April Issue

Hollywood High • Home of the Sheiks

The Crimson Chronicle 1521 N. HIGHLAND AVE, HOLLYWOOD, CA 90028

VOLUME IX, ISSUE V APRIL 2011

Magnet at Risk for Major Funding Cuts District targets special interest programs MANUELA CHAVEZ CHRONICLE REPORTER

The performing arts magnet is facing more cuts as LAUSD attempts to cut Magnet budgets to close the overwhelming deficit.

Hollywood’s Magnet offers students the chance to explore career paths in the professional world of the performing arts.

PAM has programs that need extra funding, so losing money will highly affect school productions and classes offered.

Recently, Stormy Sacks, Magnet’s singing teacher and Coordinator, has been notified his job is in jeopardy. Besides letting go of teachers, LAUSD is targeting coordinators and it seems Sacks’ position is in jeopardy. Sacks is one of 14 teachers to receive a layoff notice, and will be replaced with another teacher with more seniority if he loses his job.

“Right now we are unsure about how much money Magnet will lose,” said Dr. Emma Jeanette Burns, assistant principal. “Money is not our main concern, our main concern is

According to calculations, Mr. Sacks himself. If he does not passed, Brown will have to LAUSD is $408 million short leave, his position is not closed, target public education funds, of what they need in total to but his coordinator-ship is. If meaning Magnet programs may maintain all current staff and Mr. Sacks does leave, and is re- possibly have up to 86% of their programs. $12.2 million of placed, the person who would funding being cut. Schools will LAUSD’s entire budget is allotreplace him could not possibly lose between $4 billion and $5 ted to all Magnet bring the same enprograms, which thusiasm as he did. is only about He truly is a vital 0.167% of the enpart of the Magtire school budget. net and he goes A meeting was beyond what is held April 6 for expected of him.”

Magnet to discuss Facing a harsh the cuts.

During deficit, Gov. Jerry this meeting, a Brown has propacket was given posed a tax extento each PAM stusion on the June dent containing ballot. This new ten letters that proposal is to were specially sent ‘protect’ the K-12 to the head pereducation, while sonnel that mancutting $1.7 bilage school and lion to Medi-Cal, PHOTO CREDIT: CRISTAL MUNOZ state budgets and $500 million from a Save PerformUC and CSU col- Stormy Sacks, Vocal Music Director and Magnet Coordiing Arts Magnet leges and $400 nator could lose his job next year, but Magnet is trying to & Faculty petition million from com- retain his position. in which students munity colleges. were able to Brown’s intenwrite about their experiences tion of tax extensions are to pro- billion, according to the Presiwith teachers who were pink tect schools from getting more dent of the California Teachers slipped or explain why Magbudget cuts. If his proposal is Association, David Sanchez. net programming is important.

The ten letters prepared by the Magnet program were for parents of the PAM students to sign and send to LAUSD offi-

Prominent HHS Alumnus Dies Former Secretary of State was in class of ‘42 MONICA RENOJ CHRONICLE REPORTER

Former U.S. Secretary of State and Hollywood High School alumnus Warren Christopher died at the age of 85 on March 19. Christopher will always be remembered for his exceptional social accomplishments and generosity toward HHS. Christopher served under four presidents, was Secretary of State for President Bill Clinton. The astute diplomat was appointed chairman of an independent commission that investigated the Rodney King assault and riots in Los Angeles.

Some of his accomplishments include securing the freedom for the American hostages in Iran, brokering Bosnian peace, and promoting human rights around the world.

He was also instrumental in pushing for police reforms.

Many of Christopher’s accomplishments were far reaching, but he never failed to give back to his commu-

nity through theWarren Christopher Scholarship Fund.

The Scholarship Fund was established in 1992 and was a gift from O’Melveny’s partners in order to honor Christopher.

The Warren Christopher

Alumnus Warren Christopher died on March 19.

Scholarship provides college scholarships to outstanding and promising high school sophomores in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Each year, the program awards eight to ten students who are deprived financially and have surpassed

2 • Op/Ed 6 • Features 4 • News 8 • Entertainment

Man on the Street

10 • Sports

See page 3

index

What’s the most memorable thing a teacher has said to you?

personal challenges, such as living in environments wtih drugs, violence and poverty.

The award aims to help these students finish high school and pursue a college degree. To this date it has awarded four-year college scholarships to 138 LAUSD students who have overcome great odds to succeed in life.

Those who are not chosen as a Christopher Scholar are nonetheless awarded $500 to help them bridge the gap between high school and college.

Christopher scholarship recipients have attended some of the finest universities and Ivy League schools. His scholarship fund has awarded about $3 million in scholarships so far, according to Elsa Weiss, of the law firm O’Melveny and Myers, of which Christopher was a partner.

The Class of ‘42 Hollywood High alumnus was dedicated and passionate toward social reform for both the world and his community,

Hollywood Idol Recap Highlights of the performances.

See page 4

cials and state representatives.

The letter was a way to summarize the outrage of the parents.

“As a parent I have to ask why an educational system would take successful programming and slash it? Aside from being counterintuitive, we find it simply disgraceful!”

The letter goes on to say, “Furthermore, one has to question- What sleazy politics are behind such unfair cuts; and whose pockets will be enriched by making it impossible for the magnets to successfully exist, thereby creating more opportunities for privatized charters?”

On April 11, School Board member Steve Zimmer came to Hollywood to talk to the concerned teachers, students, and parents, but could only reply to concerns by assuring that there will be a Magnet program next year, although not as prosperous if the money is not granted.

Magnet is left with a small ray of hope that a solution can be reached to save Mr. Sacks. Mr. Sacks and his dedication to has allowed Magnet to get recognition for the schools’ performances. With the letters that have been sent, hope remains that state officials and school representatives will spare the Magnet and their funds.

How advanced is advanced placement?

15% of all LAUSD students are enrolled in an AP class.

18% of students at HHS are enrolled in an AP class.

86% of students enrolled in an AP class in LAUSD are passing with a “C” or better.

87% of students enrolled in an AP class at HHS are with a “C” or better.

Source: School Report Card 09/10

Advanced Placement classes have become a become a method for students to “one-up” each other in the great race to be accepted at top universities.

The benefits of taking such courses include a higher GPA, a competitive college resume, and possible college credit if the test is passed in May. If these are the main reasons sutdents are taking AP classses, can they be successful in

Advisory Spotlight

Media Literacy See page 5

mastering the subject as they would in college? Furthermore, can these courses be truly advanced if they are designed around a curriculum solely made to pass a test?

With AP exams right around the corner, The Crimson Chronicle set to find out. The staff surveyed about 266 of the 314 students enrolled in AP classes.

See pages 6-7 for a full report.

How To:

What to do when you’re a Freshman in college See page 8

2 APRIL 2011

OP/ED

Embrace the Knowledge JOE CURIEL CHRONICLE REPORTER Many students have ditched, but experienced mild punishments. Only it seems no one really cares about it.

When I pass by the restroom, in the hallway it looks as if classes are being “taught” in the hallway, not in the classroom. There are students play-fighting or talking. Some of them are in the bathroom getting high. It is disrespectful to teachers because they are fighting for a chance to keep teaching. They are out there protesting every Tuesday morning to give students a better education and those who ditch are just mocking them.

If someone continues to ditch classes inside of school and bother other students trying to learn, he shouldn’t simply get detention, but should be kicked off school property if it is a repeated offense. Learning is a

privilege and should be provided to those who genuinely care. If one comes to school in search for only destruction, laughs, or drugs, he should be notified that school is not the place for them. It’s better if those who want to ditch class just stay home and allow those who want to learn, learn!

During some of my classes, some are so bored sitting there; students walk off and talk on their cell phone. Sometimes, out of nowhere, there are some students throwing stuff around and screaming in class. It’s annoying! Why not just take your friends and drop out?

Either way, by doing this daily, you are not taking advantage

of your education or learning anything. You are compromising your future and it seems likely that you will not succeed as an adult. It’s immature because many of these teachers care for their students’ well being and invest the time and effort to make sure they are educated.

Punishments for ditching are detention, truancy, and a monetary fine, but they really have no impact.

Multiple detentions can be easily cleared, especially through Saturday school.

This is outrageous considering ditching is against the law. Ditching punishments should be harsher on students to prevent them from ever doing it again. If staff members walked around for a few minutes they are bound to see groups of people just walking around campus.

There should be more security and punishments because those who ditch are not only doing other illegal things but also putting in danger the minds of others.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, I would like to correct the records that are shown on The Crimson Chronicle Volume VIII Issue IV. The boys Varsity Volleyball team lost the game against Miguel Contreras (3-2). I am glad that our school has a newspaper. However, if the information is wrong, what is the point of having a newspaper? I know that it is hard to maintain such mass amount of information and summarize it.

But, we do need the right information. Thank you for all you do to keep the school informed.

-J.G. Yun, 11th Grade

Dear Editor, Being in high school, I really want to know what job opportunities there are for teenagers. I read the LA Times and it makes me think, “I really want a job.”

I think you guys should add a section for teenage jobs. I’m pretty sure it would help the students out a lot.

Other than that, the paper is great!

-Jenna Aultman, 6th Grade

Dear Editor, So far, the Crimson Chronicle has always caught my attention.

Although, I would like to see more coverage on all the sports.

They have done so great this year and deserve the recognition and attention.

-Jocelyn M., 12th Grade

Corrections

-A headline in the sports section said “Teams remain undefeated” when, in fact, the volleyball team had one loss.

-Decathlon story misreported Sam’s plaque. It wasn’t bronze. it’s a plaque for the highest scoring member of the team. Also, there were two gold and four bronze medals won in total.

-Stats box reported the game against M.C. as a win, when it was a loss.

-Caption on the front page misspelled Nicole Gozum’s name.

Crimson Chronicle Staff Editor-in-Chief: BREIGH MONTGOMERY Opinion Editor: Karina Galvan News Editor: maria alcoser Features Editor: anA barroN Entertainment Editor: KARLA SAMAYOA Sports Editor: KEVIN CALENZANI Copy Editor: AFSANA AFZAL Photo Editor: STEPHANIE CHAVEZ

CRISTIAN ARTIGA TARA AULTMAN VADYM BUDILOVSKY MANUELA CHAVEZ JOE CURIEL JENNIFER GUIDO

VANESSA JARAMILLO ALEJANDRA MANCIA HUGO OSORIO WOARIA RASHID EDMUNDO REA MONICA RENOJ

Adviser

Karen Cusolito A copy of the school newspaper is also viewable at hollywoodhighschool.net

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER. THE CRIMSON CHRONICLE, OF HOLLYWOOD HIGH SCHOOL IS A PUBLIC FORUM, WITH ITS STUDENT EDITORIAL BOARD MAKING ALL DECISIONS CONCERNING ITS CONTENTS. the newspaper operates under california education code 48907 which guarantees free expression for students.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOMe AND WILL BE PUBLISHED AS SPACE ALLOWS. OPINIONS IN LETTERS ARE NOT NECESSAIRLY THOSE OF THE STAFF, NOR SHOuLD ANY OPINION ExPRESSED IN A PUBLIC FORUM BE CONSTRUED AS THE OPINIION OR POLiCY OF THE ADMINISTRATION, UNLESS SO ATTRIBUTED.

APRIL 2011

OP/ED

3

Man on the Street

What is the most memorable thing a teacher has said to you?

“Get the **** out of my class”.

“I was having a conversation with my friend and he said, ‘Something bad is gonna happen to you, and I am just waiting for that **** to happen. You’re gonna get what’s coming.’”

-Cesiah Lopez, PAM, 12th

-Daion Stanford, 12th Grade, PAM

“I was making out with my wife and this P.E. teacher comes up and says to us that school is for learning not for touching people.”

“Hey Ms. what race do you think I am? Mexican? Chapin?

Or Salvi?”

Teacher: “You look, Native American.”

-Manuel Alas, Biology Teacher

-Henry Ortiz, 12th Grade, MET

“My Geometry teacher at Venice High told me trying is not doing. I was having a hard time.

I disagree with her then and I disagree with her now. TRYING IS DOING!” -Heather Brown, Counselor

“Stupid! Get out of my class!”

-Edgardo Montes, 11th Grade, MET

Interviewed and Photographed by: Alejandra Mancia (Chronicle Reporter) and Hugo Osorio (Chronicle Reporter)

Mean Teachers Can Result in Poor Self-Esteem

WOARIA RASHID CHRONICLE REPORTER

The majority of students in high school are obligated to submit to teachers who are menacing without a reason. Well, maybe one reason: ALL KIDS ARE EVIL. According to teachers, all teenagers are corrupt or soon-to-be corrupt, so teachers take matters to their own hands because our parents can’t control us. Our gracious teachers “gift” us by abusing us with caustic remarks.

This behavior towards the students can imprint on them, which may lead them to believe that they are stupid or incapable of learning. There was a student in my middle school who acted as a rebel; he argued with the teacher and didn’t follow the classroom rules. One day the teacher was furious and told the “worthless, lost-cause” to leave and never return to class. He never did.

When a student is repeatedly beaten down with harsh words coming from an adult, he will believe that he is worthless and will not aim for the best in life.

Instead, he’ll live life as if there’s nothing to live for and shrivel up in the corner and waste away because nobody cares.

We look up to adults for knowledge, wisdom, and guidance so it’s mind-boggling to hear teachers use foul language.

Rebellion in class may often be the result of having difficulties at home or elsewhere. Teachers are hardly ever aware if a student is facing problems. So, abuse in school + personal issues = SOS. When I was in ninth grade (my old school), there was a time when I was facing difficulties at home, but when I arrived in school I would leave my problems back at home. So, although I was a bit depressed inside, my exterior was always cheerful.

One day, while sitting in a class I didn’t really enjoy, I asked the teacher if he was offering any extra credit because I was in desperate need to raise my grade. He simple stared at me, smirked, and bluntly said no. I just stared at him in shock and mumbled, “Okay.” I always had a gut feeling that he didn’t like me.

So, to prove my theory, I asked a friend who didn’t witness the incident to ask for extra credit, and guess what- he said yes. Of

course I had to confront him about it and his reply was that “there is no point for you to do unsatisfactory work and waste my time grading it.” That definitely hurt me and made me feel as if there was no point to try in his class.

But, few weeks after the incident, I decided that I wasn’t going to let him win. I worked really hard to understand the past and present material, so when I passed his class with an A, I felt like a warrior.

Most teachers are role models and inspire students to become someone. But those who verbally abuse students because of habit or if they’re having a bad day, it can negatively affect a student’s life.

TARA AULTMAN CHRONICLE REPORTER

I’ve been in school long enough to believe that this is a place where students and teachers “come together” to make one another’s lives better.

That statement is in the process of being proven wrong. With the number of students I see walking the halls with no referral, let alone a hall pass, I have to think, “What is going on?”

Walking by certain classrooms, I hear teachers using the “Seven Words You Should Never Say.” Personally, these are my friends who are getting disrespected and it makes me sick to believe that people who are supposed to teach us about mutual respect are themselves being disrespectful.

Growing up, I have been told that as a minor, I should respect my elders. But in my mind, you could be the governor of California and you would still have to earn my respect. Even if you have earned my respect, you can say the wrong thing and you will lose it in a heartbeat.

I have witnessed teachers call-

ing their students names like “idiots” and “complete savages.”

Sometimes, I even hear them swearing at their own students.

As a student I believe it is wrong for a student to be disrespectful towards their teachers, but that does not give the teacher, the adult in the situation, to sink down to the student’s level and let the fire continue to burn.

Picture a student named Lexi getting sent down to the office for arguing with her teacher.

While speaking to her counselor, she may think she has a chance when, really, everything she is telling her counselor is going in one ear and out the other. No matter what kind of situation it is, the student is always wrong. So, Lexi gets penalized and there is nothing she can do about it.

This situation happens a little too often. Not only are students stepping out of place, so are the teachers. I think the adults should actually try to believe our stories because, even if we might exaggerate from time to time, many of us often have a point. Teachers get away with a lot, and students are fed up.

It makes one wonder, like the old saying goes, “Why can’t we all just get along?”

4 APRIL 2011

NEWS

Budget Cuts Affect Hollywood for the Worse Principal assures that this will be the last blow karla samayoa entertainment editor

The school’s college counselor, math coach, four of nine teacher assistants, two coordinators and two to three clerical workers will all lose their jobs on June 30 under a 2011-2012 budget approved by the School Site Council.

At a meeting on March 31, the SSC also decided to combine the positions of Intervention Specialist and Testing Coordinator, as well as the Pupil Services and Attendance Counselor (PSA) position with the Diploma Project Counselor (DPC) position.

The Intervention Specialist prepares students for exams like the CAHSEE, and the CST, while the Testing Coordinator organizes these exams.

The PSA and DPC work with students to lower the dropout by helping students with social and emotional issues, speaking with parents about school

policies, keeping students informed about graduation requirements, conducting home visits, and so forth.

Roxana Jimenez, student member of the SSC, says, “I felt the decisions [on the budget] were rushed. Next year, we need to be careful about who we select for the SSC. Out of fifteen members, I was the only one who abstained from voting for the budget. Everyone voted without thinking it through, because they wanted to get home.”

Despite these cuts, Hollywood High is facing the new school year in a more financially stable position than most other schools. A few years ago, the school won a grant called the Quality Education Investment Act (QEIA) from a “lottery” conducted by the state. Only schools that were doing poorly could qualify for earning the money, and Hollywood was facing low testing scores at the time.

The money is said to last

seven years. Should the state still have the funds for this program, the school will continue to receive the extra funds.

Since the school district had only provided money for 37 teachers, the QEIA grant money was used to employ 22 extra teachers. The conditions of the QEIA money stipulate that it can only be used as long as a 27 students to one teacher ratio is maintained. There are other goals and conditions that must be met, such a high API score, a certain amount of counselors, and hiring teachers that are considered “highly qualified.”

Principal Jaime Morales admitted during the SSC meeting to having struggled in creating the final budget.

In order to fund necessary positions for next year, he used money from as many sources as possible, although some funds were only allowed to be used for certain allocations. For example, the QEIA money was only used for teachers.

Hollywood High will be

operating with $1 million to $2 million less than the budget the 2010-2011 school year had, according to Morales. It could have been much worse without the the QEIA grant money.

Due to budget cuts, the school district maintains strict regulations when funding various positions. The school district funds school counselors on a strict ratio of one counselor to 800 students.

In the upcoming school year, 1,638 students are expected to be entering Hollywood High, which mean two counselors would be required. However, that figure is said to be an overestimate and is downsized by about 100 students to account for those who don’t show up.

As a result, the district is refusing to grant Hollywood the second counselor. This counselor would have served the position of the college counselor, a position that will be taken over by an SAS counselor.

UTLA and LAUSD are still negotiating the current cuts.

Morales believes some teachers may be saved. However, regardless of who is let go, the position of the teacher or counselor will remain. Should a teacher be let go, another teacher, one with more seniority chosen by the school district, will take over the classes the previous teacher leaves behind.

Morales said he firmly believes that once these negotiations are over, it is unlikely that budget cuts will affect the upcoming 2011-2012 school year. He also mentioned that Board Member Steve Zimmer of District 4 is working towards making sure that budget cuts do not affect schools.

“The students and parents need to organize themselves in a way to pressure to save education . Education is not the cause of the economic problems, but education is being heavily cut,” said Morales.

Karla Samayoa is one of four student members of the School Site Council.

Devoted Sister Remembers Brother by Running

Students run for charity to save lives while honoring Spencer’s memory edmundo rea chronicle reporter

The organization Donate Life will be hosting a Run/Walk on Saturday at the California State University Fullerton campus, around the Intramural Field.

Some Hollywood High students will be participating in the Donate Life Run/Walk in memory of Spencer Juarez, freshman who passed away last year due to head trauma inflicted during a football game.

Hemashary Juarez, Spencer’s sister, is an 11th grade SAS student. She will be leading Hollywood’s group named the Fly-

ing Jalapeño in memory of her brother. She has always been an athlete and has run several marathons.

“From all the races that I’ve done, this one is the most important and special to me,” said Hemashary.

The Run/Walk is “a noncompetitive 5K/1K Run/Walk to educate and inspire the community about organ and tissue donation while benefiting Donate Life California Organ and Tissue Donor Registry,” according to the nonprofit organization One Legacy.

To take part in this event, students paid a registration fee.

The price started at $15 per person, but as of March 18 the price was raised to $20. The money was turned into Hemashary to register the Flying Jalapeño group for the event.

The money from the registration fees will go towards the organization to fund organ and tissue donations.

Anyone who runs along with Hemashary on the run/walk will receive a commemorative shirt and pin with a picture of Spencer on it. On Monday, when the participants return to school, they will be wearing the t-shirt given to them by Hemashary.

PHOTO CREDIT: Hakeem Scott

Hemashary Juarez organized a group of Hollywood High students to run for Donate Life California Organ and Tissue Registry to honor the memory of her brother Spencer Juarez.

Hollywood Idol Makes A Spectacular Return

alejandra mancia chronicle reporter

A group of JROTC students won a $100 first prize for their performance of the Black Eyed Peas song “I Got a Feeling at the second annual Hollywood Idol contest.

English teacher James Carmicle along with art teacher Jessica Potrovitza organized the captivating event which was held April 15 in the school’s auditorium.

Second place winner, Emerson Joma, received $50 for his parody of the song “Fireworks” by Katy Perry. Emerson, appearing in a dress and

wig, was the crowd’s favor- ery detail came together work and efforts paid off. It ite and received a standing seamlessly.Everyone’s hard was a blast!” ovation more than Students came down once. Many students to support their friends said they felt that while the performers he should have won entertained with modfirst place. ern day song medleys A group of sophoand dance numbers mores, dressed in during the two hour 1950s costumes, free period on Friday. performed “SumParticipants of Hollymer Nights and We wood Idol had to audiGo Together” from tion and practice their the movie Grease. performance for weeks They received a gift before they performed card for $25 for third in front of the entire place. school.

“It was fun and exEverybody involved photo credit: Natalie hernandez citing seeing all of the in the show worked First and second place winners pose after they acts on the big stage, very hard to produce receive their rewards for mermerizing the audience. said Potrovitza. “Eva highly entertaining

and dazzling show, according to Carmicle.

“I have always felt that singing live is a talent, but lip syncing is a skill,” said Carmicle.

The judges for the event were SAS teacher Juan Burciaga, Assistant Principals Dr. Emma Burns and Marco Tolj.

Unlike last year, Hollywood Idol was upgraded to live singing through the participation of Performing Arts Magnet’s H2O chorale group.

“This show is important to me since it provides opportunities for our very talented students to demonstrate those talents to their peers,” said Carmicle.

For more photos see page 9

APRIL 2011

NEWS

5

Manriquez Named Distinguished Educator Media teacher is one of 87 in the nation to be honored by Apple

AFSANA AFZAL COPY EDITOR

MET teacher Antonio Manriquez received the Apple Distinguished Educator award.

Among 76 newly selected members for the Class of 2011 in the U.S., Manriquez was one of only three LAUSD teachers and the only high school teacher from the district.

Crimson Chronicle reporter Afsana Afzal sat down with Manriquez to find out more.

Crimson Chronicle: Tell me more about the award.

Manriquez: The program honors a group of educators who use technology to engage students to be more involved in the content they’re learning. Apple’s going to send me to Phoenix, at the University of Arizona Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. They’re putting me up there for a week to do an orientation/conference where

Manriquez: We have a lab I collaborate with other educa- going to revolutionize educators like myself to create con- tion. I’m really proud to be part full of Macs. As soon as the tent that would go on iTunes U. of the group Apple is honoring, iPad came out, I knew that we’ve got to Hopefully, I’ll bring work at getting back a lot of neat the iPad here. ways of using ApI feel like if we ple products in the weren’t havclassroom. ing such budCrimson Chronget problems, icle: How are your statewide and students reacting? nationally, we Manriquez: I could utilize our haven’t really told money a little bit them. I found out better. We have the day the RIF noone iPad in this tices went out. So, classroom. We it was a bittersweet use it as a slate. day for me. It’s an You could use it honors not for just as a telepromptme but for everyPHOTO CREDIT: STREPHANIE CHAVEZ one else here; it’s er. There are honoring the program and the because I’m honoring them also things you can do with school. by using their products and it to help a video production Crimson Chronicle: How do they’re honoring us right back. class, like buy iMovie for $5 you feel?

They’re providing us with really and edit HD movies on it.

Manriquez: I think it’s great. great perks and resources. It’s a Crimson Chronicle: Do you I really love working with Apple pretty big honor. think the school board would products. I think that they’re Crimson Chronicle: How are allow it?

Manriquez: Well, we tried, the one company that are cre- you using Apple products in but it was too much too soon. ating products that are really your classroom?

advisory spotlight

Media Literacy and Success for Teens Maria alcoser news editor Dr. Steven Steinberg, MET Advisory teacher, has found a new way to make his students more business savvy through something called Media Literacy. Every Wednesday during advisory, Dr. Steinberg directs his students through a process where they analyze advertising techniques directed towards teens.

The purpose of the class is “for students to be savvy consumers,” said Dr. Steinberg.

Dr. Steinberg presents his class with several posters and asks them to analyze how manufacturers use different techniques to lure teens into buying their products. Then the students use what they learned in class to find the same advertising techniques in other ads.

Students analyze ads like those of American Idol and Ford Motors. They learn that these ads work because manufacturers know that teens have “Music in their Minds, Money in their Pockets.”

“I expect them (the students) to think critically instead of being passive sponges for media so that they can make good decisions about what they buy,” said Dr. Steinberg.

“We learn about budgets and how people try to get money from us,” said Sharon Perez To make his class more interesting and engaging for students, Dr. Steinberg likes to relate personal anecdotes about his experiences with ad-

to be used by every advisory teacher. However, few teachers took advantage of the opportunity and now those books sit undisturbed in the back of his classroom.

“I hope that next year we can teach it as part of the everyday curriculum,” said Dr. Steinberg.

The purpose of this book is to help teens become more knowledgeable about their lives, so that they understand the need to set goals for themselves and develop the behavior that they need to acquire those goals.

The book helps teens understand what holds them PHOTO CREDIT: STEPHANIE CHAVEZ back and how to overcome those obDr. Steinberg helps his advisory stustacles. dents undertand how to spend their money wisely and how to find their life philosophy. “I want them to figure out their philosovertisements and the way that phy while they are here,” said they have affected people.

Dr. Steinberg In addition to conducting MeAlthough, there are not any dia Literacy with his students, immediate results of the book Dr. Steinberg likes to keep his on students, Dr. Steinberg can advisory busy through the us- observe that some students age a book entitled Success are really trying to use the for Teens on Mondays and Fri- book for their benefit. days. Dr. Steinberg ordered a Media Literacy and Success set big enough for all Media for Teens are empowering and Technology students be- MET students to think criticause he intended the book cally and beyond themselves.

“You want one-hundred of those?” It kind of scared the district. Also, they’ve been really supportive of us in the past and so they wanted to put their money towards other schools for other endeavors. There are other schools going one-to-one iPad. It’s one of those things I’m going to keep trying to do one way or another.

Crimson Chronicle: How would we use the money?

Manriquez: Instead of buying a bunch of textbooks constantly and having a one-to-one laptop program, if each student had their iPad they could out all their books in there, take their notes, they could do their email, they could do all their assignments, record their lectures, they could record movies, blog directly from it, podcast on it, play games, watch movies, etc.

An iPad could be a student’s complete education and entertainment world.

NEWS BRIEFS

junior prom cancelled

Due to lack of sales, Hollywood High’s annual Junior Prom, sponsored by Elizabeth Payne and Sonia Solis, was canceled after the first week of sales. Throughout the first week, a total of 16 tickets were sold. The Black and White themed Junior Prom was intended to be held at the Women’s Club on Hollywood. Class of 2012 did not lose money because it didn’t pay ahead for services. Since the Class of 2010 had money left over from their graduation fund, sponsors will donate the money between class of 2011 and class of 2012.

ALEJANDRA MANCIA

PENNY DRIVE

Leadership hosted their 6th Penny Drive in April through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Leadership students visited each Advisory to collect the donated money. Mr. Burciaga’s advisory had the most donations. They received a pizza party as congratulatory gift for their efforts to help the patients in need.

HUGO OSORIO

BLOOD DRIVE

Red Cross, with the help of Leadership, hosted another Blood Drive on April 26 in the big gym. Only students with the proper blood iron level and height and weight requirements were allowed to donate. Last year, Red Cross received 200 units of blood from Hollywood High students. This year, Hollywood again donated a great amount, approximated at 201 units.

HUGO OSORIO

TEACHER IS RECOGNIZED

PHOTO CREDIT: STEPHANIE CHAVEZ

English teacher James B. Carmicle was recently selected as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction by the National Society of High School Scholars. Nominated by his Advisory student Jennifer Mendez, Carmicle was recognized as “a role model and positive influence, someone who has made a difference.” Carmicle received the award on March 16, 2011 along with a Certificate of Appreciation.

AFSANA AFZAL

6 APRIL 2011

FEATURES

How Advanced is Ad Hollywood 2010 314 Sheiks are taking AP Classes

80% of Sheiks taking AP Classes are from SAS

76% of Sheiks believe that the extra GPA points an AP class provides is necessary

46% of Sheiks say they are taking AP classes that are difficult for them

31% of Sheiks are taking AP classes unrelated to their intended college major

22% of Sheiks are taking AP classes in subjects they are not good at

21% of Sheiks say in taking an AP

class, their goal was not necessarily to pass the exam

14% of Sheiks taking AP Classes are from PAM 3% of Sheiks taking AP Classes are from MET 2% of Sheiks taking AP Classes are from TCASJA 1% of Sheiks taking AP Classes are from HNAS

AP Test

English Language English Literature Environmental Science Government European History United States History Calculus AB Spanish Language Spanish Literature Computer Science Chemistry Biology

Tota Take 73 46 57 16 46 64 35 56 14 17 17 24

National 2010 A AP Test

English Language English Literature Environmental Science Government European History United States History Calculus AB Spanish Language Spanish Literature Computer Science Chemistry Biology

Tota Take 374,6 353,7 86,65 211,6 102,6 387,7 78,99 118,3 17,13 20,12 115,0 172,5

How well did S classes prep

12% believe they were v 23% believe they were w 29% believe they were f 22% believe they were p 15% believe they were

FEATURES

APRIL 2011

7

dvanced Placement?

0 AP Passing Rates

al en

1

2

3

10% 20% 35% 75% 96% 56% 86% 85% 65% 100%

58% 46% 21% 19% 38% 6% 7% 8% 18% -

23% 30% 12% 6% 4% 3% 6% 16% 29% 2% -

1

2

3

4

5

7% 2% 5% 3% 41% 50% 28% 1% -

3% 2% 3% 36% 21% -

4

5

Source: CollegeBoard

AP Passing Rates

al en 620 781 50 681 629 716 98 332 36 20 077 512

12% 10% 32% 25% 23% 22% 10% 14% 23% 27% 32% 37%

28% 33% 18% 24% 11% 26% 6% 15% 17% 8% 18% 14%

29% 30% 17% 25% 35% 23% 14% 17% 29% 14% 19% 15%

21% 19% 23% 13% 18% 19% 19% 28% 21% 25% 19% 15%

11% 8% 10% 13% 13% 11% 51% 27% 12% 26% 17% 19%

Source: CollegeBoard

Sheiks say their pared them?

very well prepared

well prepared

fairly well prepared

poorly prepared

very poorly prepared

The AP Program was officially introduced to schools in 1955 by the non-profit organization CollegeBoard. The AP program was designed primarily to challenge students to achieve more academically in the most efficient way. It was first comprised of 11 subjects, with rigorous curricula designed to help students achieve college credit in high school.

Today, College Board offers more than 30 subjects.

Some 3.1 million students nation-wide took an AP exam last year, up from 1.2 million in 2000. However, the portion of those failing the exam (scores of one or two) grew to 42.5% last year compared to 36.4% in 2000, according to the New York Times.

The last major change to an AP exam was in 2007 when a synthesis question added to the English Language test. Next year, the College Board plans to revise the Biology exam due to complaints that the vast amount of information covered makes the textbook the size of an encyclopedia. The organization also plans changes to the U.S. History exam.

Sheiks on AP

“I just came to this country two years ago, and I am taking two AP classes this year. I want to thank my teachers for giving me the skills necessary to feel confident about passing the exams.”

-Farah Billah, SAS, 11th Grade “Gonna fail.”

-Sam Chavles, MET, 11th Grade

“I highly recommend that all students take AP classes because it prepares you for a real college class. But for those students who are in sports, productions, Leadership, club activities, I recommend that they only take a couple of AP classes because it can be overwhelming, especially if you are a senior.”

-Karl Resurreccion, PAM, 12th Grade

“AP classes, for the most part, are preparing us enough for the AP exams. However, it’s all dependent on the student. If the student pressures himself/herself, it’ll have a positive or negative effect, depending on study habits. I work well under pressure, though. I just give it my all.”

- Christian Ventura, SAS, 12th Grade

“Succinctly, the AP exam is a joke, attempting to achieve a goal that it never can, and the AP class, by virtue of becoming a system wherein one prepares specifically for a test that is meant to determine general comprehensive knowledge of a subject, is similarly pointless to those with a true goal of true learning.”

-Brennan Jackson, ‘09 “Yes, the AP classes I have taken in high school have benefited me in my college courses. Although I didn’t pass some of my AP classes, taking the class gave me a good boost for college classes. For example, in the English Literature class I am taking right now , we are reading some of the same stories I read in my high school Literature class. It just makes things easier because I know what to expect.”

-Nisha Haque, ‘09

“Yes! They seriously have [prepared me]. I just wish I made the effort to pass more of the exams. If you pass the exams you get college credit, which enables you to take less classes during the semester or quarter. Passing the exams really opens up a lot of college doors for you.”

-Maisha Jahangir, ‘10

8 APRIL 2011

ENTERTAINMENT

Endgame is Anything but Rise Against’s End Christian ventura Chronicle Contributor

Many people may have been, or still are, searching for the beauty they can only find in their favorite band. From whatever genre, there is always that one speck of something “beautiful” in all music, regardless of musical taste. Rise Against has managed to raise that standard of beauty to a new high in their most recent release, Endgame.

Tim McIlrath, the band’s lead vocalist, and the rest of the band, have once again represented the band’s unique flavor with their newest album, while still maintaining the polished

feel of their previous album Appeal to Reason. Rise Against’s new album maintains the upbeat, melodic tone in their music while choosing to discuss morbid topics in their songs, usually pertaining to the troubled society of present-day America.

In Endgame, they present their opinions about the depth of trouble that America has recently faced, and include references to recent catastrophic events. Even the name of the album represents something

Photo Credit: gomoxie.org Endgame is Rise Against’s Sixth album and was released March 11, 2011.

“dark.” The band still maintains the strong balance of hope and darkness. Such songs include “Help is On the Way,” which refers to aid given during catastrophic events and “Satellite,” which draws attention to the American Dream.

Rise Against’s songs bring a sense of comfort in the face of adversity. One song even states “it’s not too late, we have the rest of our lives.”

In regards to the album’s strength, the album accomplishes in making Rise Against

stand out next to to other famous rock bands, such as the Foo Fighters or The Strokes.

Aside from the varied topics discussed in their songs, their mix of melodic hardcore and rock complements the strength of McIlrath’s voice.

The album’s songs do not depress. On the contrary, the upbeat rhythm is meant to keep heads up high. The rhythm brings dignity to the ears of the beholder.

However, even for those who don’t manage to catch the message of the lyrics, the songs’ power successfully manage to grasp the attention of the pensive mind. Regardless of ethnicity, gender, and political views, the album satisfies.

How To Enjoy Your Freshman Year of College Woaria rashid Chronicle Reporter

Transitioning from the topdog status in high school to a freshman in college can be nerve-wrecking. The new challenges of choosing classes, making new friends and figuring out which clubs to join, out of the billions available, can be so overwhelming that students can lose themselves in the process of finding their niche in college.

Lets face it, out of the countless classes Hollywood High has enlightened us with over the years, it has failed to offer us the single, most essential class that a high school senior

transitioning from high school to college needs: a How to Survive College course.

Over the years, our teachers have told us countless times not to wait until the last minute to study for that dreaded Biology quiz or to write an outline for The Stranger essay as soon as our prompts are handed out.

But I am here to tell you that it is okay to procrastinate.

Who cares if you do those calculus problems hours before they are due or write a paper the night before it needs to be turned in? You’re only going to get an F+ and besides, everybody does it. So why not jump on the bandwagon?

Another myth imposed on us is not to party before final ex-

ams, and let me tell you, this myth will be debunked right here, right now. There is nothing comparable to the energy and confidence one receives while partying before finals. It’s like watching Brad Pitt take his shirt off 300 times in a row in the film Troy.

If by any chance you fail to wake up in time for your final exam, run to your lecture hall as fast as your legs can carry you and beg your professor to let you take the exam. If he refuses, beg some more. If he is still persistent, then make him an offer he can’t refuse. In a low, raspy Marlon Brando voice say, “If you don’t let me take this exam, tomorrow you’ll be sleeping with the fishes,” and that will usually

Chris & Fester Chris Del Cid Chronicle Contributor

do the trick .1% of the time. The other 99.9% of the time he will probably call security on you.

Ignore the gratuitous warnings about gaining the infamous Freshman Fifteen, otherwise known as those wonderful pounds you put on because of the delicious fast food. Ignore the fact that eating three Big Macs at 3 in the morning does not count as a balanced breakfast, regardless of the lettuce.

Ignore the fact that your high school senior t-shirt has mysteriously shrunken in the wash (really, that is a major problem!

It keeps shrinking!). Your allnight partying lifestyle should not be cramped just because those munchies have thousands of empty calories.

Your newfound freedom, especially when it comes to using that wonderful green stuff (money! What did you think I was talking about?) should be taken advantage of. Spend all the money you can as quickly as possible. Student loans need to be paid off four years from now, which is centuries away! Buy a Magic Bullet, a Slap Chop, and an awesome set of Miracle Blades, regardless of the fact that you do not own a kitchen. You’re just preparing yourself for a future of rich living acquired with that easy college degree!

Now you are 100% ready to go out and conquer the college world. Just remember, the most important thing of all is to have F-U-N.

APRIL 2011

ENTERTAINMENT Hollywood Idol Strikes A Chord

pHOTO CREDIT: STEPHANIE CHAVEZ

This year’s Hollywood Idol set a new bar for entertainment. Students performed to hit songs that enthralled the audience.

9

10 APRIL 2011

SPORTS

Track and Field Work Toward a Grand Finale Athletes train hard to impress at league finals in May LUISA ITURBIDE CHRONICLE CONTRIBUTOR

outs, the runners are more preoccupied with giving each track meet their all.

Although the track team “Even though we’re barely didn’t have the greatest starting, I want to run each start, they’re working meet my hardest and see towards a better finish. myself improve each week,” With the unexpected ressaid Sophomore distance ignation of Coach Caesar runner, Cecilia Flores.

Sandoval, new head coach A star athlete this season Jim McElroy wasn’t able to is Senior distance runner begin conditioning during Fernando Jauregui. With January, which is the usual this being his last year at time to start.

Hollywood, Jauregui wants Keeping this in mind, the to make it his best. track team is not worried “I joined track because I about blowing their comlove the enjoyment of competition away just yet. peting and seeing myself “We know we’re barely get better. I want to bring starting and our goal is to back a championship to the peak at league prelims and school,” said Jauregui. finals, not the dual meets,” Jauregui sets high goals said Erika Orellana, a sefor himself. He wants to nior in field events. break the two-mile school With the athletes runrecord of 9:15. Having douning up to 600 meters ble workouts on Mondays at different speeds and and Wednesdays (equaldistance alternating with ing up to 12 miles on those long runs, hill work-outs days), Jauregui is working and some speed workhard towards his goal.

PHOTO CREDIT: VADYM BUDILOVSKYY

Sedrakyan Receives Scholar Athlete Award

VADYM BUDILOVSKYY CHRONICLE REPORTER

An incoming freshman at the University of California, Berkeley class of 2015 and a senior football star at Hollywood High , Eric Sedrakyan recently became the recipient of the Scholar- Athlete Award of the year – a program by the National Football Foundation.

Eric was nominated for the program by the athletic coordinator and School for Advanced Studies counselor Mr. Raul Grijalva after a careful consideration of

the possible choices. Grijalva stated that Eric possesses the necessary “academic, leadership and athletic skills” needed to become the recipient.

The award is based on the academic and athletic achievement of the student. With a grade point average of 3.78, in the top 10% of his class, and a title of all-city first team defensive end, Sedrakyan was “the perfect fit for the program” said Grijalva.

Eric’s advisory teacher Mrs. Kamen was also very pleased to find out about Eric’s achievement. “Eric is definitely deserving of this award.

I am very proud of him,” she said.

Sedrakyan said he also “is seriously considering playing for the Berkeley Golden Bears football in the fall.”

Some of the advantages of the NFF High School Scholar – Athlete award of the year include an engraved plaque and the recipient’s name in the National Football Hall of fame.

This year, both familiar and new faces have appeared on the track team.

Yet, Coach McElroy wonders, “How come the best male athletes are not competing in track?”

Unfortunately, not every athlete is eager to commit to such rigorous training.

Some athletes fail to attend every practice and expect to be able to compete.

The girls’ varsity team has remained undefeated while the boys have not been so lucky. The team experienced their last home meet against Belmont High School on April 8.

Tomorrow, Hollywood will be facing their greatest competition from last year, the Santee Falcons, in an away game.

League preliminaries and league finals will follow sometime in May. It is here where the Sheiks plan to make a statement.

PHOTO CREDIT: LUISA ITURBIDE Senior Kathryn Loutzenheiser jumps over a hurdle in the 100m event against the Bernstein Dragons at home.

PHOTO CREDIT: STEPHANIE CHAVEZ Varsity CF Evelyn Gonzalez swings to first base in a 17-10 win against Los Angeles High on April 7.

Spring Pep Rally Turns Heads Jones, a freshman.

“I actually saw people get out of their seats and dance along with The spring pep rally recognized the cheerleaders. It was a funny boys and girls basketball, track and sight,” said Tania Cabrera, junior field, baseball, softball, volleyball, SAS student. soccer, and swim teams for their The event honored their athhard work and commitment. letes with pride and spirit.

The March 25 show featured “I’m very proud of myself and performances by the HHS cheermy team members. It feels great leading team, Drill team, the JROTC that we made it to play-offs. Hard Armed and Unarmed Drill team, work really pays off,” says Sean and Kenneth Long’s dance class.

Humpal, member of the boys The auditorium was filled with varsity basketball team. excitement and Sheik pride.

School spirit made its way “The show was packed with around the auditorium when energy. It started off dull, but it teams showed the crowd a little got really hyped when everyone of their pre-game chants and started booing us!” said Zahrea TARA AULTMAN CHRONICLE REPORTER

cheers.

“My favorite was the girls basketball teams. They seemed so hyped. They proved that girls are just as strong as boys,” said Freshman Selene Usher.

The pep rally also emotional for the graduating class of 2011.

“It feels kind of nice because they are at least trying to show that they are going to miss us. It makes me wish that I had participated in a sport, ” sai TCA/SJA Senior Eric Mejia.

Hard work was recognized, since Hollywood High School’s dedicated atheletes deserved their recognition at the rally.

APRIL 2011

SPORTS Date

TRACK AND FIELD

Opponent

Girls B o y s

DATE

3/11

vs.

Lincoln (CANCELLED)

------

-----

4/8

vs.

Santee

8-0

W

3/18

@

Miguel Contreras

W

L

4/13

vs.

Maywood

13-3

L

3/30

@

Los Angeles

W

L

4/15

@

Maywood

6-0

L

4/4

vs.

Bernstein

W

L

4/16

@

Locke

3-1

W

4/8

vs.

Belmont

W

L

4/18

@

South Gate

4-3

W

4/15

@

Jefferson

W

W

4/19

@

Roybal

8-0

W

4/29

@

Santee

TBA

TBA

4/20

@

Marshall

9-1

W

BOYS’ & GIRLS VARSITY

VOLLEYBALL

Opponent

STATS BOX

Opponent @ Maywood @ Bernstein @ Santee vs. Jefferson @ Contreras vs. Bravo @ Elizabeth

L W W W W L L

BOYS VARSITY

GIRLS VARSITY

BOYS & GIRLS VARSITY 3-0 3-1 3-1 3-0 3-0 3-2 3-0

Baseball

SOFTBALl

Swim

BOYS VARSITY DATE 3/23 3/28 3/31 4/4 4/6 4/11 4/14

DATE 3/30 @

Opponent Maywood

Girls Boys W L

4/6

@

Santee

W

W

4/13

@

Jefferson

W

DATE

Opponent

4/5

@

Maywood

13-4

4/7

vs.

Los Angeles

17-10 L

4/11

@

Torres

12-8

L

W

4/14

@

Contreras

16-4

W

4/16

vs.

Harbor Teach Prep

6-5

L

4/16

vs.

Fremont

13-9

L

4/25

VS.

Belmont

19-2

W

5/4

@

Miguel Contreras

W

W

5/11

@

Legue Finals

W

W

Marathoners Endure Harsh Storm From the Stadium to the Sea EDMUNDO REA CHRONICLE REPORTER

Thousands of runners gathered under rainy skies on March 20 at Dodgers Stadium for the Los Angeles Marathon and finished 26 miles later at Santa Monica Beach, wet, exhausted and proud.

Students Run Los Angeles is an organization that al-

lows students to compete in the marathon free of charge.

Some 15 students from Hollywood joined SRLA with Math teacher Geoffrey Buck as their leader. Each student that participated in this year’s L.A. Marathon completed it successfully.

“I’m really proud of all our runners,” said Buck.

Despite the stormy weather with hard rain and winds

up to 16 miles-per-hour, the runners were not going to quit.

“It was another obstacle in getting to the finish line,” said Justin Cornejo, SAS junior. Many participants were not covered from the cold, which caused some to get hypothermia during or after the race. About 300 runners were treated for hypothermia. The rain did not affect

11

all the runners. Some felt refreshed instead of feeling hot.

The dedicated Sheiks trained every Sunday before the race, sometimes running up to 22 miles. Practice was held at Griffith Park and on some days they ran to the Hollywood sign. Team leader and Biology teacher Manuel Alas also ran with Buck and the students.

L

“I lost 30 pounds training for this marathon,” said Alas.

Justin and Senior Carlos Lopez finished together in 3 hours and 11 minutes. They are considered elite runners and if they choose to, they are will be able to compete in more marathons, like the Boston and New York Marathons.

12 FEBRUARY 2011