Oct 10, 2007

VOLUME 51, ISSUE 1

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2007 CASTRO VALLEY, CA, 94546

CVHS: You are being watched

By Laura Mitchell Copy Editor

Stephanie Lombardo / Photo Editor

Junior Ronnie Newt-Irvin drives towards the end zone while evading the Monarch defense in the first Varsity football game in the new Trojan Stadium. See story on page 6.

Grading goes online

By Esther Lee

Business Manager Starting with the next school year, any parent with a computer and the Internet will have full access to their child’s attendance and grades.

Aries, the online software program, will be in use by the majority of Castro Valley district teachers in the 2008-2009 school year.

Presently, there is a similar program in use that can be accessed by logging onto mygradebook.com. Only 20 teachers in CVHS utilize it, such as Jeff Goldstein and Lori MacDonald.

Each student’s information will be protected with a password. Other students will not be able to see their classmates’ grades since the Web site will only display that particular student’s grades and attendance.

Replacing the current system with Aries will make life easier for the teachers.

Instead of using paper attendance, they will be able to take roll on their computers and send it electronically to the office. Teachers can use Aries to confirm whether students have been absent a whole day or only for a certain class.

Currently, there is a debate on how soon a teacher should put up new grades for a test. The teacher’s union will be involved with the decision.

Numerous teachers see potential in Aries and support it.

“I think it will be more efficient for our schools, teachers are really clamoring for it,” said the Assistant Principal of the Freshman House, Jesse Woodward.

Some display mixed feelings about it.

“It will give parents and students easier access to their

grades. One problem may be some teachers may not upload grades in a timely matter, this could lead to confusion. For example, if a teacher uploads grades every two weeks, one day the grade could be high, the next day the grade could be low.

This could lead to confusion and frustration,” said social studies teacher Mark Mladinich.

Students are supportive of Aries as well.

“Online grading would definitely help raise the performance levels of many students. Many don't realize what their grade is until it's too late to make any significant changes. Informing parents would also motivate some kids to do better so they don't get punished,” said senior Matt Small.

This useful program can help our school district receive information faster and provide parents with instant information.

can no longer be purchased from the various food stands around campus, and according to Assistant Principal Marcie Plummer, the vending machines that still currently serve soft drinks in the courtyard will have their contents replaced with healthier beverages as soon as CVHS has worked out the details with the drink manufacturers.

New, more nutritious food will also be added to the cafeteria to replace the food removed by the initiative.

“We want our kids to be happy and healthy and ready

for a rigorous academic day,” said Plummer. “Our desire is for students to develop good eating habits that they will carry into adulthood.”

In addition to dictating the removal of unhealthy foods from the school menu, the health and wellness initiative also states that food is not to be used as a reward in the classroom, meaning teachers are no longer allowed to award sweets to students.

“I used to give out candy as a prize to the winners of class competitions,” said government teacher Carmelina Frasca. “But

Many students have noticed CVHS’s new security installment: numerous surveillance cameras on campus, The video cameras, installed over the summer, are “all about safety and security,” said new Assistant Principal Jason Whiteman.

“These cameras are here to help keep the facility secure, providing an environment that makes it conducive for learning.”

Located all over campus, the cameras are monitored by Whiteman, who confirmed that the cameras are “constantly rolling” and that they have audio capacity. “I can access the footage from a computer,” Whiteman said. “If something comes up, I can go back a couple of days or hours through the computer, find that situation, and find the face of the person connected with it.”

So far this year, Whiteman has caught kids skateboarding on campus, throwing things at school buildings on the first day of school, and even non-student “intruders” coming onto campus on camera. No one has been disciplined yet, however. “I know kids that have done things so far,” said Whiteman. “I’m just gathering evidence and watch-

ing the tapes.”

Not surprisingly, many students do not like the idea of video surveillance on campus.

“It’s creepy,” said senior Em-

“

We're not trying to be the FBI. Jason Whiteman Assistant Principal

”

ily Hatton at the thought of students’ activities being watched by the school’s administration.

Some may have privacy concerns with the addition of the cameras on campus, but everything to do with the cameras is according to the law, and any footage that’s taped and used is reviewed only by the school’s administration.

“We’re not trying to be the FBI,” observed Whiteman. “We’re not trying to be in everybody’s business. We’re just trying to provide safety and security.”

However, troublemakers beware: “I’m watching you,” said Whiteman.

Junk food leaves campus for good

By Kevin Hanley Opinion Editor

Starting this year, Castro Valley High will stop offering sodas and other unhealthy foods to students in accordance with a new California Health and Wellness initiative, which limits the amount of sugar and fat allowed in food and drinks sold by schools.

The removal of these unhealthy foods from the school’s menu has already begun. Sodas and some of the more unwholesome foods the school has sold in the past

The CVHS cameras are located in various locations on campus. now that we’re not allowed to do that anymore, I don’t know what else to give.”

Students seemed ambivalent about the initiative.

“I think the idea is good on paper, but I don’t think it will have

that big of an impact on student eating habits,” said senior Philip Breedlove.

"I can live without the candy and such, but come on, every kid needs soda," said freshman Serena Organ.

Achievement in sports worth lack of free time

By Eva Poon Staff Writer

Preposterous parking problems Michelle Matsui / City Editor

By Candace Wong Business Manager

Each morning when I drive to school, I happen to walk by the senior lot. I slowly realize rage coming about me.

I stare out into the empty parking spots where teachers are supposed to park while noticing the tworows of parking available to students which are filledto capacity, some cars even parked in the restricted areas. Some cars that do not even have a parkingpermit happen to appear in the few parking spotsseniors are offered.

The administration is extremely aware that we have a lot of teachers that they must supply parking spots for. However, have they ever realized we have a tad more students (junior, seniors, and even some sophomores who drive) than we do teachers?

Also, I do not understand why is it that we have such

a huge parking issue and yet the administration is allowing unlimited distribution of the parking permits. People, like me, buy a parking permit in the beginning of the year in hopes of getting a guaranteed parking vicinity everyday but we are quickly disillusioned.

Although I have a first period, many students who do not will suffer the problem of buying a parking permit and not being able to make the money worth while. What would be the point to purchase a permit if it is essentially money going into the dumps?

I am exceedingly in awe at the fact that the administration is saying that we have a huge parking issue when they do not have the initiative to solve the problem and simply sell the teacher parking spots to students and perhaps have a limited amount ofparking permits so students who buy a permit early are offered a guaranteed parking spot.

Now that the junior lot is almost completelyavailable to students, the administration needs to find out what they are going to do with those spots.

Is it for juniors, seniors, or even more parking for teachers and staff?

Teachers often times do not even use their parking spots since they carpool or bike to school. So the question is, why not sell teacher parking spots to students or why don’t we limit staff parking and offer more spots to the hundreds of students who need them? This, I am not too sure about.

But what I am certain about is that we have a huge parking issue that needs to be solved with the help of the administration.

Many may think I am simply a nagger who complains about everything at school, but I believe I am only one out of many seniors who feel the same way.

Kid Nation helps children grow up

By Lindsay Oda Staff Writer

Kid Nation aired last Thursday, September 20. It’s a show about 40 kids, ages 8 to 15, taking over a ghost town for 40 days.

No adults at all, except for the TV show host. They make their own money, cook their own food, clean for themselves, and create their own government with rules. During all of this, they do “challenges” similar to those in the show Survivor.

The show has been looked negatively upon because of all the responsibility put on the kids.

I agree that there is a lot of responsibility there, but I found that the kids handled it all too well. I saw kids fight and argue, but talk their problems out.

I also saw them supporting each other, from cheering on

each other during challenges, and comforting the homesick ones. They all worked together

“ There is a lot

of responsibility there, but I found that the kids handeled it all to well. I saw the kids fight and argue, but talk their problems out.

”

to come to a goal: to create a smooth operating town.

I think the kids in this show

will grow from their experience on Kid Nation . Because they have to work with different people with different ages and different personalities, they will learn how to be flexible and cooperate. They also will figure out what are the good choices to make, what’s right and what is wrong in a society.

As for the child labor arguments (critics of the show arguing Kid Nation breaks child labor laws), I have to say that working for yourself and for your town will give these kids a better work ethic. I don’t think any of these kids have experienced this much work, but it’ll only make them realize what it’s like in the real world. Kid Nation couldn’t be a better idea. It’s entertaining to watch these kids learn and grow. I believe that the show is only for the good of them, and in the end they’ll be more mature because of it.

“I’m not quitting the team!”

I yelled at my mom. My parents told me that cross country practices were taking too much of my time and that I should concentrate on my schoolwork.

Still I was determined to prove that I could handle sports and school.

Why are so many teenagers wiling to put themselves through the chaos just to do sports? Students who don’t participate in sports see no reason to live so stressfully and go through unnecessary pain.

Every day I rush home, knowing that a pile of homework is waiting to be done. My day consists of seven classes, two hours of practice, and countless hours of homework. During cross country season, I rush around stressed, trying to balance studying and running.

Athletes choose to live constantly under these high expectations. Our school requires most of their students to be ready by 7: 15 a.m. In every class, the teacher assigns hours of works and tedious exams.

Bright moments of freedom with friends are cut short.

Mental pain is quickly followed with physical pain.

After school, athletes report to their coaches and receive treatment ranging from encouragement to loud in-your-face yelling.

For athletes, there are few hours that are not filled with either schoolwork or sports. The varsity cross country team meets

at 5 a.m. every day to run. The football team plays Friday night games and returns to school on Saturday to analyze their plays on tape.

Most sports have practices running into the evening.

Athletes frequently need to leave class early to go to endless games and matches.

Non-athletic peers question the sanity of playing sports. I try to tell my sister about the thrilling sense of accomplishment after a race but she responds by rolling her eyes. Most athletes say that sports are part of their identity and that it’s fun. The glory of kicking a winning goal or making a touchdown is enough of a high to make the practices worth it. The desire to be the best athlete and team in the area overshadows any negatives of doing sports.

Sports are just like any other extracurricular activity. If I were to ask actors in drama productions if staying at school to rehearse late into the night is worth it, they will respond with a quick yes.

Anyone with an extracurricular activity would say in the end, the hard work and extra time was worth it to get to where they want to be in life.

The fact that a person is willing to take time out of their lives to exercise and compete, versus staying at home to watch TV, shows strength and the ability to balance a full day. Why shouldn’t people do something worthwhile with their time? Don’t forget that colleges always prefer wellrounded students to poor schlubs who sleep their lives away.

The Olympian is a publication of the Journalism Class, Castro Valley High School, 19400 Santa Maria Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546.©2007 Editor-In-Chief..................................................................Malena Bell City Editor..................................................................Michelle Matsui News Editor...............................................................Sophiana Carell Opinion Editor..............................................................Kevin Hanley Feature Editor................................................................Hayden Folks Sports Editor............................................................Alexander Shiluk Copy Editors.................................................................Kyle Friedrich Laura Mitchell Becky Chao Photo Editor......................................................Stephanie Lombardo Systems Manager.........................................................Andrew Quan Business Managers.....................................................Candace Wong Esther Lee Staff Writers: Frank Chao, Ryan Flores, Andrew Huber, Irene Lang, Brandon Lui, Erin Mundy, Lindsey Oda, Taylor Pepsin, Eva Poon, JasonRoselius, Sarah Simmons, Sierra Ventura, Joseph Wan, howard Whang, Tim Wong Advisor..........................................................................Matt Johanson

Should marijuana be legalized inAmerica?

By Erin Mundy Staff Writer

Becky Chao / Copy Editor

Editorial: Some may find the installation of video surveillance cameras all over campus to be sinister or disturbing, but the cameras can do a lot of good.

For instance, the cameras will probably encourage better behavior.

Students will be more likely to behave, knowing that their actions will be caught on tape, and intruders and “taggers” can be more easily traced

and caught.

Also, the video cameras will make it easier in general for the administration to keep tabs on what kinds of criminal activities occur on campus, and will help to identify misbehaving students.

Intruders on campus will potentially be able to be tracked, too. The cameras will help to bolster our security.

As far as privacy concerns go, there is not that much to be upset about.

The cameras aren’t even that intrusive into students’ lives, and besides, most of the student body is rule abiding, so the majority of students have nothing to worry about.

We at The Olympian feel that the surveillance cameras are a good idea. Cameras on campus will help keep our school safe.

By Joseph Wan

to clean their shoes in the few minutes between periods?

There should be no doubt that something must be done, but though many people have complained about this wetness problem, no one has actually done anything about it, or even asked “Why?” The answer goes back to sports. The double watering at 8:30 at night and around 4:00 in

be erected around the baseball diamond, and where construction is needed, bulldozers and heavy machinery will be sure to follow.

However, the question still comes back to whether or not all this water will actually help.

Sure, it is for the good of the sports teams, but how does watering so much now ensure the survival of the grass later?

I’ve always heard that too much water can kill a plant, or does that not apply to grass?

Even if the watering is to benefit the sports team, what about the people who have to endure wet shoes and mud splattered clothes in exchange?

It’s not fair that P.E. students have to endure such a thing for the benefit of the sports teams later.

The fields were closed for renovation the whole of last year.

Sure, the gopher holes are now all but gone, but is this what we have been waiting for: wet fields to slip and slide in, wet fields to get dirty in, wet fields that create mud and problems?

Maybe watering the field could be cut down to once in the evening or maybe classes could use the courtyard for running instead, but in the end, it is not “What can the students do?” but “What can the school do?”

It is up to the school, not the students, to accommodate for this problem.

Early morning watering dampens PE experience Staff Writer

How much water does the lawn need?

How much dew can one night produce? It certainly is not enough to moisten the courtyard floor, so how does one explain our school’s completely soaked fields?

Every morning, the early Physical Education classes get dressed, take roll, and then stroll up to the fields where they play games like soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, football, and a variety of other sports.

Despite the differences in their activities, all the students in these classes have one thing in common: they have to run.

Trust me, it is not a good feeling when clean, new shoes turn brown with mud and socks are completely soaked with water that has been who-knowswhere.

At the end of the shortest of runs, already many shirts are splattered with brown flecks and almost all shoes are plastered with grass. Sure, some people might brush off the problem by bringing in another pair of shoes for P.E., but those very same shoes (now dirty) go in the very same locker that hold their P.E. clothes!

Teachers certainly don’t like students who trail grass into their rooms, but who has time

“Trust me, it’s

not a good feeling when clean, new shoes turn brown with mud and socks are completly soaked with water that has been who-knowswhere.

”

the morning is aimed at strengthening the roots of the grass as part of an effort to prepare the fields for the sports team in the later seasons. Furthermore, there are plans for home-run fences to

Most would agree that the legalization of marijuana is a controversial topic, open to much debate. Although either side could put up a good argument, according to a Zogby International Poll, forty-one percent of the American public believes that pot should be made available under legal circumstances.

Personally, I don’t see a whole lot of harm in making it legal; however, I do see the cons as

“Maybe we will

soon see the day that a person can puff on a joint without a worry in the world.

”

well. Many believe that pot is a “gateway drug,” the first drug leading to a lifetime of drug usage. Others believe that it is just plain morally wrong.

Aside from morals, there are a few dangers of smoking pot.

“Stoned” driving, driving while high, can increase the chances of a driver getting into a car accident. However, I would have to say that the argument for

legalization is slightly stronger.

One of the many important benefits of allowing the selling and smoking of pot is the medical use.

Marjuana has been shown to increase appetite for chemotherapy patients, and decreases depression. It is already available for scientific research, and in some parts of California , can be purchased at clubs for medical patients.

In addition, police and court resources would be more available for other, more serious crimes. Most drug dealers would no longer benefit from illegal drug distribution if pot was available for public purchase.

This would also aid in eliminating a lot of street, drug- related crimes.

Marjuana has also been proven to be less lethal than other, legal “guilty pleasures” like alcohol and cigarettes. If used in moderation, marijuana could be mostly harmless. Its effects are not as drastic on users in comparison to other frequently abused drugs, and even alcohol intoxication.

I,, could argue about this issue for days, and I’m certain I’m not the only one either.

There have been several attempts to legalize the drug, but none have been successful so far.

Who knows, maybe we will soon see the day that a person can puff on a joint without a worry in the world.

PHOTOpinions COMPILED BY Esther Lee

How do you feel about the new security cameras?

“I think they’re kind of insane.” – Sarah Beeston, Freshman

“It seems like a wasted effort.” – Jo Ro, Sophmore

“They’re okay. Thay’re for our saftey.” –Kari Hill, Junior

“They’re ok, as long as they’re not in the bathrooms.” – Jack Leng, Senior

Homecoming activities schedule Courtesy of Michelle Gaston

ASB Communications Officer

Kelly Abbott stands with several Kenyan school children.

Courtesy Kelly Abbott

Teachers donate summers to teaching children in Africa

By Becky Chao Copy Editor

It was another day at school for teacher Sherry Vargas. As her colleague Kelly Abbott watched her instruct her algebra class, screams suddenly erupted outside their classroom. A young man ran inside and beat a green snake that seemingly appeared out of nowhere. This was a rare, poisonous Mamba snake and that incident was in a school in Eastern Kenya.

“After that, I tucked myself into bed and made sure the mosquito net was around me,” recalled Vargas, about her precautions against snakes after that scare.

“One time, I went to my bed and there was a chicken there. I don’t know how it got there.”

Kelly Abbott and Sherry Vargas, both of whom are math teachers here at CVHS, taught in impoverished Kenya for four and six weeks respectively. She and Vargas stayed at the principal’s house, which was right next door to the school, with food provided. The house had no running water and usually no electricity.

They had planned ahead of time to teach at the same school. The school - equivalent to an American high school - had about 600 students, with an average class containing about 50 or 60 kids.

Abbott and Vargas covered a class or two to make the load easier for the teachers who regularly taught there.

“They were more disciplined because they were still using caning there,” said Abbott.

Vargas agreed. “When I was teaching, you could hear a pin drop. Teachers are revered in Kenya, and treated very well.”

The pair saw many differences in the lifestyle and attitudes of Kenyan and American teenag-

ers.

“The biggest challenge in graduating is money. So many kids dropped out because of money,” commented Abbott.

In Kenya, education in grades K-8 is free; high school and university fees must be paid by the student and oftentimes, families can’t afford tuition. CVHS’s own Christine Nandi, who herself is from Kenya, organizes sponsor-

“

I tucked myself into bed and made sure the mosquito net was around me Sherry Vargas Teacher

”

ships to help such cash-strapped students. Vargas visited Nandi’s family and five other schools that the organization’s sponsored students are attending, so she could get a reliable update on them.

During Abbott’s last week there, the students had some free time due to finals and she allowed them to ask her whatever they liked. Besides the obvious questions of what living in America was like, they also asked deeper questions on religion and politics. “One of them asked, ‘Why is your government spending more money on defense than on poor countries?’

I can’t answer that, you know,” said Abbott, laughing.

Abbott, who has already pre-

viously taught in India, Mexico, and Costa Rica, is already hoping to teach in South America next year, as that’s the only continent she hasn’t been to yet, besides Antarctica. All of the schools she has taught in had basic supplies such as desks and chalkboards and every student in those schools were required to wear uniforms.

The difference between these Kenyan schoolchildren and other third-world students, Abbott says, is the percentage of orphans. Although the poverty level seems the same, malaria and AIDS have wiped out many parents in sub-Saharan Africa, making it much harder for orphans with younger siblings to continue going to school.

“Death is a normal occurrence to them,” said Abbott. “The fact that there were so many orphans there were was the most shocking thing to deal with.”

Abbott decided to go to Egypt for two weeks before starting her teaching stint in Kenya. After a month there, she embarked on an eight-day safari to observe animals in the savannas of Tanzania and Kenya.

Vargas occasionally went to visit the city of Mombasa - where unemployment rates are around 65%, according to Vargas - while she was teaching, and took two more trips afterwards, including a safari in the Masai Mara area and meeting the Masi Warriors.

“Everyone was wonderful,” said Vargas, commenting on her trip.

“Only a couple times I was on high alert, but the people were mostly wonderful. They never complained about any pain and never [would] discuss it.”

“I hope that students can and will choose to do international travel,” said Abbott. “Explaining the experience is difficult, but that’s what days of diversity is for.”

These first few weeks of school have been vibrant with the fresh faces of students and staff members, and as our student activities have begun to start up, I can’t help but note the excitement already spinning around Homecoming.

This year’s events are bound to be “new and improved,” as we will now have access to our newly finished gym and stadium. This column will be a reference for you to stay updated on upcoming activities.

For further information on any events listed, go to room 607 at break, lunch, or after school, or on the Student Activities web page. I hope the school year has been going well for you all, and I look forward to seeing you at upcoming student events!

• Monday, October 8 to Thursday, October 11: Song Girl, Male Skit, and Float meetings. Listen for announcements regarding location and times.

• Wednesday, October 10:

Behavior contracts and court petitions due. Due by 4:00pm.

• Saturday, October 13: Work Parties from 9:00am- 3:00pm • Monday, October 15 to Thursday, October 18: Work Parties from 3:45pm- 8:30pm • Class Days: Monday, October 15: Junior Day Tuesday, October 16: Sophomore Day Wednesday, October 17: Freshman Day Thursday, October 18: Senior Day • Friday, October 19 HOMECOMING: Parade begins at 1:00pm. Assembly begins at 2:00pm. Dance is from 9:00pm – 11:00pm.

• We Believe T-shirts : Tshirts will be on sale for $10 in room 607 To reach the Student Activities we page, go to CVHS’s website: http:// www.cvhs.cv.k12.ca.us/ -Click on STUDENTS -Click on ACTIVITIES

Oklahoma takes the audience homa

By Malena Bell editor-in-chief

When I saw Oklahoma , I greatly enjoyed the fantastic performances of my friends and teachers.

Oklahoma featured professionals along with students and teachers who worked throughout the summer to prepare the production. They succeeded in creating a production that was funny and well performed.

The professionals were excellent actors and singers, and did well in their parts. However, I would have liked the performance much better if no professionals had been involved.

The thing I love the best about our high school performances is seeing my friends and classmates performing. It is amazing to see what they accomplish after all the hard work they put into the production.

In Oklahoma, the professionals played the main parts while the people I most enjoy watching filled in smaller acting, singing, or dancing parts.

I still enjoyed watching them, but it would have been better if I could have seen them playing the major parts I know they are capable of playing.

The teachers, on the other

hand, were a fantastic addition.

Seeing teachers get involved with the production really added another dimension to it.

For example, it was wonderful to see my Honors American Literature teacher, Daren Wilkerson,

“

It is amazing to see what they accomplish.

”

up on stage singing in a southern accent and dancing around with a rifle and a cowboy hat. Those moments in the production, when you are connected to the people on stage, are really what made the production for me.

Oklahoma was overall very well prepared and performed.

I was impressed by the cast members who put their effort into Oklahoma, creating a production that was interesting, exciting, and full of laughs.

Hairspray needs Halo 3 kills no shampoo competition

By Candace Wong business manager

It has been a long while since a musical has caught the attention of the public like Hairspray has.

The jaw-dropping performances

by John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Zac Efron, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, and new-comer Nikki Blonsky made this movie a substantial jump forward from the original version.

Unlike most comedies, Hairspray genuinely had a storyline that is meaningful to society today. It is focused on the racial and physical differences and the conceptions people had of each other in the 60s and perhaps

even today. Despite these segregations, the characters in the movie were able to break from the public’s misconceptions and become what they believe they could be. The integration and acceptance of each other was touching.

This rather serious storyline lets the public see how segregation took place back when it was first addressed as a social ignominy.

And although segregation has decreased intensively, it still exists. Hairspray allows us to see both sides of the story and what people had to go through to gain equality and fairness.

Although the storyline was eloquent, it was still able to give the audience a good laugh. It was just hilarious seeing Travolta in a fat suit playing a woman’s role.

And like always, Bynes was able to present a great comic side to

the movie along with Travolta’s humorous dress-up. Besides comedy, the rising star Efron gives off a special charm not seen in either of the High School Musicals.

Along with the comedic scenes and catchy songs, the dance numbers are exhilarating.

The choreography is different enough from that of the original Hairspray that it gives the movie a “fresh” image.

Out of all the contemporary musicals, I would have to say that this one is one of the better, if not the best, ones yet. Hairspray definitely exceeded my expectations and was undeniably better than the highly praised Dreamgirls.

It is highly recommended to those of you that enjoy energetic musicals and/or comedies with an exceptional plot.

“It’s Hairspray!!”

ng i w

R

e i v e H

alo

3

By Hayden Folks feature editor

Recently the final instalment in the Halo series came out: Halo 3.

It was one of the most hyped up games of all time and let me tell you, it lives up to its hype.

It is plain out awesome. It is the only game that has ever lived up to my expectations.

The Campaign mode works very well. Unlike Halo 2 where the story plot was really lame, the story is pretty good in this new game, but the end kind of leaves you hanging.

They left themselves room to make another sequel in the Halo series, even though they’re not supposed to.

There is a whole multitude of new things in Halo 3. One of the greatest things are the two new grenades. One is a spike grenade that sticks to people like plasma grenades and the other is a firebomb grenade, which cause large explosions.

Another cool thing is the handful of new vehicles, all of which you can use to crush your enemies. There is the mongoose, which is an ATV. It is really fast

but incredibly weak, which gets annoying. But the Human Hornet is very cool. It is the human flying vehicle, in which I enjoy flying around blowing Banshees out of the air.

Along with the new grenades and vehicles, they also have a lot of crazy new items such as the Bubble shields, which create an impenetrable bubble around you. Other things include Power drain, an energy shield, a grave lift, flares and a shield regenerator. These new weapons really affect the out come of battles.

Just like the other games, the online play is the best part. Playing with real people and kicking their butts is the best.

“

It lives up to all of the hype.

”

There is nothing better than knowing you just beat a real person.

There are a lot of little side games you can download for free that are fun to, like pirate ships where every body has pistols and swords and you try to capture the enemy “pirate ships,” but if you get off the ship, you loose your shield.

Halo 3 is one of the greatest games released and it definitely lives up to its hype with all of these additional features that are all really fun and helpful when you feel like going into battle.

Football triumphs, new stadium wows

By Michelle Matsui City Editor

Stephanie Lombardo / Photo Editor

Castro Valley scored two touchdowns in the opener of the new Trojan Stadium.

Trojans smash Mt. Eden

Girls tennis remains undefeated

By Michelle Matsui City Editor

As the sun beat down on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 25, the CVHS girls tennis team faced off against the Mt. Eden Monarchs without their number one Varsity player, freshman Jamie Pawid.

Due to her sporadic attendance, the Trojans were at a disadvantage, but this did not faze the confident team as sophomore Ashley Sutedja moved up to the number one spot and crushed her opponent, helping to continue the team’s undefeated record as they creamed the Monarchs 7-0.

“At first I was anxious, but I soon got the hang of it,” said Sutedja about playing as the top Varsity girl. “We have a strong team, we’re confident but not

cocky and we work well as a team.”

“There’s more competition within our team than out in the league,” said team captain senior Jessica Endo.

“All this competition helps keep my game up and I have to stay in shape to compete with them and keep my place in the ladder [ranking on team].”

This year the Trojans have a new coach, David Roth-Rossi.

“He’s very spirited, fun, and committed to the team. He’s willing to work hard for our team,” commented Endo.

Along with a new coach, the tennis team is working with a very young core of players, seen by the quick ascendance up the ladder of freshman and sophomore Pawid and Sutedja

as numbers one and two. With such a young core, Roth-Rossi is confident that the team will be strong for a long time and their prospective success for the coming years seems high.

“I want to go far in NCS. Getting in is no problem but I want to advance, unlike last year, and we have the talent to do it,” said Roth-Rossi about his goals for the team.

“I’m trying to give everyone as much experience as possible and I want to build pride in them so that they’re proud of themselves and of our team.

“The team is fabulous. They dress fabulously, their attitude is fabulous, their tennis play is fabulous, and in Spanish that’s ‘fabuloso,’” joked Roth-Rossi, displaying the team’s fun spirit.

Trojan Stadium opened auspiciously Friday, Sept. 18 with the Castro Valley Varsity football team winning a close game against the tough Mt. Eden team, 14-7. With the stands full of more than 4000 cheering fans and the pressure mounting for the Trojans to win their first game on their new home field, some players were getting anxious about the outcome of the game.

“Mt. Eden is a tough team, se we had to focus and play our best, which we did,” commented senior co-captain Scott Lee. But winning this first game doesn’t necessarily result in a winning season.

“Football is a game to game kind of thing,” said Varsity coach Jordan Seiden. “We have to work hard each week, but winning this first game helped to show the team’s potential.”

One of the reasons that they

team is able to work so well is the close bond they all share. Seiden gets along very well with the team, saying that they all have good attitudes and work hard.

Lee also loves his teammates, seeing them as more like a family than just a team.

“All the guys welcomed me with open arms,” said sophomore Daniel Heka, who just moved up from the Junior Varsity to the Varsity team this year and also scored the first touchdown of the game.

The team all hopes to do well this season by winning the league and going into NCS, but they know that it won’t be easy.

“Potential is an empty word if we don’t work hard to fulfill it,” said Seiden. Although winning is usually a large judge on success, Seiden wants to take a more holistic view on things.

“I don’t want to pin success on just wins and loses. I want to see the kids develop and reach their full potentials.”

Volleyball narrowly defeated

By Hayden Folks Feature Editor

As the warm-ups came to an end you could feel the excitement in the air. The Trojan pride could be seen as the girls volleyball team huddled, sure of a victory over their greatest rival Bishop O’Dowd.

The game started out badly for CVHS but the Trojans almost immediately regained the point and took the lead.

The teamwork of the Trojans kept them in lead for a while, but Bishop O’Dowd rallied points for a while and eventually lost the game 20 to 25. In the second game, O’Dowd took

the lead until sophomore Stacie Redmond tied the game seven to seven. In spite of the Trojans’ performance, Bishop O’Dowd won the game 25 to 16.

In the third game, the early lead belonged to the Trojans and they won the third round.

In the fourth game a disputed call broke Trojan momentum and allowed Bishop O’Dowd to score several points which were hard for Castro Valley to come back from.

Against the Trojans’ best efforts, the victory went to Bishop O’Dowd.

“We will beat them at their home,” said sophomore Malina Keaton on next time.

S up e r S a v v y Sp o r ts St a rs

Kevin Hanley / Opinion Editor

Ashley Panko, freshman

Ashley Panko is a cheerleader at Castro Valley High. She has been cheerleading since 7th grade and plans to continue throughout high school. “I love performing in front of people,” said Panko. “I love cheering on our school’s teams and getting the crowd pumped at games. My teammates are all really great.

We all help each other out when we need practice.”

Angella Gioukaris, sophomore Angella Gioukaris is on the basketball team. “It’s a great way to release your anger,” said Gioukaris. “I like basketball because it is an easy and fun sport, but you also have to take it seriously.” The CVHS basketball team won all its matches last year and Gioukaris hopes to help the team achieve that goal again this year. “I think the team will do well this year because we were undefeated last year,” she said. Gioukaris plans to continue to play basketball for the rest of her high school career.

Moly Agraviador, junior

Moly Agraviador has played volleyball since 5th grade. “I play volleyball because it’s a really fun team sport and you bond really well with your team mates and make really good friends,” said Agraviador. The team recently faced archrivals Bishop O’Dowd, whom they have not beaten recently. “We have to come together as a team and play well,” said Agraviador the day before the game. When the CVHS volleyball season ends, Agraviador plays club volleyball.

Karlina Beringer, senior

Karlina Beringer runs cross country at Castro Valley High.

She has been running cross country since 7th grade and through all four years of high school. “I love running through nature,” said Beringer. “When I’m running I can look really aggressive without being made fun of. All the people are really nice, and the coach [Peter Brewer] is insane.” Beringer does not plan to continue running cross country after high school, but she will continue to run for fun.

Bathroom phobia:

Public restrooms terrorize students

By Timothy Wong Staff Writer

I hate using public restrooms.

On a scale of one to ten I would say that my dread for them is an eight point five.

Sure, they’re convenient when you really have to go but I still dislike them. I wish someone would write a book on bathroom etiquette, which would be posted in all bathrooms so everyone can read it.

My last two experiences were some of the worst yet, at least in terms of awkwardness.

If you have never been in an awkward bathroom situation, it may not seem very bad, but trust me, it is.

The first time this happened I was at school and I really had to go. I was just about done when I heard the door open. I tried to hurry so I wouldn’t have to stand next to the guy while I peed, but

it took a little longer than I expected. When I was finally done I noticed that no one was using any of the toilets.

I turned around to see a guy in close proximity to me. Since he was in front of me after I turned around he was probably directly behind me while I was peeing.

We stood there in silence. Finally, the guy said, “Hi.” I gave him a weird look and backed away.

At this point I would’ve liked to run out of the bathroom, but before I could leave I had to wash my hands. It’s kind of my pet peeve when I see people who don’t wash their hands so I always soap more than once in public bathrooms to compensate for them.

After washing my hands I fast walked out of the bathroom thinking about how that was one of my oddest encounters ever.

Turns out that events like that aren’t so rare. Later that week I

went to In ’n’ Out Burger with some of my friends and a similar event occurred.

There are other reasons why I hate public bathrooms too. As I’ve stated before I dislike when people chose the urinal next to yours when all the rest are available and I hate seeing people not wash their hands.

It’s also awkward when you’re using the john and someone tries to talk to you.

I also hate walking into an empty stall and finding a present its previous occupant left for me. Just thinking about it makes me sick.

I also hate how people don’t limit their aiming to the limits of the toilet and how the floors are always sticky because of it.

I really wish that people would use more class when using public facilities. I don’t think that being courteous to others is really as hard as it sounds.

according to their developmental level and home circumstances,” said Cooper.

Of course, there are skeptics out there who believe that students aren’t getting enough homework. Some parents want their children to have something to keep busy with or to improve their study habits. Sure, homework does give you additional practice and can improve your study habits. They can even boost your grade to compensate for a dreadful test grade. However, how much is too much?

As I have mentioned earlier, Cooper suggested that high school seniors should spend about two hours’ worth of homework each day. In response to that, I am a sophomore and I’m doing three to four times that much each night. Kids are burning out nowadays. Some parents don’t recall ever having

to do the amount of homework we are now forced to do.

Along with the demand of having to do your homework, studying for your tests, and spending time with your family, how do you find time for yourself? I know some people who only get three to four hours of sleep each night.

How can we fix this problem? I have only one proclamation.

Teachers, including those who teach honors classes, should think about the amount of homework they are giving their students.

Do they think it is reasonable?

Teachers were kids once; they should think about their high school memories. They should think about how many hours they spent on homework and how frustrating it can be.

My final words for this situation are give all of us students a break!

music first, which is extremely slow. On Facebook, if a user has

load it before you arrive at the profile. You would just click play when the site is loaded. The videos are always already loaded so there is virtually no wait time.

Another reason that I consider MySpace is inferior is that it’s not as safe.

On Facebook, only people who add you, with confirmation, can see your profile whereas on MySpace, any person can view your profile and take your pictures. Not only is it disgusting, but it’s easy for pedophiles to look at the profiles of teenagers and stalk them.

Students need free time too

By Irene Liang Staff Writer

As I’m sitting here writing this, I can’t help but think about the pile of homework waiting to be completed on my desk. It’s been four hours now since I’ve started and I still haven’t done half of what I was supposed to do. I can’t help but ask why? Why so much homework?

Harris Cooper, a psychology professor at Duke University, agreed that homework can improve one’s grades, but too much homework can counter that effect.

Cooper estimated that high school seniors should spend about two hours’ worth of homework each day.

“Kids burn out. The bottom line really is all kids should be doing homework, but the amount and type should vary

Myspace versus Facebook: Why Myspace comes up short

By Frank Chao Staff Writer

I really don’t see what the fuss is about. After spending 20 minutes on each web site, I had a clear winner. It wasn’t MySpace.

Yes, Facebook is much better, to all you MySpace whores.

“Why!?!” the MySpace whores shout at me. “How can you say MySpace is worse than Facebook?”

There are many reasons. For one thing, whenever you view someone’s MySpace and it has music, it attempts to load the

“‘Why!?!’ the

MySpace whores shouted at me.

”

music or a music video on their profile, you wouldn’t have to

Como? I’m sorr y, we live in America

By Sierra Ventura Staff Writer

If I lived in France, I’d probably love the taste of artisan cheeses. If I lived in Brazil, I’d most likely love soccer. If I lived in Sweden, I’d have an obsession for making super mod furniture and selling it at reasonable prices. But, I live in America and I believe everyone should speak English here.

I have always been a very welcoming and nice person, very accepting of people’s faults and differences.

But I just about lost it a week ago on my way home from school.

He was a short man who could easily fit into an overhead compartment. I was on my way home after a long day of proofs and literary devices. It was seemingly normal.

I said a simple hello and just as I was about to step away, he started asking me questions in Spanish.

This was a problem because I do not speak a word of Spanish. I attempted to communicate through various hand gestures saying, “I don’t understand,” and more of the like.

I could see he was getting very frustrated with me, but I couldn’t do anything. I thought we had reached an impasse and I was about to be on my merry

way, but two seconds later the man started shouting at me in his native tongue.

After I got away from his screeching I thought to myself, “This happens far too often to me.”

This whole situation plays in with immigration. I know people around the world dream about coming to America in search of something better than what they reside in.

I say, “Let them join us in our land!” I say, “Let them have a better life over here!” I say, “But one requirement is that you learn our language.”

It’s an easy request, yet many people that come here don’t do it. It should be required that in order to live and work here that you must know English.

I know it may be hard for people to take the time to actually do so, but if they plan on living their life here and being successful, knowing the language will make things easier.

This issue cannot be ignored.

We have to unite for the greater good.

We have to band together to encourage this. We have to crack down and put this plan into action because I wouldn’t mind living in a world where I didn’t have to be constantly paranoid about being yelled at by small Spanish–speaking men.

School food is not healthier

By Brandon Lui Staff Writer

At school I’ve seen people gulp down a whole can of soda in just a few seconds. A lot of people say that is unhealthy and people shouldn’t drink so much soda.

Apparently our school district thinks the same, as they are getting rid of soda completely.

But will it stop sugar and caffeine cravings at school at all? Most likely not, because compare some soda to other bottles of drinks stocked at school: there is not much of a sugar difference.

Lawmakers two years ago passed a law requiring elementary, middle and junior high schools to ban soda from their beverage menu.

One of the bills signed by the governor, SB965, expanded the law to high schools.

It read that by July 2007, soda would begin to disappear from schools. But with soda leaving our school, that doesn’t mean that students won’t be consuming sugar-filled drinks.

When one looks at a bottle of soda (20 oz), it’s relatively small, but packs a load of sugar.

A Coke has 39 grams of sugar in it, that’s nearly 10 teaspoons.

This shocks a lot of parents and school board members and makes them think soda should not be sold in schools.

I was a little upset about this but not too shocked when soda was no longer being stocked in most schools.

What really made me think was when I picked up a bottle of ice tea from a vending machine.

The bottle was the same size as a Coke bottle and had the same amount of sugar. A healthier drink? Not at all.

Most other soft drinks such as Pepsi, Dr. Pepper and Mountain Dew, have the same amount of sugar as the juice drinks that the school sells as alternatives to soda.

It just really makes me sick when people tell me that taking away soda is making everyone at school healthier. It may for some but we can get all the sugar as before with many of the drinks at school.

I’m not saying that keeping soda or taking away soda changes the problem but a lot of drinks out there are unhealthy either way, so what alternatives are there?

If you bring your own bottled water to school it’s cheap, healthier and it beats paying a $1.25 for one at the machines.

Whiteman whips CVHS students into shape

By Hayden Folks Feature Editor

“I be Mr. Whiteman,” said new Assistant Principal Jason Whiteman while poking a little fun at a grammar error of mine.

Whiteman has had a lot of experience working with kids.

At CVHS, Whiteman has many jobs and responsibilities, such as currently revising the school’s safety systems, putting together our emergency procedures and contacts, as well as monitoring the new camera surveillance system. As he said, “I am the safety guy.” He is making sure we have a safe way out in case there is any danger.

When asked if there have been any problems this year, Whiteman responded with, “The problem is just the time before the systems are in place, if something is going on, he is the one watching the cameras.

So behave, because Whiteman is watching.

In addition to being the safety guy, in Assistant Principal Sue Goldman’s absence, Whiteman is in charge of the parking and construction.

Whiteman has been working with kids for a long time. He has taught at a variety of schools and with many different age groups.

He has taught in elementary and middle schools, and most of his experience with high school students is from his 15 years as a social worker and his administrative position at Skyline High School in Oakland.

In his career as a social worker, Whiteman worked with kids that were abused, neglected and had other difficulties in life. He spent most of his time training other social workers how to work with these kids.

“I worked as a social worker for 15 years technically, but I am still in it,” said Whiteman, referring to his current position as assistant principal.

In regards to his goals, Whiteman said, “One of our goals is to turn things around this year…and to focus on service for students.”

Whiteman said CVHS is a great school, and is glad to be working here. You can normally find Whiteman walking around the campus, and he is always happy to talk to students.

Parking continues to plague seniors

By Michelle Matsui City Editor

To solve the problem of graffiti, the school bought new security cameras; cramped audiences resulted in the Center for the Arts; and with an old muddy track came the bond to construct a bigger and better stadium for CVHS. But from this latest solution sprang an even larger, ongoing problem that plagues all upperclassmen who either have late schedules or who just forget to set their alarms for five in the morning: the lack of parking on campus.

Since construction began last year, parking around campus has been more meager than usual with the junior lot only recently half opened and the majority of parking lots taken over by the staff. Although the school has only sold parking permits to seniors this year, many students with permits are finding it hard to find a spot in either lot due to the very limited number of spaces. Some seniors decided not to even bother with buying a permit.

“It’s too hard to buy a permit. It’s expensive [$20] and there’s so much traffic, it’s just not worth it,” said senior Alex Lopez.

Those who buy a parking permit are usually students who have a first period so they can come to school early enough to grab a good parking spot in the coveted senior lot.

“I leave at 6:40 in the morning but if I leave five minutes later, that’s the difference between getting a spot in the senior lot or the junior lot,” said senior Jessica Fong.

Since there are so few spots open this year, students have resorted to parking in residential areas around the school, in numbered spaces, and even in red or handicapped sections of the parking lots.

“We don’t want to tow any cars this year, but we will be handing out tickets to students who park in red or handicapped spaces,” said Assistant Principal Jason Whiteman. Students can also lose their parking permits for parking in a numbered spot.

Tickets have already been passed out to students, including a $35 ticket to a senior who parked too close to a fire hydrant on campus.

With more than half of the senior lot numbered, along with the other staff parking lots, students will continue to have a hard time finding parking.

However, this problem might not end with the end of construction as many had hoped.

Whiteman is currently trying to make more spaces for emergency vehicles, parents, and visitors, which will also be unavailable to students and will have time limits placed upon them.

Although this means even less parking for students, Whiteman says that these new parking plans are for the school’s safety in case of any disasters such as an earthquake or fire.

Whiteman hopes that the parking issue can be worked through and that the students and staff can maintain an amiable relationship without having to tow away cars. Reassuringly he said, “I am the safety guy.”

New principal has high hopes for CVHS

By Kyle Friedrich Copy Editor

Castro Valley High School kicked off the school year with new Principal Pete Alvarez. He worked as an AP here from 2001-04, and then became the principal at Redwood Alternative High School.

“I loved working at Redwood, but the opportunity to be principal here was an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up” Alvarez said. “I absolutely love it and I couldn’t think of another place I would rather work.”

Alvarez has three goals for his future at CVHS: to survive, to have as much fun as possible, and to make connections with as many people as he can. His third goal is especially important, because Alvarez wants to be able to get to know students.

“Everybody has their own style and philosophy [as Principal], but I really hope to be

accessible to students.” Alvarez commented on his own approach to administration.

Alvarez feels that the most challenging issues he has to face are making sure that there is enough money to fund school activities, and making sure that teachers have enough supplies in their classrooms. Voters passed bonds to give the school more funding, but Alvarez still feels that balancing the budget is a challenge.

Many new changes have come to the school in recent years, such as the new schedule, and Alvarez wants to review it [the schedule] with other administrators to make sure that it is the schedule they want to keep. Alvarez also feels that it is “highly doubtful” that the cell phone policy will be repealed.

As a final message to the school, Alvarez said that he“hopes that we have the best year possible, and that students leave here smarter, wiser, and better.”