school lunch is their only option. Thus, it is important for the school to carefully consider the food they are serving to their students as they are the ones who maintain the monopoly over the nutrition that most of the students get per day. Unfortunately, although the food served is in accordance to USDA s t a n dards, m a n y students complain about the poor qual-
y...
eas r g o S
...NOT THA T!
May 2011 / Quarter 4 / Colt Quarterly
that we’re serving it for kids.” With regards to the teachers’ disregard of the school lunches being served to students, Arroyo-Serret comments, “Why do they expect us to eat [the school lunches] when adults don’t even want to touch it?” “I find [the school lunches] disappointing. The fruit portions are small,” Social studies teacher Ingrid Gron says. For the past eight years of teaching at El Camino, Gron estimates buying only school lunches at an average of two per semester. “The quality [of the school lunches] is not what we would eat.” Gron believes that the school should serve healthier food choices, such as adding more fruits instead of less healthier items such as p o tato puffs or “tater tots”. Some teachers also
concur that the school lunches being served at El Camino are lacking when it comes to nutritional value. Upon seeing the salads being served, Connery commented, “The salad that’s being served in school is iceberg lettuce—there’s no value, but all water.” The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires food products to include food labels on their packages and for food establishments and restaurants to make their nutrition facts and food ingredients readily available for full disclosure, either through their website or in-store. Surprisingly, the nutrition facts for food served at El Camino are not easily accessible, nor are the nutrition facts for high school meals available on the SSFUSD Nu-
Cheeseburger Meal
It’s so soggy...
18
Colt Quarterly / Quarter 4 / May 2011
Gross!!
trition Services website. One has to ask the school food authorities for a disclosure of the nutrition labels of the foods served at school. In addition, students would have to search a 27-page long document to find information on their food items. For instance, to find out the nutritional information for the pizza served at El Camino, a student can look up that item and find the values. However, in the case of the burger, a student has to look up the individual elements, such as the meat and the bread separately, then add up the total nutritional information and convert it to the number of servings—an arduous process which might discourage students from inquiring about information that should be readily available to them. According to studies from the Journal of Consumer Research, nutritional information can help influence consumers’
Delicious!
Chicken Teriyaki Meal
i
eating habits. In one study, participants ate a sandwich that they later found was unexpectedly high in calories. After this discovery, the participants consumed fewer snacks throughout the rest of the day. This illustrates the importance of making nutrition information readily available to El Camino students. “I think they should make the nutrition facts available to students,” Anaya said. “It will influence our decision because we will actually know what’s going in our body.” “It would make me think twice about the food I buy,” Arroyo-Serret said. In the nutritional information provided, the amount of sugars per serving is not reported directly, but is instead merely included within the “Total Carbohydrates”. Another concerning fact is that the school does
not provide many healthy choices except for the Salad Line/Garden Bar, or the Sandwich Line which is served on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Thus, students might still end up making unhealthy choices by choosing fewer nutritious foods like pizza and hamburger, completely avoiding the healthier food options offered at school. Although the school cafeteria adheres to USDA standards, most of the food that is being served merely meets the bare minimum requirements of nutritional value. The Big Daddy Pizza, the most popular meal served at school, has 470 calories per serving. The second most popular meal item, the Spicy Chicken, contains 240 calories. The only healthiest food choices from the lunch menu are the salads and the sandwiches, which are sold inside the cafeteria on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Even so, while
Spicy Chicken Meal I’m okay with this.
the salads seem like the healthiest option, they contain a lot of sodium—the salad dressing alone contains 15,470 milligrams of sodium per serving. The next contender for the most amount of sodium is the Taco Seasoning mix, which contains 7004 milligrams of sodium per serving. The school should take steps in serving healthier lunches to El Camino students and in making the nutritional information more accessible. For example, a possible solution is that the school can revert back to serving students fresh food that is made on-the-spot. “I would prefer that the school serve us healthier choices,” Arroyo-Serret said. “I don’t care if it costs a bit more.” Although giving students healthier food options may be a bit more costly, in the long run it will be worth it, especially because it concerns the health of El Camino students.
Healthiest item Least healthy item on the lunch menu: on the lunch menu:
29% said “None” 19% said “Salads” 18% said “Fruit” 18% said “Carrots” 15% said “Veggie burger”
33% said “Pizza” 24% said “Burger” 23% said “Nachos” 19% said “Quesadilla” *231 surveyed
Favorite Lunch Meals at El Camino
May 2011 / Quarter 4 / Colt Quarterly
Celebration
By RJ Refuerzo
50 years in the making
Photos right: Katrina Nolasco
El Camino High School was built on high promise and innovation right out of the gate, and now, 50 years later, is the culmination of that legacy. To commemorate the 50th anniversary, alumni and administration, past and present, came together to plan and coordinate El Camino’s Golden Anniversary Celebration on May 6 and 7. Responsible for the celebration’s success are committee heads Richard Arias
20
Colt Quarterly / Quarter 4 / May 2011
and Steve Simondi, who coordinated its members through the entire school year. Among those assisting them were Director of Student Activities and El Camino alumnus Derek Padilla, whose involvement with student leadership helped see the event through and Math teacher Demian Martens, who contributed his artistic skills by designing a poster based on the masterful mural he crafted over the last several years. English teacher Emily Pierce, secretary of the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee, provided an integral part of the entire process with her prior planning skills and experience, allowing her to spearhead the committee activities. “I knew that if they
needed help, I could probably assist with whatever they needed help with in terms of event planning and coordination,” Pierce said. Pierce wanted to create an enjoyable event that would allow former students and staff to reconnect. “It’s about keeping that El Camino spirit alive through our celebration.” Many El Camino alumni assisted in the endeavor including Mary Brasher, in charge of accounting for the event; Cindi Delodovici, responsible for decorations; and master of ceremonies Chris McGuire. The dinner dance was held on Friday, May 6 at the South San Francisco Conference Center. Over 500 guests attended the more private and formal of the two celebrations. The conference center was used in its entirety, spanning a reception hall filled with tables, a dance floor, and photos from every graduating class since the 1960s. The evening’s DJs took the stage overlooking the dance floor, and the
Photos left: Nixon Macapagal and Gian Montes
El Camino Jazz Ensemble filled the hall with tunes until 6:30 for attendees to enjoy and dance to. Two corners of the room were equipped with projectors showcasing a slideshow of notable moments in El Camino’s history and volunteers were at work in the lobby signing in guests and giving out nametags. By 6:30, the entire venue was buzzing with conversation between alumni and faculty members, including four of five of El Camino’s principals and many teachers. An alumni jazz ensemble took the spotlight, playing throughout dinner. The excitement and energy in the room was evident in the laughter and chatter throughout the night. The main even was a series of speeches starting with the school’s fifth and current principal Adele Berg. Each principal reflected on the highlights of their careers and commented on how much the event meant to them. El Camino’s fourth principal, Gary Capurro, was blown away by the sheer number of graduates in attendance. “I just think people are having a great time,” Capurro said. “I thought it was a wonderful evening and a great experience.” Mark Avelar, El Camino’s second principal, spoke
about how fortunate he was to be both an alumnus and the head of the school. Like Capurro, he was ecstatic to touch base with the people he taught and worked with as principal. “El Camino is a very special place, and when I was a student there, the faculty used to push all of us to be the best that we could be, and I think that that’s still what drives the school today,” Avelar said. “It can’t get any better than this. It’s really great.” The guest of honor was El Camino’s founder and first principal, Robert Keropian, who took the podium after a standing ovation. Softspoken and dignified, Keropian commented about how El Camino had succeeded because of its innovation and strong legacy before eventually jokingly producing a document stating that one of his former students had borrowed a tuxedo and never paid for it many years ago. The attendees acknowledged Keropian with sustained applause before recognizing Arias
and Simondi for making the event possible. The following Saturday, May 7, a barbecue was held in El Camino’s courtyard from 1 to 4 p.m. Despite overcast skies and spring breeze, attendees once again engaged in conversation as the committee called each of the alumni onstage by class to thank them for coming. Like the prior evening, the planning committee sold sweatshirts and other commemorative gear. Tours were also held around campus for alumni to learn about El Camino’s history. The two-day anniversary celebration is being viewed as a resounding success by those who relived El Camino’s long and profound history. “It celebrated a school
that I think is absolutely the best in the district,” Ms. Berg said. “The students and faculty absolutely have a lot of pride in El Camino. I think it’s a big deal celebrating 50 years of the school.”
May 2011 / Quarter 4 / Colt Quarterly
21
Seniors Speak Out AP fives>$87 By Erin Lynch
What are you going to miss most about EC? “I’m going to miss the spirit and community of our school.” Kristine Cruz, San Francisco State University
What is your favorite memory from EC? “Being part of the blood drive. We’ve been told that it was the most successful one, which was worth it.” San Francisco State University, Swaaliha Abdul-Rahman “My favorite memory of high school was spending my birthday junior year at the homecoming all nighter.” Kevin Madrigal, Stanford University
What are you looking forward to in college? “I’m looking forward to expanding my horizons in the field of microbiology.” Univeristy of California, Los Angeles, Muriele Catam “Independence- because I really rely on my parents and education- I get to learn what I want to, not what I have to.” Heather Kriletich, University of California, Santa Barbra
What do you expect college life to be like? “I’m expecting a more exciting lifestyle. A lot more hectic, and a lot less structure.”
22
University of California, Los Angeles, Colin Reid
Colt Quarterly / Quarter 4 / May 2011
The end of the year is steadily approaching, and as a good portion of El Camino students know, AP students have just completed their AP examinations. Regardless of whether your year of studying and grinding away paid off or you’ve signed up for the courses next year, AP tests are notorious for being the CollegeBoard’s priciest tests, especially if you’re taking more than one. Despite money being tight, never let an exam fee deter you from a shot at knocking out a few semesters of your freshman year at college. First, let’s look at the raw numbers: •Each examination costs $87 this year; in correlation with the past two years, the price has increased by a dollar each year ($85 in 2009; $86 in 2010). •Despite this, passing one exam, typically with a score of three (out of five) or four, depending on your college, will exempt you from taking that course in college, effectively knocking off roughly $1100 from your tuition. •Overall, this results in $1014 in net savings per test. No matter where you stand financially, there are a few ways to ease the financial burden: •If your family has an annual household income less than an amount based on your household (see next bullet), you can apply for
By RJ Refuerzo the Free or Reduced Lunch program, which also reduces the price of each exam to $5. You have nothing to lose for applying. o2 persons - $14,570 o3 persons - $18,310 o4 persons - $22,050 o5 persons - $25,790 oAdd $3,740 for each additional person. •The Assistant Principal in charge of Counseling Christy Halstead is the person to seek out for advice, especially if you don’t qualify for the Free or Reduced Lunch Program. If you’re taking multiple tests and are having trouble making ends meet, she can arrange for the school to pay for a portion of the overall fee. •$87, $174, and $261 seem especially frustrating when you’re weeks from the deadline. For those taking up the courses next year, start saving as soon as possible. If you put aside $10 a month per test starting in August, you’ll be set by the time the tests are administered in May. All things considered, taking up AP courses have many more pros than cons, particularly when it comes to finances. Never let the $87 test fee prevent you from saving a cool grand per exam in college, especially when there are many ways to either reduce the price or efficiently save money until May runs its course.
StudentLife
U Every year, El Camino and the Sojourn to the Past Corporation sends students on a trip to the Deep South to learn about the Civil Rights Movement. This year, one of those students was Angelina Cowan. Before she went on the Sojourn to the Past trip, Cowan was told it was a very emotional and life changing journey but initially she was doubtful. She thought, “Yeah, yeah whatever. Life changing? That’s hard to believe.” Cowan also said that she really wasn’t sure why she was going on the trip, but that something inside her was just urging her to go. “If this trip was not so pricey I believe it should be mandatory for every high school student to attend. It is an eye-opening, life changing experience,” Cowan said. Cowan had many rare experiences on her trip to the Deep South. She got to meet Congressman John Lewis, a leader in the American Civil Rights Movement, and Minnijean Brown-Trickey, one of the Little Rock Nine who was one of the first students to integrate Little Rock High School. Brown stayed with the group throughout the entire trip. “She made such a difference in what we do today,” Cowan said, “and
without her we would all be in different segregated schools right now.” During the Civil Rights Movement, it was not just African Americans who were discriminated against, but most minorities. “If we were still living through segregation, for all I know I could have been raised in an extremely racist home and be a very cruel, racist person.” Cowan said. “I am part French/German and part Filipino. My parents may have never met if these events did not occur.” During the trip, Cowan and her group traveled all over the Deep South to places like Selma, Alabama, where they got to stay in a historic eighteenth century hotel, Birmingham, Alabama, where they ate
Photo Isaiah Trickey
By Paula Eberle
Touching the past: Junior Angelina Cowan feels an emotional connection while viewing the Civil Rights Memorial Wall in Alabama.
matter. She also came to believe that, “Although this trip changes you, it shouldn’t have to take a ten day trip to make us realize how
south. Sojourn to the Past helped Cowan realize that the smallest things she that she thought discouraging, were actually nothing compared to what people had to endure during the Civil Rights Movement. “Teenagers our age complain about every little thing when most of us are very gifted, and we should be lucky to be sitting in the classrooms we sit in today,” Cowan said. “We should treat each other with a lot more respect and handle things nonviolently. Because that is the only way we are going to better ourselves and our future.”
“We should treat each other with a lot more respect and handle things nonviolently.” lunch in the basement of a church where four little girls got bombed, and Jackson, Mississippi, where they went to Medgar Evers’s house to see the bloodstain from his murder. This trip has changed Cowan by opening her eyes to the violence that has been committed due to discrimination, and it has helped her to realize that acts of violence are no laughing
grateful we should be and how violent we can all be at the same time.” While the Sojourn to the Past trip was filled with lectures and museum tours, it wasn’t all work. To lighten the mood on the bus drive from Jackson, Mississippi to Little Rock, Arkansas Cowan and her group actually had a talent show on the bus. They also went to a dance club on their last night in the
May 2011 / Quarter 4 / Colt Quarterly
23
EDITORIAL
24
The state of the South San Francisco Unified School District can be likened to a sinking ship, without a captain or a discernable destination other than: forward. Little by little, the district is losing valuable employees, like rats fleeing from a sinking ship. South San Francisco Unified School District: wake up! What is going on? Students, how does it feel to have teachers you come to love and respect stay only for a couple of years until they leave to another place for higher pay? How does it feel to have your favorite electives cut down one by one due to scheduling conflicts with strategic classes? How does it feel when district officials come in to monitor classrooms to see if their policies are enacted? Do “cluster visits” put teachers and you on edge? Do you feel like Big Brother is watching? The main issue is the way the district has implemented the federal and state mandated reforms. Most teachers support strategic classes and pacing guides, but the way the district has carried out their plans is confusing, overbearing and may not even reach the desired results. It is true that some schools in the district are struggling and these reforms may be the key to making progress with struggling populations, but some of these reforms may actually prevent schools like El Camino from being successful with students that are not struggling. The district
Art Christen Alqueza
S.O.S. Save Our Schools
demands progress, yet fails to provide resources, support, and most importantly, trust that teachers will get the job done. The district has force-fed these mandates without giving schools either the resources or the guidance to accomplish these tasks and teachers are left to make do with what they have. Don’t forget: reform is not carried out through edicts from above but down on the ground by educated professionals. As a result of the way these reforms were implemented, Adele Berg, one of the most effective principals in the district - with the API to prove it - resigned. Soon after, South San Francisco High School’s principal Mike Coyne resigned as well! Has the district asked itself why these administrators have chosen to resign rather than be part of the district leadership? Berg and Coyne would rather seek alternate employment than beat their heads against the brick wall of blind reform. They’re trying to send the district a message: One size doesn’t fit all. Berg
Colt Quarterly / Quarter 4 / May 2011
and Coyne are only two out of the eight administrators leaving the district this year! Standardizing everything is not the answer to this district’s challenges. Teachers are most effective when they are able to identify each and every student’s needs. The district should follow this example. The district will never truly meet its goals until it values every individual’s needs. If the district considers students as number-churners, they will achieve nothing - no growth - and they will fail to educate students. Support teachers, customize reform to individuals, listen to those affected by these changes, then progress will happen. Advice: Build on every school’s strengths and work from there to address its areas in need of growth. Emphasizing a school’s weaknesses demoralizes both students and teachers. By changing perspective and emphasizing strengths, both schools and students may be inspired to do what is expected of them and even strive to improve.
Focus on one thing at a time. Both teachers and students are exhausted over exhaustive and ineffective reform. More will be accomplished with focused reform than blanket reform. Achieve results then move onto something bigger and better. On leadership: While bringing in someone from outside of the district may bring much needed and fresh perspective, having that person dive into reform before truly understanding what they are reforming makes problems worse. The new superintendent may perceive that they are being brought in to “fix” the district. The community of South San Francisco and the district are not broken. The term is “Program Improvement,” not “Community Overhaul”. So it is not about changing, but rather fixing our school district. Who knows what the future holds for this district? But it is clear that it’s at a tipping point. It’s time for the district to take action and change course before the ship completely sinks, and it is already too late.
January
21, 2011 was a day marked by realizations as students could and would be restricted from attending school
events by being put on the non-participation list. Students with two or more “F”s or that fail to serve detentions or Saturday schools are no longer allowed to attend extracurricular events. This is a perfect way of making sure students maintain grades and behavior. If students don’t put forth the effort to complete the work assigned to them or even at least respect other students or teachers, why should they be able to attend school
events? Those things are rewards and privileges, which means they can be taken away when a student does not follow the rules. Students can get on the list when they fall short of their academic or behavioral expectations and can get off once their grades are raised each grading period. This serves as a great motivation for students to follow the rules and get themselves in line. Assistant Sara Wetteland, one of the creators of the list, believes students need to be held accountable for their actions, and I agree.
Why should a student be spending time at extracurricular events when they should be home doing their homework or studying to maintain or even raise their grades? The new non-participation list prevents people from attending events through stricter regulations and motivates students to do well in order to reap the rewards of social events.
Opinion F
By Marcus Ismael
NON-PARTICIPATION LIST By Rebecca Gigi
Opinion Poll
During high school, students can look forward to football and basketball games and dances like Junior Prom and Senior Ball. But now, all this can be taken away from students if they’re put on the non-participation list. This new list takes away all the things students look forward to. This poses a problem for students who are trying to do their best in school, but can’t seem to catch a break. Not only do they have to face the consequences of not
passing a class for graduation and lowering one’s GPA, but with the added punishment of not being able to have fun with their friends at school events makes it seem as though there isn’t hope. Students often feel that there’s no point in trying if they’re doing poorly in school and taking away their privileges while wanting them to be active in student activities adds another blow to a student’s efforts to participate. Falling behind due to illness and vacation can also put a student on the non-partici-
What do you think about the new nonparticipation Lnst? *238 Students polled
pation list when there is no one to blame. If a student is absent for more than a week, a drop in grades is inevitable since t h ey
aren’t there to turn in any work. Although there are ways around this problem, that student may end up frantically racing to catch
c.
b. e.
a. f.
d.
up and turn in as many assignments as they can. They can also be slapped with their name placed on the non-participation list while doing so. a. Agree with policy 34% b. It’s Good 16% c. No opinion 15% d. It should not have been created 13% e. It’s Bad 12% f. There should be alternate punishments 11%
May 2011 / Quarter 4 / Colt Quarterly
25
Art Christen Alqueza
By Marivic Victoria
Sub-standard treatment
You walk into your least favorite class and wonder where the teacher is… Five minutes pass and a substitute teacher walks in and tells you they will be there for the rest of the week. Then, you and your friends decide it’ll be a good idea to lie about the plans, mess with the substitute and do whatever you want. What El Camino students need to re-
alize is, students must treat their substitutes with respect; they are the teacher for the time being. Most students think that they can talk back with attitude and that the attitude they give to their substitute does not matter because they’re just a substitute. Having a bad attitude can affect the substitute in trying to get through that day’s lesson. Just because they’re
Letter from the Editor
26
For the past two years, the Colt Quarterly was my everything - my life, my heart, my soul. Which is why it is hard for me to bid farewell to something that has become a part of me. I have never regretted a single hour I’ve spent working on the Colt Quarterly. I always enjoyed hours after school during layout sessions, bonding with the staff and making an issue with the goal of always putting out a new issue better than our last. Nothing is tantamount to the emotions I go through every single quar-
ter: the sense of accomplishment I feel upon seeing the manifestation of months of hard work, the sense of happiness I feel upon seeing the student body’s reactions reading our articles and even the sadness when I see that magazine in the trash bin, or trampled on the floor. As this chapter of my life comes to a close, I would like to express my gratitude to those who have helped me during this journey. First, I would like to thank our adviser Mr. Adam McLearan for his unconditional sup-
Colt Quarterly / Quarter 4 / May 2011
not the actual teacher, doesn’t mean they deserve your bad attitude. Students feel that they can get away with anything and everything. Disrespecting your substitute by switching names with another student just to sit in a different seat is just childish. The substitute already has no idea who you are and just switching names will confuse them more. You do have the same
class with them; you should be used to not sitting with them anyway, so just be mature and sit in your actual seat and go by your actual name. Next time you step into a class and realize you have a substitute teacher, try to be nice. Sit in your assigned seat, go by your actual name, be quiet and listen to directions like you would with the real teacher.
port, encouragement and guidance. Thank you for the hours suffering, worrying and headaches you have endured for our sake and for the nine years of hard work you have spent in making the publication of this magazine possible. Thank you to our principal Ms. Adele Berg whose continued support for the Journalism program allowed it to prosper despite budget cuts and difficult times within the district. Thank you to the Colt Quarterly staff for the times we’ve shared and the inestimable amount of hours you have devoted to the making of this newsmaga-
zine. Thank you to our advertisers who have provided funding for our magazine and made the production of this magazine possible. Lastly, I would like to thank you, the readers, for your continued patronage for the Colt Quarterly newsmagazine. The stories I’ve told of the students throughout my journalistic experience have amazed me: you are the news we report on. I am happy to say, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
-Catherine Tadina Editor-in-Chief (Stanford University Class of 2015)
One step forward, two clicks back Lack of sufficient technology limits El Camino’s potential By Catherine Tadina
Technological
literacy has become a necessary and vital element in our increasingly digital world. Consequently, schools have an obligation to provide a learning environment that takes students beyond the confines of the classroom. Through technology, teachers can open a world of endless opportunities for their students. Unfortunately, El Camino has fallen behind the times. Steps should be taken to make El Camino students more technologyconscious. Although El Camino has taken steps to digitize the school - such as the installation of computers during the last five years, the common use of LCD projectors, laptops and SmartBoards, the increased use of SchoolLoop for posting grades and homework assignments and a new online student database for attendance and testing - El Camino is still technologically lacking in many aspects. For instance, only a few SmartBoards or document cameras are available in school and still in short supply. Most classrooms have few to no computers, leading to scheduling conflicts over computer lab usage. The lack of supplies has compelled teachers to buy their own equipment or forego the use of district-provided
devices entirely. Also, the only classes El Camino used to offer are basic computing classes such as Keyboarding or Web Design (which have now been axed due to budget cuts) and none of the more substantial computing classes such as AP Computer Science AB. Lastly, there is an overwhelming lack of technology clubs at El Camino such as a Robotics club or a Computer Science club, which exist at other schools. As a consequence, students constantly use technology in their personal lives, but use almost in the classroom or in the school environment. Many people do not realize the benefits of technology to students. As society becomes more technologically advanced, students need to be more used to and familiar to technology so they don’t fall behind. Moreover, students who are more adept at using technology are more appealing applicants when it comes to applying for jobs as prospective employers look for applicants with computer experience. Exposing students to more technology early on prepares them for the real world or when they go into the workforce. Technology makes learning more interesting, as it is interactive and appeals to more learning styles. Additionally, the increase in use of technology
allows students to become more efficient with their work. For instance, through the use of Google Docs and EBSCOHost, students can easily compile the information they research from the internet. Finally, the use of technology in classrooms allows collaboration between students, further encouraging student discussion and propagates the sharing of knowledge and information among students of different backgrounds and abilities. Many students complain about the school’s excruciatingly slow internet speed. Thus, El Camino should have more accessible and prominent wireless internet connections by installing more Ethernet drivers around school. Teachers should integrate - even better, necessitate - the use of computer programs in their lessons or projects.
Art Christen Alqueza
May 2011 / Quarter 4 / Colt Quarterly
27
By RJ Refuerzo
Is it really ?
Let’s get a couple of things out of the way: for one, Nintendo’s newest handheld, the 3DS, is NOT simply an update of their DS line, a la the DS Lite and DSi. The 3DS is a technological powerhouse compared to the previous generation and has an abundance of features that place it head and shoulders above its brethren. Secondly, despite its namesake, the 3DS’s claim to fame isn’t its 3D functionality, but rather the myriad updates and enhancements Nintendo has managed to cram into this device. With that in mind, has the handheld made a sufficient enough leap to justify its hefty $250 price tag? Not today, or even in the first several months, but I believe it will. With the Wii, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 each selling an iteration of its hardware for less than the 3DS, Nintendo’s little monster has its work cut out for it, especially with the lack of software to compliment the impressive hardware. Albeit, Nintendo promises great first- and thirdparty support in the upcoming
28
3D
months, but dropping top dollar for “potential” is tough to justify. Luckily, innovation is the name of the game, and we’ve seen this story before with the Wii: Five years and 84 million units later, Nintendo’s risk is still in the lead with sales. Perhaps the most intuitive addition is the 3D depth slider located on the far right of the top half; because the device is glasses-free, it relies on the user’s ability to see two images at the same time. Not everyone sees images at the same depth level, and that’s where the depth slider comes into play. Each individual can move the slider and find a depth that they are comfortable with. The big question about the 3D: Does it work? The simple answer is yes; it’s a very cool experience, and something that can open the floodgates for innovation. It’s easier to gauge distances in racing games, and the depth adds a new dynamic to the device’s already stellar graphics.
Colt Quarterly / Quarter 4 / May 2011
However, because the 3D requires the user to view the screen in an unconventional way (it forces your eyes to combine see two slightly different images into one), eye strain becomes inevitable over time. This varies from person to person, and can range from five minutes to hours. Personally, I can use it for about 25 to 30 minutes before I need a break. The bottom line is that the 3D is, at least for the time being, a novelty; the 3DS’s superior graphics and new additions more than make the experience worthwhile. My biggest complaints reside with battery life and the current software lineup. Using the 3DS for DS and DSi titles handles like you would expect: The lifespan is from eight to fourteen hours, depending on your brightness, and this is on par with the previous generations. As for the launch titles, they range from 3D platformers to racing games to the fighting genre, but the ones that are worth picking up are few and far between. The only game I decided to pick up was Super Street Fighter IV, a port of the console fighting game on 360 and PS3 of the same name. Perhaps it’s the smaller screen, but this game looks incredible on the device. As an avid SSFIV player, the game looks and plays like its console counterpart. Whether it’s the stereoscopic 3D, improved specs, hardware advancements, full backwards compatibility, or impressive software, Nintendo’s 3DS is a definitive step forward for its handheld line. It may be hard to justify right away, but if you want to experience the next generation of portable gaming, the 3DS and Super Street Fighter IV will blow you away. One only needs to see it to believe it. :D
Jane Eyre review
By Shannon Keach
Off of Highway One in Pacifica there is a shopping center that is home to some of Pacifica’s finest locally owned restaurants that have a wide variety of foods for one to enjoy. Here I highlight just a few of my personal favorites: First, is a little sandwich shop that I’ve been going to from the time I was old enough to chew. Colombo’s Italian Delicatessen, is an absolutely wonderful place to grab a sandwich or other specialty Italian imports. The wait on a good day is about 30 minutes depending on who’s serving you, but the wait is well worth it because of the quality of the end product. Using only the finest and freshest ingredients with bread that is baked on site daily, Colombo’s consistently produces sandwiches filled to the brim with your favorite toppings. With expert friendly service, fair prices, fresh ingredients and awesome food, I think it is safe to say after eating here you will never look at Little Lucca’s the same way again. Not too far a walk from Colombo’s is Camelot Fish and Chips, a wonderful eatery that upon walking into you feel as if you have stepped right into an authentic English Pub, with the walls of the small dinning area eclectically decorated with relics from its mother country’s roots. The place is relatively small and be forewarned they only accept cash so if need be go to the ATM outside of Colombo’s. Good authentic fish and chips are very hard to come by. You either get soggy chips and dry fish orvice versa, but at Camelot everything is severed to you hot out of the fryer in a reasonable amount of
Ratings
KEY
:D
Excellent!
Strong recommend
By Paula Eberle
time with a fairly large portion of two fillets of fish and a very generous helping of chips at again all around eight dollars for a full order and six for a half order. All in all, Camelot is a great place to go for a weekend outing as long as you go on Saturday for they are closed on Sundays. Not only does Pacific Manor house an excellent deli and British eatery, it holds one of my personal favorite pizzerias in the Bay Area: Viva Italiano serves a very delicious pizza. The average order will run you about 15 dollars if not more, but its well worth it. First off, it’s a pretty decent sit down restaurant with very attentive and personable service but also does delivery if you live in the area and will do pick up as well. If you’re looking for a good new place to eat Italian food, Viva Italiano is definitely something you should check out. Another great place to check out is Mazzetti’s Bakery across the street from Pacific Manor in the shopping center’s annex shops. The bakery is family owned with all of their pastries baked fresh every day. They have a very wide variety; my personal favorite is the apple fritter because overall it is the perfect balance of sweet apple filling and flaky pastry topping. Also if they have it, their red velvet cupcakes are absolutely heavenly. Overall, Pacific Manor is a one stop shop for all your foodie needs. If you’re looking for a cool new area to get all kinds of interesting takes on old classics this is definitely some place you want to check out.
:D
:)
Good
Recommended
^
:|
Average
Some will like some will not
Reviews
Pacific Manor satisfies with variety of cuisine
A new film version of the novel Jane Eyre was released in theaters March 11, adapted from the 1847 novel and the 1996 movie. While being a good film for newcomers to the epic story, it did not follow the book as well as it could. The movie opens with a young girl, Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska), running away from an unseen foe. She keeps running until she passes out on a stranger’s doorstep. The man of the house, St. John Rivers, takes her in and as Jane is nursed back to health by Rivers and his sisters, Diana and Mary. Soon strange things start happening in the Rochester house and Jane is swept up into a dark adventure. The main problem with this film is that the actors didn’t fit their roles. In the book Mr. Rochester was mean, tough and loved to watch people squirm, yet in the movie Michael Fassbender played him as a very emotional man. Mia Wasikowska didn’t fit the role she played either. However, this film wasn’t all bad. For newcomers to the story, it was surprising and interesting. Jane Eyre has some sense of mystery within it so it keeps a feeling of suspense and fear at some parts of the story. While Jane Eyre wasn’t as good as it could have been it was still a good film for those who are new to the story. The scary parts had little explanation to them but were unexpected and fun. This movie also followed the plot much better than the 1996 film version. This film earns a 3 out of 5. :|
:(
Not Good
Do not recommend
>:(
Awful!
Avoid at all costs
May 2011 / Quarter 4 / Colt Quarterly
29
The Gathering By Kayla Kohlmeister
The beginning of any new book series is a gamble, but when it’s a spin off from a hit saga it’s even more risky. Fans of Kelley Armstrong’s bestselling series The Darkest Powers were somewhat wary of her new book The Gathering, but they have nothing to worry about with this book. This book is just as good as the first one, if not better. The book begins with Maya hanging out with her two best friends and couple Daniel and Serena. Serena is swimming in the lake when something pulls her under. Neither Daniel nor Maya could save her. Soon she starts feeling drawn to bad boy Rafe, who may know
&
more about her mysterious past than she does. The Gathering is a very enticing read that may rival its sister series. The book incorporates Native American culture which is refreshing compared to other teenage series out now. There are really no huge problems with this book but there are some things that are confusing. Overall The Gathering is a very good book by itself, and holds its own when compared to Kelley Armstrong’s other series. The only warning I have is that if you are not patient and want all the mysteries explained, you may want to wait for the series to be finished. I give this book a 4 out of 5.
:)
Rio
By Bisma Shahbaz
30
In the animated movie Rio for Blu the Macaw, a bird who walks instead of flies, it was finally time to take a walk on the wild side. This charming knee-slapping comedy will have you dancing to its energetic Latin beats throughout the movie. Blu, probably the only bird who never learned to fly by will, lives in Minnesota with his owner and companion Linda who believes he is the only bird of his species left. They get a reality check when a man comes to them in hope to take Blu to Rio to find his mate, Jewel, to save the species from becoming extinct. Even though the plot was
a bit predictable it did not disappoint. With every plot turn and flap of the wing the audience feels as if they are a part of the adventure. The only problem I found was not in the movie but rather that this movie really doesn’t need the 3D effect. The movie had enough special effects to be successful without the inflated ticket price, and irritating glasses. Anyone who has not seen this movie should run, not walk, to the theaters as quick as possible. I recommend it to all ages, because you will defiantly be satisfied. Overall I give this movie a perfect 5 out of 5, but it truly deserves a 6 out of 5.
:D
Colt Quarterly / Quarter 4 / May 2011
Vices and Virtues By Christen Alqueza
As the release date of Panic! at the Disco’s new album drew near, fans were guessing what it’d sound like. After all, with the highly original, electro sound of A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out and the pop-rock feel of Pretty. Odd., fans couldn’t help but wonder what else the famously theatrical Panic! has up its sleeve. While some fans enjoyed Pretty. Odd.’s Beatles-inspired melodies and look, Fever’s story-like lyrics perfectly combined with fast-paced, carnival-esque dance/rock tunes were sorely missed. Upon listening to Vices & Virtues first single called “The Ballad of Mona Lisa,” many were excited that the band would
drop the Beatles act, which was quite evident in Pretty. Odd.’s music videos. However, that was not the case. Vices & Virtues is a blend of their first two albums, sounding more like Pretty. Odd.: If you’ve listened to Fever and Pretty. Odd., then Vices & Virtues will sound similar to those, moreso like the latter album. “Always,” Panic!’s first attempt at an acoustic song, sounds like it belongs on Pretty. Odd. Although somewhat disappointing, Vices & Virtues is enjoyable and will undoubtedly reel lost fans back in. Vices & Virtues earns 3.5 out of 5.
:)
Angles
By Erin Lynch
If you’re looking for an alternative twist on your favorite mainstream music, I’ve got the band for you. The Strokes finally released their long-awaited fourth album Angles on March 18. Before ever listening to the album, I was curious to see how the band has developed as their older music wasn’t something I enjoyed; luckily something was different about this album. After just listening to the first song, “Machu Picchu”, I was actually excited to listen to more. I usually only like songs for the music rather than lyrics and I can honestly say that my absolute favorite part of this album is the music. The music in the
song “Two Kinds Of Happiness” sounds almost exactly like something that could come from the Irish band U2. Although the album is pretty sweet, there were some songs that I fast forwarded through, and felt like they lasted forever. Songs like “Call Me Back” and “Metabolism” were a little too slow for my taste and I quickly got bored while listening to them. I can easily say that this is a fun and exciting album to listen to. I’m excited for any future albums coming up in the future- hopefully that doesn’t take another five years. Angles earns 4 out of 5.
:)
Uniquely Your Affair For all your party needs from invitations to coordinations from cakes to
(650) 488-0327 Contact: Chona uniquelyyouraffair@yahoo.com
Diana A. Cruz D.M.D. Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
341-B Gellert Blvd. Serramonte Plaza Daly City, CA 94015
(650) 994-1161 “We specialize in smiles!�