MEET THE TEAM A MESSAGE FROM OUR PTSA
Editors-in-Chief
Jiashuo (Moon) Liu
Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar
Writers
Jiashuo (Moon) Liu
Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar
Victor Delgado
Brissia Matus
Tayor Dodd
Krystal Ma
Maya Alvarez Castellanos
Adriana Bautista
Amaad Garrett
Micaela Arauz
Cover Design
Victor Delgado
Cover Design Inspiration
Emily Ramirez
Graphic Design
Hannah Estrada
Serena Herrera
Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar
Photographers
Suzette Hernandez
Antoinette Reilly
Spanish Translation
Brissia Matus
Hannah Estrada
Advisor
Mr. Tadesse
Welcome Law Magnet families!!
Join the PTSA today!
https://www.txpta.org
District: Dallas ISD
School: Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet
CONNECT WITH THE LAW PTSA
Remind: @LawPTSA
Email: LawmagnetPTSA@gmail com
Facebook: LAW Magnet PTSA: Insider
Upcoming Important dates
9/19 North Texas Giving Day
TBD – New Law Magnet Spirit Wear Release
SPANISH TRANSLATION
Link: https://tinyurl.com/LPSepSpanish
CALENDAR DATES TO SAVE
Compiled By: Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar
September
October
September
9thBasketballInterest Meeting
10thDebateInterest Meeting
11thStudyCafe(9thGrade andTransferstudents)
12thDIInterestMeeting
13thSomethingSpecial
16thMentee-MentorGame Night(9thGradeand Transferstudents)
October 9thPSATReviewNight(9th GradeandTransfer students)
10thFairDay
11thFairDay
14thNoSchool
22ndPSAT(9-10th)
23rdPSAT(11th)
21-25:ParentConference Week
25thHalloweenDance
28thStudyCafe(9thGrade andTransferstudents)
30thMovieNight
EDITOR’S NOTE
visible to ships at sea and guiding lost sailors home
hat our s a it
Lately, I’ve felt a bit like those lost sailors lost in the sea of college ations, stressed about balancing academics with ext ruggling to find time to just take a break. But each time my teachers and mentors at the Law Magnet act as a g me back home Okay, maybe it’s a bit strange to de me, but we do spend more waking hours here than a s, if you don’t skip class) In a way, the Law Magnet is ou ome (or maybe, our apartment away from home).
edition, the Legal Pad staff explores the impact of ment eachers Who Influenced Teachers?”, “An Ode to Mento our “Our Legacy, Our Future Celebrating Law Magn i”, along with an interview with a friend of the person d after (“A Life in Law: Judge Sanderson”) As you read and complete the Wordle, think about the teacher, men as your own guiding light and try to show them your grat
riend,
ani (Sukhi) Nijjar Co-Editor-in-Chief
P.S. We’ve been cooking up something on the interwebs st more info.
O U R
LEGACY, FUTURE
Celebrating Law Magnet'sHispanic Alumni
By: Maya Alvarez Castellanos
September 15th marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time dedicated to honoring the struggles, triumphs and rich culture of Hispanic and Latinx communities This month offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the accomplishments of Hispanic individuals who have walked these halls and called the Law Magnet home
We are excited to spotlight the achievements of several alumni who have persevered to excel in industries with limited diversity, all while staying true to their roots and honoring their heritage
Photo via Erica Salazar
Photo via Erica Salazar
Photo via Jonathan Marenco
Joyce Medina Law Magnet Class of 2023
Joyce Medina is a first-generation college student at the University of Texas at Austin, determined to break the cycle that she believes many Hispanic families face. Passionate about social work, Joyce plans to attend law school with her ultimate goal of becoming a congresswoman Her motivation to enter politics stems from her own experience with injustice, and she vows to change the system through legislation. A large part of her desire to attend college is rooted in her wish to give back to her family and inspire her nieces and nephews to pursue higher education
Joyce believes that many Hispanic students hesitate to take advantage of opportunities given to them due to the fear of abandoning their families
sports management was sparked by watching sports with his family, and he treasures the time spent with them.
Joyce Medina
LawMagnet Classof 2023
Joyce Medina is a first-generatio college student at the University Texas at Austin, determined to b cycle that she believes many His families face Passionate about work, Joyce plans to attend law with her ultimate goal of becom congresswoman Her motivation politics stems from her own expe with injustice, and she vows to c the system through legislation A part of her desire to attend colle XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXrooted in h
As a first generation college student, Landon relied on resources at the Law Magnet, finding mentorship from teachers like Mr. T and Mr. G, as well as support from the College Transition classes The Law Magnet provided Pinales with a road map to pursue higher education an opportunity his parents never had. Their hard work and determination inspired him to pursue a career he enjoys, rather than one that simply pays the bills.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXto give bac
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXfamily and XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXher nieces XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXnephews to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXhigher edu
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Reflecting on her journey, she says XXXXXXXXXXXXXX “I was the XXXXXXXXXXXXXX one to get XXXXXXXXXXXXXX myself out of XXXXXXXXXXXXXX bed and so
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX far in life ”
“I WAS THE ONE TO GET MYSELF UT OF ED AND O FAR N LIFE.”
XXXXXXXXXXX With full XXXXXXXXXXX respect for XXXXXXXXXXX her parents,
XXXXXXXXXXX Medina
XXXXXXXXXX acknowledges XXXXXXXXXXX that her
XXXXXXXXXXX academic
XXXXXXXXX achievements he result of her own hard and determination. She es other students to view successes in the same light.
ndon Pinales Magnet Class of 2022
don Pinales is a firstneration college student at e University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Sports Management with a minor in Analytics and Elements of Computing. He plans on attending law school with the goal of becoming a sports agent. Pinales's passion for
Landon advises other firstgeneration students to immerse themselves in the cultures of others but to never lose sight of who they are and where they come from
Jaden Salazar
“I WAS THE ONE TO GET MYSELF OUT OF BED AND SO FAR IN LIFE.”
January
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXJoyce belie XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXmany Hispa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXstudents he XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXto take adv XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXof opportu
LawMagnet Classof 2021
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXgiven to th XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXto the fear abandoning their families Refle her journey, she says “I was the o get myself out of bed and so far With full respect for her parents, acknowledges that her academ achievements are the result of h hard work and determination Sh advises other students to view th successes in the same light.
Landon Pinales
Jaden Salazar is a senior at Texas A&M University, majoring in Civil Engineering. Salazar first went to A&M as a Political Science major, but later decided that it wasn't the right fit for him. His family’s work history introduced him to civil engineering, sparking a deep passion for the field. Salazar derived his work ethic from the example set by his parents and grandparents.
LawMagnet Classof 2022
Though leaving his family was hard, Salazar found a family in the close knit environment of College Station His father, who was unable to pursue higher education, instilled in him the importance of higher education
Salazar credits Mr. G, his high school mentor, for guiding him through high school, always pushing him to be a better person and strive for excellence One piece of advice Jaden would leave is to keep open communication keep your family involved in your life and goals.
Landon Pinales is a first-generat college student at the University Texas at Austin, majoring in Spo Management with a minor in An and Elements of Computing He on attending law school with the becoming a sports agent Pinale passion for sports management sparked by watching sports with family, and he treasures the time with them
As a first generation college stu Landon relied on resources at th Magnet, finding mentorship from teachers like Mr. T and Mr. G, as support from the College Transit
Photo via Jaden Salazar
Photo via Joyce Medina
Jonathan Marenco Law Magnet Class of 2023
Jonathan Marenco is a junior at the University of North Texas, majoring in Supply Chain Management His family’s active involvement in his academics has motivated him to always strive for greatness. Growing up in a Hispanic family, Marenco carries a core value with him community which has allowed him to become a leader both on campus and within his circle of friends and family.
Marenco’s biggest inspirations are his parents, particularly his father, whose career in Logistics and Transportation began his interest in his chosen major. As a first-generation college student, Jonathan faced the challenge of figuring out the next steps in his educational journey With the guidance of the Law Magnet, particularly the College Transition classes, he was able to find the right school and major, setting him on a clear path to achieving his goals, something that might have been much more difficult without that support
Erica Salazar Law Magnet Class of 2023
Erica Salazar is a sophomore at Northwestern University, where she is double majoring in Political Science and Social Policy with a minor in Business Institutions. Being the oldest of three siblings has driven her to achieve everything she has accomplished and more Witnessing systemic issues in her community first-hand sparked her interest in immigration law, and guided her through two core values: perseverance and hard work.
Salazar is steadfast in her belief that no one should be denied a helping hand, a principle that shapes her approach to life. Her advice to others is to never feel
ashamed of where you came from and be open to new beginnings and growth.
During her time at the Law Magnet, Erica was involved with the Future Leaders Program (FLP), which provided her with support during the college application process and taught her many valuable skills. Her time with FLP extended beyond high school, leading to an internship with the program that has provided her valuable connections. Although her family originally hoped she would attend a university close to home, their unwavering support has followed her to Chicago and continues no matter the distance
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Photo via Joyce Medina
12:0
Photo via Joyce Medina
DUST OFF THE BOOKS: A FRESH START FOR EVERY GRADE
By: Jiashuo (Moon) Liu
While it’s unfortunate that our summer relaxation has come to an end with the beginning of a new school year, it’s time for us to get back into the academic mindset and embrace the clean slate High school is a period of exploration where each of us can find what works and doesn't work for us when it comes to
Freshmen
This is truly the start of a new chapter for you! Being at a new place surrounded by new faces might be daunting, but remember that your mentor and teachers are there to help you Make sure to take initiative and ask for help, so they understand exactly
studying, extracurriculars, and interpersonal relationships. As Sigmund Freud once said, “The only person with whom you have to compare yourself is you in the past ” There’s always room to become a better version of ourselves, regardless of our grade and how much we ’ ve accomplished
what’s wrong and how they can help you Also, right now is a great time to try out all the clubs you ’ re interested in to see which ones you should stick to and which ones to let go While doing so, try to build connections wherever you go, and start building a reputation of excellence for yourself.
Pay close attention to academics because freshman year grades are the foundation to your high school GPA. You might realize that it’s no longer possible to coast by in your classes, so develop some study habits and go to tutoring as needed (Pro-tip: don’t wait until you ’ re failing to do so!)
Sophomores
You’ve made it through freshman year, no matter how impossible that might have seemed! Be sure to keep up good performance in your academic classes, even if they are more advanced than the ones you ’ re used to. In the meantime, continue to foster those good connections that you ’ ve made and rely on them if things get tough It’s also time to settle into your choice
of extracurriculars and improve your performance in them And without stressing yourself out too much, begin considering which colleges you might want to go to and how you ’ re going to pay for it. It’s never too early to start thinking about college, as it’s always better to be prepared earlier on than to have regrets later on
Congratulations, you ’ re now an upperclassman! Contrary to what you may have heard, this year is not going to be an insurmountable obstacle that’s the cause of your doom You’ll get through it by just taking it one step at a time Try to adjust to taking more AP classes, and prioritize your mental health.
Communicate with your teachers and sponsors if you need to take a break Take on a couple of leadership positions within your extracurriculars, but if not, be a leader in your own right even without a title Think more deeply about college and financial aid in College Transition class and out;
Juniors
do your research, apply to scholarships, and consider which teachers you want to ask for a letter of recommendation from. In addition, apply to some summer programs that are aligned with your future goals
Seniors
Great, we blinked, and now we ’ re seniors Balancing college applications, challenging courses, and leadership positions in extracurriculars sounds like a nightmare, but you’ll find that the hard work did pay off when you receive your acceptance letters Sure, perhaps those rejections will come too, but don’t let those define you or knock you down. Enjoy the ride, even if life
N life fulfilling and chase your goals, but it’s just as important to be gentle and forgiving to yourself when you “fail.” A failure is only a true failure if you don’t learn from it. As long as you make a conscious and continual effort to improve, you’ll be just fine, remember that.
SUMMER DIARIES
By: Taylor Dodd & Brissia Matus
This summer, our incredible faculty and students had fulfilling breaks filled with self-growth, finding independence, and spending quality time with those dearest to them From going to Cancun to winning an extremely prestigious award, we have it all Come and join us to learn more about what the incredible members of the Law Magnet family went through!
njoying her trip to DC.
Ingrid Pedraza at choir camp this summer.
Mr. T spending time with his children in Chicago.
BrandonPlascencia
BrandonPlascenciaisaseniorat theLawMagnet.Heisknownas anincredibledancerwho constantlytriestobetterhimself andthosearoundhimallwhilst spreadingjoyandlaughtertoall ofthosehecrossespathswith.
Q:Howdidthesummer comparetoprevious summers?
A:“Iwouldsaythissummerwasa lotmoreself-empoweringIgot moreindependent,Istarted drivingandbecamemore financiallyindependentIwas abletoreallydictatewheremy lifewasgoing.Also,thissummer wasalotmoreproductive”
Q:Didyouworkonanynew danceroutinesortechniques thissummer?Howdiditgo?
A:“Igotintosomebreakdancing andhip-hopIalsogot contactedbyalotofboygroups toteachhip-hopandalittlebit ofbreak.Ispecializeinthings thataredifferent,mydancing involvesabitmoremovement I’vebeenbringinganewstyle andanewdancingcultureto thesedancegroups”
Q:Ifyoursummerhadatheme song,whatwoulditbe;why?
A:“ItwasdefinitelyLastFriday NightbyKatyPerry.”
IngridPedraza
IngridPedrazaisajunioratthe LawMagnetSheisanextremely skilledartistandsingerknownfor beingreallyshortNonetheless, thatdoesn’tstopherfromtaking actionandhavingaheartof gold
Q:Didyousetanygoalsfor thissummer?Howdidyou achievethem?
A:“Yes!Oneofmygoalsthis summerwastolearnhowtoplay theguitar.Iachievedthisby
playingtheguitarforanhour everyday.Now,Iknowhowtoplay “HeyThereDelilah”bythePlain WhiteT’s.
Q:Howdidyoursummer prepareyouforthisschool year?
A:“Iwenttochoircamp,which preparedmefortheschoolyear andimprovedmyabilitytosing.I feellikeIhavegrownasasinger andamexcitedforwhatthe schoolyearhastooffer”
Q:Ifyoursummerwasamovie, whatwouldthegenrebe?
A:“Sliceoflifebecauseithas suchavibrantandfunfeel,butit couldalsobeadocumentary becausethey’rereallyinteresting. Plus,Ihavebeenwatchingalotof themlately.”
Mr.T
MrTteachesbothCollege TransitionandFinancialMath, helpingourjuniorsandseniors preparefortheirfuture!
Q:Howdidyouspendyour downtimethissummer?
A:“Ialwaystrynottoworktoo muchduringthesummer,soI spentalotoftimeonmypersonal hobbies.Ialsospentalotoftime withmyfamily:mywifeandtwo kids...Mykidswenttoasummer camp,soIhadabitofextratime withmywife Ialsowentto Chicagoandspentsometime withmybrother”
Q:Weheardyouwonanaward thissummer;canyoutellus moreaboutwhatitwasforand whatitmeanstoyou?
A:“TheawardthatIwonisthe ServiceAboveSelfAwardfor LeadersinDallasISD,whichis sponsoredbytheRotaryClub It’s anawardgiventoteachersin DallasISDwhowentaboveand beyondintheirduties,specifically inthecontextofservingothers.It meansalottomebecauseit’s
somethingIencouragemyLink CrewLeaderstodo Iwantto modelwhatIexpectofmy students I’mhonoredtoreceive thatawardbecausesomany teachersdemonstrateservice aboveself.Plusitalsocamewith anicecheck!”
Q:Ifyouhadtopickaclassic cartooncharactertonarrate yoursummer,whowoulditbe andwhy?
A:“I’dprobablysaySnoopy becausewhenIthinkabout Snoopy,Ithinkofhimasavery chillandslowmovingcharacter. Mysummerwasrestful;Ididn'tgo 100milesperhourlikeIusuallydo duringtheschoolyear”
Ms.Lee
Ms.LeeteachesAPSeminar, CollegeTransitionandDimensions ofDiplomacytobothjuniorsand seniorsattheLawMagnet
Q:Describethemostrelaxing momentyouhadthissummer.
A:“Iwenttofloatintheriverwith someofmyfriendsinSanMarcos byTexasStateUniversity,and therewasamomentwhenthere weresomanycloudsinthesky thatthesunwasnotbeaming down Iwasrelaxingandfloating inmyinnertube quietand peacefuloutinnature”
Q:Whatwasthehighlightof theDCtrip;whatwasatypical daylikeduringyourstay?
A:“Iwouldsaythehighlightofthe tripwasprobablytheFDR Memorial Iwasn'texpectingitto beascoolandintricateasitwas Ittakesyouthroughallfourterms ofhispresidency,sothatwas definitelythehallmark.Everyday wewalkedabout25,000steps, whichisalot,andwegottosee allthetraditionalDCfeatures It wasgreat!”
Q:Ifyoursummerwasan album,whowouldtheartistbe?
A:“Igottosay,thoughIdidn’t haveabratsummer,Iwas definitelybumpingCharliXCXall summer,soyouknowthat'sjust howIroll.”
ChloeHawkins
ChloeHawkinsisasenioratthe LawMagnet.Sheissomeonewho excelsinMockTrial,butoutside thecourtroomsheisknownasa kind,funny,andlovableperson whojusthappenstohaveastrong dislikeforslowwalkers
Q:Didyoutrysomethingnew thissummer?Howdiditgo?
A: “Throughoutthissummer,Ihad aninternship,whichwasveryfun I alsostartedworkingatChick-fil-
A.Theseweremyfirstexperiences withworking,sothereweretrials andtribulations.Butoverall,I learnedalotfromworking The attorneystaughtmeaboutthe lawandcollege,andIalso learnedabouthowtobeanadult frommytimeatthedrive-thru.”
Q:Whatwasthemost memorablepartofyourMock TrialNationalsexperience,and howdiditinfluenceyour perspectiveonthelegalfield?
A:“Theendofeverytrial.After everyround,Iwouldgivethe teamsinsightandfeedbackabout theround,aswellasthingsIwas taughthereattheLawMagnet. Otherthanthat,Ilearnedabout theimportanceofajudge because,ifyoudon’tfacilitatethe trialwell,itcangobadly”
Q:Ifyoursummerhada mascot,whatwoulditbeand why?
A:“Arock,becausetherewere hardtimesandalsosmoothtimes (likethesidesofarock) Also,it endedtoofast,likearockthat gotskippedintoapond”
IsabelM
IsabelManriq theLawMag orientedpers unshakeable shy,shehasa travelingand theTexashea her
Q:Whatwas yoursumme
A:“Goingto quince,beca offamilyIdo werelikefifty wasprettyfun.
Q:Isthereanythingyouwish you'ddonethissummer?
A:“IwishI’dgonetoSixFlags,but itwasjusttoohot!”
Q:Ifyouhadtocommitto eatingonlyoneicecream flavorthissummer,whatwould ithavebeen?
A:“Cookiesn’Cream”
Brandon Plascencia dancing at his studio.
Ms. Lee having fun in the sun.
Brandon Plascencia dancing at his studio.
A LIFE IN LAW: JUDGE SANDERSON
By: Sukhmani Nijjar
With a career spanning over four decades, Judge William F Sanderson has become a prominent figure in the legal field, known for being a dedicated public servant and a committed advocate His career began as an assistant city attorney for Dallas and later included serving as a federal prosecutor for the U S Attorney in the Northern District of Texas He then joined the private sector as an associate at Stubbeman & McRae, ultimately concluding his career with over three decades as a federal magistrate judge for the Northern District of Texas. Despite his busy schedule, Judge Sanderson chose to spend his afternoon answering some of our burning questions about his life in law.
Judge Sanderson speaking to students in the courtroom.
Photo by Suzette Hernandez
HisBeginnings:
Judge Sanderson’s passion for the law was ignited by the classic legal TV show "Perry Mason," which featured the titular defense attorney successfully advocating for the innocent in every episode. "I loved hearing the arguments and thought that might be fun to do," Sanderson recalled. Despite having no lawyers in his immediate family, he pursued his dream, earning an undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in English with a minor in history, followed by a law degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
Advicefor AspiringAdvocates:
For those aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Judge Sanderson emphasized the importance of clear communication "You need to know how to write and articulate your ideas effectively, regardless of your audience," he advised. While a degree in English is not necessary, he suggested taking a diverse range of courses to become well-rounded, which will enhance the critical thinking and analytical skills that are essential for law school.
Reflecting on his law school experience, Judge Sanderson noted the necessity of retaining and digesting a substantial amount of information, as grades are often based only on one exam. He also advised new lawyers to maintain a broader perspective on life to avoid burnout: "Don’t be grinding all the time; make sure to balance your work with personal well-being."
BehindtheBench:
Judge Sanderson, the second-longest-serving federal magistrate judge in the Fifth Circuit, presided over numerous naturalization ceremonies, from the one in the historic Old City Park in Dallas to that of the expansive Dallas Convention Center. He took great pride in swearing in new citizens. Additionally, he was appointed by the Washington Administrative Office to handle international prison transfers, which meant that he conducted hearings in foreign countries
Judge Sanderson at a 2004 reception in honor of his 25 years on the bench.
Photo via Patrick J. Mclain
Judge Sanderson speaking to students in the courtroom. Photo by Suzette Hernandez
MEET THE TEAM
to ensure that U.S. citizens who had been arrested and jailed abroad could be transferred back to the U S to serve the remainder of their sentences These cases led him to conduct hearings in diverse locations, including Monterrey, Mexico, Her Majesty's Prison Wandsworth in London, and even Panama during Holy Week. When he wasn't traveling or naturalizing new citizens, Judge Sanderson handled a wide variety of federal cases, including those concerning habeas corpus petitions (individuals challenging the legality of their detention/imprisonment) and civil litigation.
SandersonandSanders:
Throughout his career, Judge Sanderson was deeply influenced by his friendship with the late Judge Barefoot Sanders, after whom the Law Magnet is named. "Barefoot Sanders was one of the greatest people I’ve ever known," Sanderson reflected "He was a wonderful person with a very warm heart and a strong belief in civil rights."
Interestingly, their similar names occasionally led to some confusion "Four to five times a year, someone would wander into the wrong courtroom," Sanderson recalled with a chuckle. “But, if I am ever going to be confused with someone else, I can't think of another person I'd rather be mixed up with than Barefoot Sanders.”
PartingWords:
Judge Sanderson shared with us that the late Barefoot Sanders would often ask, "What good things have you done for your country lately?" As a firm believer in the U.S. government, Sanderson strongly believes that it is up to the people to understand how the government works He claimed that we need to be an educated electorate to create and support a true Democratic Republic He also stressed the importance of civic education and urged those of us who will turn 18 by the end of September to get registered to vote in the general election on November 5. Let’s heed his advice.
Judge Sanderson Photo via Patrick J. Mclain
Judge Sanderson speaking to students in the courtroom. Photo by Suzette Hernandez
DEMOCRACY IN OUR HANDS
By: Amaad Garrett & Maya Alvarez
In 1787, Founding Father Gouverneur Morris wrote "In order to form a more perfect union” within the Preamble of the Constitution as a guiding principle and objective for the creation of the representative democracy we now call the United States of America
This quote represents more than words on paper or a story in a book; it embodies a predestined hope carried through each generation, indifferent to the status quo It is what every citizen has the opportunity to determine upon their 18th birthday, given their new civic privileges. But why wait until 18?
It is arguably the most important time in our generation for our youth to be civically engaged. The XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX prevalent civic unrest
“DEMOCRACIES ARE DYNAMIC BUT ALSO UNSTABLE, REQUIRING CONSTANT CARE AND ATTENTION FROM THE CITIZENRY.” - PAUL WILKE
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX throughout society is a XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX blatant representation of XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX the shifting status quo and XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX failing power structures
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Who or what will replace XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX them?
Independent journalist Paul Wilke contends, “Democracies are dynamic but also unstable, requiring constant care and attention from the citizenry ” He couldn’t be more right
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Can we continue to rely XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX on our predecessors and XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX their outdated beliefs? No, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX absolutely not This is why it is crucial for our youth to be informed about the democratic process Often, when we think of the democratic process, we think of voting and the election of public officials. While voting is a fundamental aspect, it is largely exaggerated and politically distorted due to partisan conflicts within our two-party system Beyond voting, there are other
Collage by Liz Coulbourn
elements of the democratic process that have greater influence on youth, such as student activism, community organizing, and more. But before participating, one must become aware of the issues within their communities and society at large.
A large part of civic engagement means being aware As members of our communities, we must be mindful of the issues that impact us Keeping up with current policies and bills that affect our communities is the first step towards making change. The next step is to get involved. There are many ways to contribute, starting with volunteer work If you believe a candidate could bring meaningful change to your community, consider volunteering for their campaign Phone banking (telephone outreach), door-to-door canvassing, and fundraisers are all ways young people can make their voices heard. Other ways young people can make their voices heard are attending school board and city council meetings or through non-profit work in local communities
Though it is conventional to use elected officials as proxies for our voices, we don’t always have to, especially when it concerns issues directly relevant to youth. In 2018, after the Stoneman
Douglas High School shooting, a group of students created an organization called March For Our Lives. This organization, run by students, broke records for the largest youth-led protests in 50 years.
They protested right in the heart of our nation with guests like Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, and the granddaughter of Dr Martin Luther King Jr This initiative has led local student groups to protest in their communities to put pressure on their local officials. In 2023, March For Our Lives worked with the Biden Administration to create the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention This isn't to say that the only way to make change is through activism, but as the youth of America, it is essential to ensure that local politicians are aware of issues that we face.
As the next generation of leaders, young people must recognize that their power extends far beyond voting As we inch closer to the climax of this year ’ s election season, we encourage the youth to stay informed, get involved, and take action so that they may shape the future of democracy and ensure that their generation’s voice is heard.
Students at Career Tech High School in Wasilla wave protesting in November, 2023. Photo by Matt Faubion/Alaska Public Media
OUT OF SERVICE: THE RUSH TO DIAL DOWN ON THE CELLPHONE
By: Micaela Arauz
For the Law Magnet, this new school year seems to have introduced many changes and policies. From the ‘ no mesh backpacks’ rule, to the new homework grading policy, to the three-lunch system, our school has seen an increase in new rules Even with all these changes in the upcoming year, one has taken our student body by storm: the cell phone policy.
Every math teacher has begun taking up cell phones at the beginning of their class period Law cluster teachers were encouraged to do so as well Students cannot use their cell phones during instructional time unless permitted. Even though this policy isn’t for every Townview school, more and more teachers have also started to do the same for their classrooms and it would not be a surprise if this becomes a Townview policy, rather than the Law Magnet’s policy
The rush to ban cell phones is not unique to our district, or even the state of Texas. As the school year approaches for all North Americans, policymakers have been pushing different ways to limit students' cell phone use while they are in the classroom Florida became the first state to pass the ban in May 2023; it was just one of the many states that would also restrict or prohibit cell phones in classrooms This back-to-school season, California, Indiana, Louisiana, and South Carolina have passed a similar ban to Florida While the rules differ from state to state, they all have a similar mission: limit cell phone use in the classroom as much as possible.
In Texas, this ban isn’t a state-wide policy but many North Texas districts have begun enforcing it Richardson ISD, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, and Northwest ISD are some examples of districts that have begun to carry out this policy.
So, why are so many policymakers pushing stricter cell phone policies in schools? Many educators are gradually becoming worried that the use of cell phones is distracting students from learning. Some even argue that phones encourage cyberbullying, creating an unsafe environment for students
Despite this, students and parents are
LET’S TAKE A LET’S TAKE A A LOOK AT HOW LOOK AT HOW HOW CELLPHONES CELLPHONES HAVE BECOME HAVE BECOME MORE MORE ACCESSIBLE ACCESSIBLE ACCESSIBLE (1973 to NOW) (1973 to NOW) (1973 NOW)
increasingly worried about this new policy One of the biggest reasons is being able to contact a parent in the case of an emergency. While every Townview classroom has a separate phone that can be used if an emergency occurs, parents might be concerned about how much longer that would take versus if their child used their cell phone Beyond that, many students also use their phones for educational purposes during class. This includes taking a picture of the notes on the board, checking their work on their phone calculator, and putting the due dates of assignments in their phone’s calendar
This new policy may even create new distractions. A lot of students have indeed grown attached to their phones A student with nomophobia, which is the anxiety of not having access to your cell phone, can become extremely anxious knowing that they don’t have their cell, which can impede them from paying attention and doing their classwork. Additionally, other students may also be distracted by feeling unsure on whether their absent friend had texted them back to reassure them they were okay
Undoubtedly, the issue of cyberbullying is increasing in a significant number of schools and communities. The cell phone ban is an attempt to decrease cyberbullying, but there is no guarantee that it will Most schools have access to district-issued laptops, and despite all the restrictions that they have, cyberbullying is still possible through Microsoft Teams or a shared Google Doc. Even if students have no access to laptops or other electronics during the school day, they will have their cell phones after school After all, cyberbullying is not something that only happens during school hours.
The cell phone policy aims to improve the quality of learning and prevent students from experiencing cyberbullying While cell phones can often be a distraction in the classroom, having strict policies such as a complete ban may not be the most effective solution to this issue. Students, parents, and educators should collaborate to improve these cell phone policies for the benefit of students' academics and well-being
Hagenuk
TEACHERS WHO INFLUENCED TEACHERS
By: Sukhmani Nijjar and Victor Delgado
At the Law Magnet, teaching is more than just a job our teachers are mentors, coaches, our biggest cheerleaders, and, at times, surprisingly bad basketball players Meet three new members of the Law Magnet family: Ms Gregg (kinda), Mr. Gonzalez, and Mr. Zambrano. Discover why they chose to begin teaching and who their most influential teachers were.
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I chose to teach at the Law Magnet because it aligns perfectly with my background. I initially planned to become a lawyer and even worked in the legal field before shifting to math and economics My experience in law-related roles, like working in a bank's regulatory department, made joining the Law Magnet as a math teacher a natural decision
What teacher had the greatest impact on you?
The teacher who impacted me the most was Mr. Willard, my first high school English teacher. He was strict and pushed us beyond our perceived limitations, expecting us to perform at a higher level than our age suggested. After much hard work, I exceeded his expectations on an essay, which motivated me to strive for excellence every day His belief in my potential continues to inspire me to grow and break new limits
Mr. Zambrano (Pre-Law)
What is your favorite and least favorite part about teaching?
Favorite: Seeing how much progress students make from the beginning of the year to the end. Whether it’s in their ability to speak or write, I just love witnessing what students are capable of accomplishing Least favorite: Honestly, there are aspects of the job that are more administrative things that you just have to do (kind of feels like when you ’ re forced to eat your broccolis)
Why did you decide to transition from being a lawyer to a teacher?
Well, I taught at a law school for fi d th t’ wh I f ll i
Ms. Gregg (Algebra 1 and Debate)
What is your favorite and least favorite part about teaching?
Favorite: I laugh everyday and learn something new everyday. Least Favorite: Lack of funding. I hate the ugly desks; you all deserve better
The students There is a lot of joy at the Law Magnet I could choose to work at any school but I chose to come back to Law
What teacher had the greatest impact on you?
My sophomore year Calc teacher, Mr Allen He would give me money to buy him lunch at 7/11, so I could have an excuse to go there. It made me feel special
HOWTO: AVOID BURNOUT
By: Krystal Ma
As students at a magnet high school, we are in a unique environment full of high expectations and rigorous challenges on a daily basis This can be incredibly rewarding, however, it also leads to a phenomenon that’s becoming too common among us: burnout sound familiar?
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What is Burnout? Burnout is more than just feeling tired after a long day It’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by stress Burnout manifests through feelings of overwhelming fatigue, irritability, and a decrease in performance and motivation. If you are experiencing burnout, it’s not uncommon to feel like you ’ re running on a sense of emptiness, despite the multitude of activities and
projects you ’ re doing.
The pressure to excel is a constant companion, a voice in our head that won’t stop Whether you ’ re a freshman trying to adjust to our rigorous environment or a senior grappling with the stress of college applications, the demand to perform at a high level is always knocking. This pressure is amplified by another phenomenon called imposter syndrome: feeling like you ’ re not truly deserving of your place here, or by comparing yourself to your peers It’s easy to feel that everyone else is handling their workload better or achieving more.
Burnout doesn’t just affect our academic
plagued my mind Thoughts like this impacted my physical health as well, causing me to lose track of time, lose sleep, and exhaust myself trying to catch up to the rest of my peers or at least, that’s how it felt in my head Imposter syndrome and the resulting burnout followed me into my sophomore year and still occasionally latches itself onto me now as a junior Taking care of yourself is just as important as any assignment or extracurricular activity. Everyone, regardless of their grade, needs time to recharge. This might mean taking a short walk, indulging in a hobby, or simply taking a nap It’s all about finding a balance to perform at your best without compromising your health
Preventing burnout starts with awareness. Pay attention to the signs whether it’s feeling constantly tired, struggling to concentrate, or withdrawing from activities you once enjoyed. Communicating openly with friends, family, and teachers can also make a big difference Despite our challenging environment, the staff and teachers are here to support us, and they genuinely care about our well-being Don’t hesitate to reach out if you ’ re feeling overwhelmed. Remember, you are not alone in feeling this way. While the challenges of school can be intense, it’s important to prioritize self-care and recognize when you need a break Take the time you need to care for yourself you ’ re valued, loved, and deserving of a balanced life
Mental Health Resources
AN ODE TO MENTORS IN MEDIA
By: Adriana Bautista
People influence people Nurturing talent often begins with one person ’ s confidence in another if skeptical, simply ask the philosopher Plato, who was taught by Socrates in Ancient Greece. Consider Bill of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, who encouraged his student to step out of his mind and participate in life, or Jaime Escalante, the math teacher who
famously pushed students to study harder Think of teachers, friends, parents, authors, and everyone who has affected the way you live, and you'll see that mentors are everywhere. The following mentors in media are included because they influenced not only their mentees, but us as readers and viewers
Bill Anderson
(The Perks of Being a Wallflower, 1999)
Not all teachers connect with students like Bill, who taught the main character, Charlie, freshman English He starts assigning Charlie his own books and essays, and throughout the year, the two begin to talk as friends. Charlie subsequently grows because he has an outlet to express his thoughts and progress as a writer Because of Bill, he learns that one cannot reap the joys of life by living on the sidelines During a fateful conversation, the two discuss Charlie's introversion. Bill tells Charlie that, "Sometimes people use thoughts to not participate in life," leading to Charlie's later decision to live his high school years to the fullest They continue speaking until Charlie tells Bill about a violent incident between his sister and her boyfriend. Bill sees how this influences Charlie’s impressionable mind, and leaves him with a bit of sage wisdom: "Charlie, we accept the love we think we deserve " While being one of the most memorable quotes from the book, it is also a piece of advice for those seeking love before they understand what it truly is.
John Keating
(Dead Poets Society, 1989)
Mr. Keating proved that teachers change lives, starting with his English class He encouraged students to engage with art, an idea many students found frivolous The students eventually revived the Dead Poet's Society, a small group that Keating was part of as a student, where members read poetry uninhibited by others' opinions One student, Neil, has always been pushed by his parents to become a doctor, but he cannot follow through after discovering literature. He chooses to die rather than live his father's
“I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU’RE VERY SPECIAL… AND THE ONLY REASON I’M TELLING YOU THIS IS THAT I DON’T THINK ANYONE ELSE HAS.”BILL ANDERSON
Photo via Stand and Deliver
Photo via The Perks of Being a Wallflower
wishes, leading to Keating's termination. The students pay tribute by standing on their desks as he exits, taller now that they've learned to think for themselves. In the end, Keating taught them to seize the day and live passionately We as viewers learn that life is unfulfilling if it is joyless, so the next time a hobby seems pointless, remember that there is use and value in doing what you love.
Jaime Escalante
(Stand and Deliver, 1988)
East LA's Garfield High School was the epitome of poor education and meager funding Mr Escalante, a newly hired math teacher, assessed the dire situation and resolved to make change he challenged students to surpass the low expectations others had of them and eventually ace the AP Calculus exam When the AP scores were released, the class learned they had all passed the test. Their joy was short-lived, however, when t success was questioned by Educational Testing Service were made to retake the tes discovered that they passed Though the film ends with Es walking victoriously out of th school, the message remain this day: Underrepresented are historically considered d for failure Despite that, the story of Jaime Escalante pro different narrative: Any pers regardless of their backgrou learn as long as they are giv simple gift of a chance.
“NO MATTER WHAT ANYBODY TELLS YOU,WORDS AND IDEAS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.” - JOHN KEATING
Ultimately, it’s simply true that no one can convince someone else to pursue a field they’re uninterested in It's also true, however, that one can be pushed to reach their full potential. Whether or not we decide to do so is another story, but these pieces of media proved that
accepting the help of a mentor will bring rewards The wise mentor is an archetype that stands out, not as a rigid box to be crammed into, but as a symbol of passing the torch of knowledge from one generation to the next.
Photo via Stand and Deliver
Photo via Dead Poets Society
LP GAMES
By: Sukhmani Nijjar
Connections
Make four groups of four! Select four items and tap 'Submit' to check if your guess is correct
Category Example: EXTRACURRICULARS → CHESS, LINK CREW, MOCK TRIAL, MODEL UN
Each puzzle has exactly one solution. Watch out for words that seem to belong to multiple categories!
Wordle
Guess the hidden word in 6 tries.
After your enter a valid 4-letter word, the color of the tiles will change Green: A letter in the guessed word is correct and in the correct position. Yellow: A letter in the guessed word is correct but in the wrong position Gray: The letter is not part of the word
Joel Fagliano
"There is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it."
- Amanda Gorman