Castro Valley, CA 94546
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2004
Volume 48, Issue 2
Trash can fire leads to evacuation By Flora Tsang Staff Writer
A small trash can fire in the upstairs girls’ bathroom of the 700 hall on the afternoon of Oct. 21 forced students to evacuate the school immediately. Sheriff ’s officers arrested a freshman girl for starting the fire and took her to Juvenile Hall, according to Assistant Principal Jim Maxwell. CVHS suspended her for five days and recommended a one-year
expulsion to the school board. The 700 hall upstairs bathrooms will most likely be closed permanently because of a variety of incidents that occurred, including smoking. “The restroom is used for smoking because it is isolated and at the end of the hall,” Maxwell said. Maxwell also noted that the fire set in the trash bin was probably set on purpose. “The girl probably lighted the trash bin with paper and a lighter. We don’t know how she did it
Kara Lawrence / Staff Writer
Senior male cheerleaders perform their skit that snagged those firemen first place. See page 8 for more photos.
Juniors successfully passed Exit Exam By Erin Gaab City Editor
Scores rose for CVHS students taking the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) since the class of 2005 took the test. “In the class of 2006, 93 percent passed the English last March and 95 percent passed math,” said Assistant Principal Jim Maxwell. The statistics for the current senior class were much lower. Last year’s sophomores (class of 2006) received especially higher math scores, which had averaged in the seventies for the previous class. Only one aspect of the CAHSEE was reformed. There is now one essay question instead of two in the English section. The level of difficulty is basically the same. Maxwell believes that one of the reasons students improved last year was because of the implementation of new math courses. There are supplemental classes aimed at improving English scores this year as well, including a Power Reading class for freshmen. Passing the CAHSEE is required of all California high school students in the class of 2006 or lower. CVHS’s governing board decided to retain the test as an option for seniors this year. “The class of 2005 is responsible for competency/proficiency which can be met through previously passing the exit exam or passing certain parts of the STAR test in math and English. Counsel-
ors will be checking last spring’s STAR scores this month [September] and all students who still have to pass the test will be notified in early October,” said Maxwell. This means that passing the CAHSEE in English will omit a senior’s writing test requirement because there is a writing section in the exam. Passing the English section of the STAR test only fulfills the reading requirement. The administration will provide information about make up test opportunities through the mail in the future. For students who failed the CAHSEE, they will have unlimited chances to take the math and English tests, but only specified number of writing tests will be administered.
though,” Maxwell said. “She told people about what she had done. It is as if she wanted everyone to know.” The fire was first noticed and reported by freshman Tiana Rogers. Rogers, in Geometry class at the time, had received permission to go to the restroom. As she entered, she noticed the other girl who was later arrested for starting the fire, coming out. As she went into the stall, she noticed nothing unusual except the smell of cigarette smoke. But then Rogers detected something as she left the stall. “Right as I was about to walk out, I saw smoke coming out of the trash can and I saw that the trash can was kind of illuminated,” said Rogers. Quickly, the fire was reported and the fire bells began ringing. A brave custodian, Jay Espitallier rushed into the restroom to put out the fire. He had to come out twice in order to get air because of the amount of toxic fumes from the burning plastic. In the end, he succeeded, and the fire was quenched. Officer Sarah Egelston was another victim of the poisonous fumes and both entered the hospital for treatment.
Quincy Hilburn / Staff Writer
The sophomore crowd cheers on their class and supports their school at the Homecoming assembly.
Relatives serve in Iraq By Kara Lawrence Staff Writer
The U.S. troops in Iraq need socks as much as they need encouragement from their country. Linda Little, the Leadership teacher and activities director, has created a troop necessity drive. Little has a son over in Iraq serving for the Army. “I’m proud that all these young men are willing to take that risk at only the age of 20 years old,” said Little. Her 20year-old son Trevor Little has not telephoned his family. “He really can’t say much in letters due to security reasons,” Little
said. She and her husband write to him monthly to let him know what is going on at home. Freshman Zach Graham’s father is stationed in Iraq. His father Staff Sergeant Richard Fryar has served in the army for ten years. “I’ve talked to him over the phone and in e-mail. He said that he was in a fire fight and his friend next to him was shot in the hand,” said Graham. Fryar left the U.S. on Aug. 17 and is supposed to be back in October or January. “I feel proud that my dad is in Iraq,” said Graham. When asked how she got involved with the drive, Little said,
Sean Ryan / Photo Editor
Seniors Mike Thompson and Tim Cole participate during the Kerry vs. Bush debate.
“There is a group called Operation MOM, where a large group of mothers who have sons or daughters in Iraq can join together to help out the troops.” Little can vouch for all parents who have children overseas. “I always feel a knot in my stomach when I think of him [Trevor] over in Iraq,” said Little. The drive goes throughout the year, so students can bring in the items that the troops overseas need badly. However, she said since the holidays are coming up she hoped that club presidents at CVHS would help make holiday boxes. “The holiday boxes would be nice for the troops so they can have something to remind them of home,” said Little.The items brought in for certain troops that have connections with Operation MOM. Trevor Little already has ten people who are contributing to him. The lists of everything needed are on a paper titled, “Support Our Troops.” The list can be found at almost any classroom. Little stated the security on the items is not necessary because all of the items are prepackaged. Little also said it would be helpful if students could put small hygiene items into ziploc bags for efficiency. “There is not a single most important item needed in the drive. Every item is equally important to the troops,” said Little.