Fort Outpost - February 2023

the Jennifer Fay

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened!”

~ Dr. Suess

You did it! Halfway through the school year and still going strong. Now is a great time to make plans for the future. What do you want to become? Where do you want to go? How are you going to accomplish this?

Did you know that you are much more likely to accomplish, do and become what you want if you make goals? Imagine you are the best version of yourself and describe that person. Now use this as a list of what you need to do or change to be that person. Start small and create goals to help get you to the life you want and the person you aspire to be.

Remember to surround yourself with people you admire and you will pick up traits and habits

contributors.

Isaac Dennett - Editor in Chief

Hey everyone! Thanks for reading this article. I’m Isaac, I’m a sophomore. I like to draw, write, read, and play videogames. I also code, golf, and swim!

Christian Golden - Associate Editor

I’m half black and half Japanese. I enjoy doing sports, especially track and I like being able to do new things.

Amy Nguyen - Assignment Editor

Hi I’m Amy, in my free time I like to read books and watch anime. I speak English and Vietnamese, I also know ASL.

Alex Sweeten - Writer

I like to be outside, do artsy sci-fi stuff and sing/songwrite. I am a freshman. I’m a student ambassador and I am learning French as my second language.

they display. It is never too late to work on you and become a better version of yourself. You are in the process of becoming and achieving your greatness and the rest of this year provides an opportunity for growth, change and possibility!

Let’s finish the school year together strong!

Tjay Barhitte - Writer

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m Tjay. I like to play video games, drawing, sleeping, taking walks, watching shows/movies, talking to friends, bowling, listening to music and much more.

Isabel Laib - Writer

I’m a freshman, I enjoy writing for fun, watching tv, and playing video games. I only speak English, but I’m planning to learn spanish.

Jayde Saucedo-Cedillo - Writer

I’m passionate about saving animals and the planet. I love pink popsicles and drawing clouds. If i had turned in my BIo Ms. Fay would not have had to invent my profile.

Iara Garcia - Writer

JenniferFay Advisor - Journalism Club

I am 17 years old and from Barranquilla, Colombia. I’ve lived most part of my life in Colombia, I enjoy things like reading, singing, writing, and dancing.

Feel the Love

Student Appreciation Day is back this year after taking a break because of the coronavirus pandemic.

let’s get social.

Polls: We asked, you answered

Don’t worry, these are recipes from the moon. We’ve got tasty ways for you to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Have you ever wondered about the recycling we do (or don’t do) at Fort Vancouver? We spoke with the district about recycling efforts

Recyle Bin Cats vs

Where do you stand in this great debate? Are you team cat or team dog? Our students have answered with their favorite animals.

Just kidding! We didn’t send out a poll for this issue. Instead, we’re going to give you an update on the awesome girls bowling team!

Please congratulate the student athletes who were a part of our very successful varsity bowling team. Fort finished the season at 13 wins and 5 losses, and had two individuals - Lilly Peschka and Taryn Albrecht (right) - qualify for the state tournament!

The teams only loses came at the hands of WF West, RA Long, and Columbia River, who will all compete as teams at state.

“We are pulling hard for River, since we beat them once this year! There is no doubt in my mind that we are one of the top four bowling teams in the state. So proud of these kids, and my assistant, Lauryn Heying,” said Coach Julie Pagel.

fortcis

fortcis

Team members are left to right Lilly Peschka, Annabelle Wiley, Erin Narvasa, Danika Iosty, Lacey McHan, Taryn Albrecht, Lila Sasse.

Front Lia Harris.

Not pictured is Violet Narvasa

The Challenge of RecyclIng Keep The World Turning!

By: Christian Golden & Isaac Dennett

Recycling. It is super important! So why is our school not recycling? Alright, you may be surprised. We do have blue bins everywhere, but we are not recycling. We are going to get into the waste, the money, and the janitorial staff. Let’s start breaking down some numbers!

How much waste does our school produce? Let’s find out. I talked to Spencer Cohagen, head of custodial staff. Our school can produce more than 18,000 pounds of waste a year, of which up to 80% of which can be recycled! That can be a ton of difference, but It will be very hard to achieve due to that huge number.

We can make big differences, but how much will it cost? It’s hard to know. The district can be fined for trash in the recycling, and there can be insurance liabilities if personnel or students get injured due to objects in the recycling.

Not only that, but more janitors and custodians will have to be hired in order to transport all of this around, and into the recycling. Of which we would also have to pay more to have.

But what strain will this put on our janitorial staff? Is it even possible to do it with the current staffing amount? No. For every time we recycle from containers, they may have to be cleaned out. It would also have to take more trips, because you cannot pile everything into the same bag. It will have to be sorted to make sure no trash makes its way into the recycling. We would need way more people and staff will need to be recruited for this to even be a dream or a possibility.

What would lessen this problem drastically is help from you guys, the students. The janitorial staff would have to sort through the recycling to make sure nothing extra got in, so let’s make their job a little easier.Many of

you don’t know what goes in the trash, and what goes in the recycling. So, let’s talk about it. Paper, cardboard, all recycling. Greasy cardboard or paper cannot be recycled, due to the grease on it. Some thin plastic products may be recycled, but check the product before throwing it in. Food cannot go in the recycling, along with any glass you may have. Any metal products, if you have any, have to go in the trash.

To wrap up this, we would need to talk and campaign with people of authority.

We would need to talk to principles, and people at the district office. Another thing that may help is to litter way less. If the custodians have to pick up less trash off the ground, they will have more time to do other things. So, while this may be a little far, and hard to achieve, just remember to respect the overworked custodial staff who clean up the school for you.

“The TimeMoney commitment is exactly why we don’t have a program. But it’s definetley possible if you try to make it work.

ARE YOU READY TO FEEL THE LOVE?

By: Iara Garcia Diaz & Aylin Diaz Romero

In 2017, Prevention Club came up with a completely innovative idea that would bring joy to the students at Fort after long hours of studying. This was an activity that seeked to build connections among the students and recognize them for their hard work as expressed by Mrs. Tabby Stokes the advisor for this club. It all started as a small idea where students would be recognized for all their efforts by having time to interact with different types of games of their liking. However, according to the presented reports, not everyone engaged in the activities presented.

“Adolescence can be a very challenging stage of our lives as students trying to manage our lives getting close to the stage of being an adult having a considerable amount of responsibilities but still not having full freedom” as expressed by Mrs. StokesPrevention Club’s advisor. The club members were not willing to give up on their goal of encouraging students to keep going, which led to a two-hour early release schedule the following year, where students would be able to have two full hours after their regular classes to spend some time with their friends and people that are special to them.

This event is also possible thanks to all the teachers who sign up to provide their space and time for their students, contributing to the creativity of this fun moment for the school community. According to the opinions of the participants, some of the activities they expect to see include; dancing, karaoke, sports, chess, video games, and competitions, among others. Some, just plan to go out and enjoy that day, to appreciate their friends, lovers, or families.

The community expects your participation in this future activity to be joyful and fun. Unfortunately, some of us remember it as one of the last activities that our school did before the COVID-19 outbreak. Since then, this activity has remained stagnant for the safety of everyone, but this year, Appreciation Day is coming back, seeking to bring recognition for all students at our institution. Prevention Club kindly invites all Fort students and staff to show up this upcoming February 14th and feel recognized.

For more information, please contact Mrs. Stokes.

ADVENTURE PHOTO CONTEST

READY TO GO EXPLORE?

Mr. Dickinson (dean.dickison@vansd.org) is sharing a photo contest with all of you students! You can participate and get your photos announced by a professional stuntman/BMXer, and also get other prizes!

The deadline to submit your photos ends on May 22nd, 2023. That means you have time to go get your photo! The photo theme is adventure, so make sure to get you adventurous photos into Mr. Dickinson.

It’s a Cat’s World

There are dozens of cat breeds in the world, and each have their own unique traits. Here are some of the most popular.

First up is the Ragdoll cat, with its long silky coat and gorgeous blue eyes. Known to go limp in your arms and surround you with love. The Ragdoll cat also has a personality that goes well with children.

One of the friendliest cat breeds ever. They have lots of love to give and are also known for being a gentle giant due to how large they are.

Very low maintenance and minimal need for grooming. Also has a mustache.

These cats are fluffy and love to cuddle in your lap. However their long hair is very high maintenance and needs to be brushed.

The Devon Rex needs to be near their owners and crave lots of attention.

Ragdoll (a)

Maine Coon Cat (b)

Exotic Shorthair (c)

Persian Cat (d)

Devon Rex (e)

~Amy Nguyen

Fort’s gone to the dogs

Most trappers love animals, so we asked them what their favorite breeds were and why. We also looked into articles about America’s favorite breeds to add onto this story, including why people like those breeds and their most frequent traits.

Beagles are most definitely the stereotypical dog. Floppy ears, cute faces, cute stubby legs, and friendly personalities. Them being what everyone thinks of when they imagine a dog isn’t a bad thing! They’re friendly, playful, and are very cute. They waddle around on their little legs, bark, and are all together adorable.

They were the most popular dog breed for 20 years. While poodles seem prim and proper, they are still fun loving pups who are incredibly loyal. They were originally bred to hunt waterfowl and are known for their incredible intelligence.

The breed of a famous Hollywood dog, Rin Tin Tin. They are universally loved for their ability to be trained to do just about anything, which has secured their spot as one of the ten most popular breeds in the USA. They are often police dogs, military dogs, therapy dogs. They are extremely loyal, but must be socialized with other dogs at a young age for them to be friendly to dogs in adulthood.

While originally bred for bloody bull baiting, the bulldogs of now are extremely friendly. They also tend to be lazy. Though sadly their structure leads to many problems with their joints, their breathing, etc. They’re still a beloved breed that are very friendly, unlike their forefathers.

Currently the most loved dog in the United States. It’s easy to see why with their friendly and loyal personality. They were originally bred to help fishermen, which is why they love the water to this day. They’re intelligent and loving but don’t expect them to be a watchdog, they’re friendly to everyone, including intruders.

~Isabel Laib

5. Beagle

4. Poodle

3. German Shepherd

2. Bulldog

1. Labrador retrievers

BREAKING IT DOWN FOR YOU.

Grading Types:

Points vs. Standards

You guys may know that there are 2 main types of grading at our school. At Fort, teachers use either Points based grading or Standards based grading. These 2 are very different, and their traits are very important in determining your class overall grade. I had an interview with teachers, the principal, and more to compile info about both for you guys.

by Isaac Dennett

Let’s start with Standards based grading. It revolves around grading you based on your skills and topics. For example, in Standards based grading, you will be graded off of your ability to write with correct grammar in English class, or your ability to use shading in art class. All of these classes have their own standards you will be graded on for things you do inside the classroom. Mr. Scheidel had this to say about standards based grading. “The standards based grading system accounts for the negative effect low grades can have, with you being able to improve on your standards for a higher grade”. He also said “The standards based grading system cuts down on the artificial inflation of grades from extra credit and higher points assignments leading to a more accurate

grade.” This is true with many teachers, saying that students are better able to accurately see what their skills actually are, rather than a number that provides very little information without context. Some of the only downsides come from your inability to see what specific assignments caused you to be where you are.

Points based grading is drastically different from standards based grading, and is the more used grading method of the two. Points based grading revolves around grading you based off of work. The work can fall into categories, such as homework, notes, quizzes, projects, and more. This means that those groups will have a smaller or larger impact on your grade. This means homework can change your grace very little, and tests will have the most effect. Mr. Scheidel says this about points based grading. “Points based tends to cut down and waste student time due to the effect high point assignments can have on students’ grades.” What he said, explaining this, is that students can do many hours of homework, just for a high point test or quiz to take away all of that student’s work because of its higher weight. A lot of teachers share this opinion. It is so much harder to raise someone’s grade when 30 percent of it is tests!

In the end, both systems need each other. There isn’t a definite better system. Both have pros and cons. You just have to know how both systems work, and how to best ‘take advantage’ of the system we have.

Both systems can decide whole grades and futures. They need to be perfect.

-Teacher

BY

Teacher Juliana Myers

Q. Name?

A. Mrs.Myers

Q. Favorite color?

A. Dark Green (Evergreen)

Q. What do you teach?

STAFF MEMBERS MEET THE NEW

A. Health and AP psychology for 6 years, but now I am a substitute at Fort.

Q. How long have you been teaching?

A. This is my 7th year

Q. What can you tell us about your history?

A. I graduated from Fort Vancouver High School in 1982 and participated on the drill team. I worked in an ear, nose and throat clinic for over 25 years before retiring and going back to college to get my Masters. I started working as a paraeducator at Truman Elementary, then moved to Skyview as an advocate before settling into a classroom at Fort Vancouver.

Q. Favorite Food?

A. Thai

Q. Favorite Subject?

A. Health Sciences

Q. Favorite Quote?

A. What does Dr. Seuss say about learning? “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

EACH YEAR, SCHOOLS GET NEW TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, AND SUPPORT STAFF. WE WANT TO INTRODUCE ALL THESE NEW FACES AS THE YEAR GOES ON.

ALEX SWEETEN

Between the lines books to read

Harlem Stomp!: A Cultural History of the Harlem Renaissance

By Laban Carrick Hill

Determined to make a new start for themselves at the dawn of the twentieth century, many African Americans joined the Great Migration and headed North. For those who landed in Harlem, New York, it was a time of intellectual, artistic, literary, and political blossoming. Influential African American artists and activists took center stage as they captured the attention of the world.

Harlem Stomp! is a breathtaking, in-depth exploration of this fascinating era. Lavishly designed and illustrated, with photographs, historical documents, and full-color paintings, this virtual time capsule is packed with poetry, prose, and political rhetoric that introduce the amazing lives and work of notable figures such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Sargent Johnson, and Marcus Garvey.

By Amy Nguyen

Hello everyone! It’s that time again! We got the favorite books of our school librarian, and we are here to share them with you!

Fort’s In-Person Poll

Isabel

went among the people to ask a specific question. In this issue, she asked one

what their favorite dog breeds are. Lots of great answers!

9th Grade

“Dalmations, because of a stuffed toy I had when I was younger.”

- Lillie P.

10th Grade

“Huskies, because they are fluffy and their eyes look like frost.”

- TJay B.

11th Grade

“Golden retrievers, because they are loyal.”

- Al M.

12th Grade

“Teacup puppy breeds, because they are small and can fit in a purse.”

- Cisca

Laib

student from each grade

Here’s what each of them had to say.

Valentine’s Day is nearly here!

As January has passed by us with February coming up next, Valentine’s Day is next on the calendar being on the 14th.

For the people who don’t have a reason to celebrate Valentine’s Day now, these can be things you remember for the next Valentine’s Day. However, for the ones who do have a certain someone this is the time to be getting ready and make some plans or get some gifts.

Flowers and chocolates are always appreciated but getting or making something unique for the person is a great way to show that you care.

You can also show that you care by planning something with the time you have to prepare now.

So make sure to not procrastinate for this Valentines Day and make it special.

Fun Facts about February & March

February

February is the shortest month of the year. The Welsh call February “y mis bach” which means “little month”. It is the third month of winter. In the Southern Hemisphere February is a summer month the equivalent of August. The month is named for the Latin word februum which means purification.

March

by Tjay Barhitte

“March” is named for the Roman god of war, Mars. However, we think of it as the beginning of spring, as March brings the vernal equinox, the Full Worm Moon and the return of Daylight Saving Time!

Recipes For Lunar New Year

Lunar New year is a very important celebration for many East and Southeast Asian countries. For Lunar New years, there are different celebrations for every culture. In many cultures, houses are cleaned thoroughly to get rid of impure spirits. Cleaning is also believed to open space for goodwill and good luck. As well as offering food to ancestors, some cultures will have banners on red paper with writings of good luck. Elders also give children red envelopes that contain money. Many foods for the Lunar New year symbolize prosperity, abundance, and good luck. ~Amy Nguyen

Tangyuan with Peanut Filing

Ingredients:

• ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon roasted unsalted peanuts

• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar

• Pinch of kosher salt

• 2 ½ tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces

• 1 ¼ cups sweet rice flour, more for dusting

• ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon boiling water

• Pink gel food

1. Lightly toast the peanuts in a small saute pan over medium heat, tossing occasionally, until the peanuts are hot, about three minutes.

2. Transfer the peanuts to a food processor, add sugar and salt and process on high, stopping and scraping down the bowl if necessary, until a paste forms, about three minutes. Pulse in the butter until very smooth, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a small bowl and chill in the freezer until firm enough to handle, about 45 minutes.

3. Mix the rice flour and boiling water in a medium bowl until the water has been absorbed and the dough is soft and not sticky

4. Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat

5. Remove a small piece of dough (about 1 tablespoon), roll it into a ½ inch ball, add it to the pot of water and boil into it floats, about 2 minutes. Drain the ball, then knead it back into the original dough until smooth. If the dough is still sticky, work in a tablespoon of rice flour.

6. Remove three-quarters of the dough with gloved hands and knead with 5 drops of pink gel food coloring until the dough is evenly pink. Divide the pink dough into 20 pieces, roll into balls and cover with a damp towel. With clean hands, divide the remaining white dough into 4 pieces, roll into balls and cover with another damp towel. Set aside.

7. Divide the chilled peanut filing into 24 portions onto a plate lined with plastic using a heaping ½ tablespoon measuring spoon. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes.Roll each piece into a ball and freeze until firm, about 15 minutes. Roll each piece into a ball and freeze until firm, about 10 minutes.

8. Flatten each piece of dough into a 2-inch disc and place a ball of peanut filing until completely sealed and roll into a smooth ball. If the peanut filing starts to get too soft, freeze for another 10 minutes. Once all the rice balls have been placed, place under a damp towel to keep them moist and soft.

9. Bring a large pot of water to a gentle simmer and cook the rice balls in batches, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the balls start to float, 5 to 7 minutes. Serve 1 white ball surround by 5 pink balls in a small bowl with some cooking water to make a flower. Enjoy

Thit Kho Trung

Ingredients:

• Kosher salt

• 3 pounds center-cut pork belly, preferably skin on, cut into ¾ inch cube

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 8 cloves)

• 2 tablespoon neutral oil, such as canola, vegetable or avocado oil

• ½ small red onion, minced (about 4 ounces), plus 1 large red onion, halved

• ⅓ cup palm sugar roughly diced (about 2 ounces)

• ⅓ cup fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

• 4 Thai chiles halved

• 4½ cups of coconut water

Fill a 7-quart heavy-bottomed braising pot with 4 quarts of water. Add 3 tablespoons of salt and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Prepare an ice bath.

Add the pork to the pot and bring the water back up to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, skimming the foam that floats to the surface.

Transfer the pork to the ice bath and let it soak until completely chilled, about 20 minutes. Remove the pork and wipe away any impurities using a paper towel. Drain the pork in a colander and set aside.

Clean the pot used for the pork and return it to the stove. Add the garlic, oil and minced red onion to the cold pot, turn the heat to medium high and cook until aromatic, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the palm sugar and cook until it starts to carmelize, about 5 minutes. Continue cooking until the sugar turns a chestnut amber, another 3 to 5 minutes.’

Add the fish sauce and raise the heat to high. Bring the mixture to a bubble and cook for two minutes to cook out the raw flavor of the fish sauce slightly. Add the balance pork, black pepper and chiles and toast to coat every piece of pork in the sauce.

Add the coconut water, halved red onion and 2 cups of water. Bring the pot back to a boil, the reduce the heat to low. To achieve a braise with tender pork that doesn’t fall apart, cook the pork at a gentle simmer, where the surface of the braising liquid is trembling and only a few air bubbles break through. Simmer, uncovered, until the pork is tender and the braising liquid reduces and forms a stock that slightly clings to your spoon, 1 ½ to 2 hours.

Gently transfer the pork to a bowel. Strain the braising liquid through a finemesh sieve to create a flawless, silky-smooth stock. Discard the solids.

Wash the pot and return it to stove. Return the pork and braising liquid to the pot. Bring the braise to boil, then turn off the heat. Nestle the boiled eggs in the braising liquid. Cover the pot and steep the eggs in the braising liquid off heat for 20 minutes.