May 2024

2023-2024

GREYHOUND

MEDIA

Editors

Anise Ralston, Kayleigh Luna, Trisanee Siharath, and Jessica Nonato

Designers

Hadara Vaughn

Animators

Alana Risbrudt, and Kai Grist

Publishing Chloe Palmer

GREYSCALE REPORT

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Atascadero High School Media is to entertain, inform, inspire, and support our community through telling our many stories. We value the stories others want to share. As contributers to the magazine, we take pride in illustrating, designing, and writing work representing the community and its issues.

The Greyscale Report aims to connect with our community through thoughtful, truthful, and extensive interviews of the student body and staff. We endeavor to report both tough, necessary topics as well as lighthearted school news. As a reliable and relatable source of information, we strive to be accountable, honorable, and safe. We hope you enjoy reading the new issue as much as we enjoyed designing, editing, and researching it for you!

The Greyscale Staff

Advanced Media Arts

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MENTAL HEALTH

Kayleigh Luna and Anise Ralston

MOCK ROCK

Kayleigh Luna and Anise Ralston

INTERVIEW WITH GSA

Trisanee Siharath

STUDY TIPS

Jessica Nonato

INTERVIEW WITH Mr. COOPER

Talan Humeck

Signs That Someone You Know Is Struggling-

Suicide:

• Sudden withdrawal from social connections & situtations.

• Changes in mood and personality.

Eating Disorders:

• Physical health changes

• Excessive exercise Depression:

• Lack of interest in hobbies & activities.

• Expression of guilt.

Self Harm:

• Frequent reports of accidental injury.

• Emotional & behavioral instability.

• Wearing long sleeves/pants even in hot water.

Ways To Support Mental Health

Suicide:

• Listen without being judgemental.

• Remove harmful objects.

Eating Disorders:

• Avoid blaming them.

• Avoid comparing them to others.

Depression:

• Ask how you can best support them.

• Urge them to get help, but do not force.

Self-Harm:

• Let the person know you are there for them.

• See them for more than just their self-harm.

• Remind them of their positive qualities.

What is mental health?

Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social wellness, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Mental health has a significant effect on the way we are able to manage stress, build positive relationships, and make rational decisions. For these reasons, it is vital to closely monitor and maintain your mental well-being throughout all stages of life, from early development to adulthood. Mental illnesses, however, are health conditions that can adversely affect the way we think, feel, and act. Oftentimes mental illnesses affect an individual's ability to function and interact with others daily.

How does mental health impact overall health?

Both mental and physical health are equally important aspects of your overall well-being. Mental health can impact physical health, and vice versa. For example, depression can increase the risk for various physical health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. Likewise, chronic illnesses can elevate the susceptibility to mental health disorders. Taking care of your body through exercise and other healthy habits can help burn anxious energy, prevent muscle tension, release endorphins that help you feel relaxed, and build strength and endurance which can boost your confidence. Eating healthy can help prevent lethargic feelings and a lack of motivation, concentration and energy.

Can mental health change over time?

Yes, mental health can absolutely change over time depending on the various factors that affect your life. When your ability to process new stressors is overwhelmed, your mental health can be negatively affected. For instance, working unreasonably long hours, caregiving responsibilities, or financial strain can lead to a decline in mental health. The buildup of these issues can eventually overwhelm your capabilities, and for this reason it is vital to manage and restrain your responsibilities to a healthy level.

What causes mental illness?

Mental illness cannot be pinpointed to a single universal source– rather a number of different factors can contribute to an individual's risk for mental illness. Adverse Childhood Experiences (discussed at further depth in the November Greyscale issue), such as a history of trauma or abuse can predispose an individual to certain mental illnesses. Additionally, chronic medical conditions, biological factors, and chemical imbalances in the brain can increase risk for mental illness. These factors could include long-term conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, cancer, and diabetes. However, it is important to note that chronic conditions are not the only thing that can affect mental illness. The use of drugs or alcohol can also have a hugely negative impact on mental health.

MOCK ROCK

The Mock Winner of the night was "Riri" by Shaw and the Rest which was performed by:

Sophia Porter

Olivia Otter

Corrinne Davis

Shalom Chimbwandira

Chayse Sims

Clara Haungs

Abby Winslow

Payton Horton

Taytem Ferrel

Aly Waty

Lillie Brander

Georgia Wagner

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Emily Kane

Grace Lewis

Pitch Perfect by:

"Sally's Song," from Nightmare Before Christmas, sang by freshman Samantha Barnes.

2nd

PATHOGEN

1st

Carter Fritch

Evan Gerber

Kilian Galloway

Kris Lewelling

"I know it's Today" from Shrek the Musical sung by:

Lucy Peterson

Mya Nielson

Evie Barton

3rd

COOPER LOVE

Sophmore Cooper Love wrote & sang an original song titled "A Quien Corres/Star."

"Save Me" by Jelly Roll, sang by sophmore Maiylia Brown.

MAIYLIA BROWN

Ge nder S ex u a l ity Alliance

The Gender Sexuality Alliance club is a safe space on our campus that unites LGBTQ+ and allied youth. The mission for GSA club is to be able to create a community where students can be safe from discrimination, harassment, and violence based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. It not only serves as a safe space for these students, but it also contributes social changes related to racial, gender, and educational justice. A typical GSA meeting consists of planning events for their club and finding new ways to prevent bullying and homophobia as well as dealing with these issues. As of now, the club is brainstorming different activities that students can participate in during pride/culture week.

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The GSA club meets every Thursday in the Wellness Center during lunch. Although the club doesn’t host any activities off campus, they do participate in other pride events hosted by the GALA Pride and Diversity Center. Sofia Vergara, the club president, says that her and the club want to promote acceptance and celebration to each person’s unique identity. Through the club, they try to educate club members on their rights, ways they can improve their school, community, and support the challenges students might face based on their identity. Their overall goal is to make students feel welcomed, heard, and accepted for who they are. They not only want to create a safe space in the Wellness Center, but to bring that safety to the whole school.

Interview with Sofia Vergara

Sofia Vergara is a senior at AHS and is the president of the Gender Sexuality Alliance club. She tells us that chose to join this club because, “It was something I have never seen before from the previous schools I have attended. I found it to be joyful that a group of people come together every week and discuss pride topics without worrying about what others would think,” says Sofia. After high school, Sofia plans to attend a university and join a club similar to GSA. Her favorite memory with the club was club expo week because she loved seeing people enjoy their display.

S t u d y T e c h

Why are studying techniques important?

The most important thing to know about studying techniques is that they can only positively impact you! However, you should always keep in mind that studying for long periods of time is not good for both our physical & mental health. The purpose of having studying techniques is to help students maximize the learning process. Students require an ample amount of both time, and dedication to enable success with their studies. Not only does having a study technique help us, but it makes more efficient use of a student’s time and also allows for the development of new ways to face knowledge.

If you are a student right now, keep in mind the different advantages that come with learning your study techniques. You will understand concepts better, you will save time and optimize the time you spend studying, and when you are able to master these learning techniques, you won’t worry about how to study for an upcoming quiz or exam. With that being said, you will also reduce levels of stress that may come when overthinking about a test coming up, which can heavily affect our mental health!

How can

I find the right study ing

If you as a student want to take full advantage of the benefits that come with having a study technique, or multiple ones, make sure to build these from the very beginning of the school year. As you are just beginning your courses, it is important to begin thinking about which techniques help you the most in your different classes. Always know that certain techniques will work better than others with certain subjects, and others will not.

Simply scanning over your notes, or rewriting notes is often not the most effective way to study for an exam. You should figure out how to find the correct technique for you by understanding if said technique helps you engage with the information, if it requires you to actually text yourself on the information, if it helps you monitor your progress, if it involves repetition of information, and finally if it makes you as a person, more effi cient. All of these things are important for your study technique to have, and it will be the key to identifying to what extent the technique of your choice is actually good for you, and your studies! In the following section, you will find some of the most effective techniques that have been proven the most effective for students around the world.

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“That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not the task itself has become easier, but that our ability to perform it has improved.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

1

Survey: ask question

Question: answer

Read: read chapters

Recite: memorize

Review: add notes

SQ3R Method

4

Color-coded notes are super fun and easy! All you need to do is grab a few colored pens and start taking notes! Make sure you resonate a color with one thing (example:errors=red, memorized facts=blue. Color-coded notes have been proven to be an effectice study technique because they stimulate your atten- tion and allow you to be more strategic while studying. You can also be quicker at reviewing the information for an upcoming quiz or exam.

2

1. Make a to-do list

2. Set timer for 25 minutes, do one task

3. When timer rings, mark off one pomo- doro and record what you completed

4. Take a five-minute break

5. After 4 pomodoros, take a longer 1530 minute break

Pomodoro Technique

3

Why are study groups effective?

1. You will avoid procrastination

2. Your mood will be overall boosted 3. You collaborate with diverse peprspective

4. Develop deeper problem solving skills

Color-Coded Notes Study Groups

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Interview with Everett Cooper

Why did you decide to become a teacher, and why Biology?

I decided to become a teacher because I really enjoyed working as an aid and I felt like this was the next step. I chose science in general because of my teachers in high school making me love it, Mr. Wilkie especially.

Talan Humeck

Interview by

What is next for you after student teaching?

I have one more semester after my student teaching is over in order for me to get my masters on top of my teaching credential.

What has your experience been like as a Greyhound and working with Mrs. McQuitty?

I have loved every moment as a greyhound. Everything from coaching football to working this year has been great. I didn’t have Mrs. McQuitty as a student but I have learned so much from her as a student teacher. She is awesome!

Anything else you would like us to know?

I love this town and high school, my parents went here. Most of my grandparents went here and my great grandma went here. So when it is all over I really hope to get a job teaching here.

"I didn’t have Mrs. McQuitty as a student but I have learned so much from her as a student teacher. She is awesome!"

Upcoming Events in May

Keep up with the current events at Atascadero High School! There are lots of fun events happening in May so be sure to mark these dates on your calendar!

Top 30 5/15

This is a ceremony held in the Gym on Wednesday, May 15th at 6:30. The students who receive this award are dedicated to scholarship, leadership, service and character. They have worked hard their entire time at AHS.

FFA Salinas Valley Fair 5/15-5/19

FFA is looking foward to going to The Salinas Valley Fair, both 4H and FFA members can show pigs, sheep, goats, and cattle. They will show their animal 2 times before selling it at auction.

Spring Fling Dance 5/18

This years spring fling dance will be on May 18th. This is a semi formal dance held on campus. This is the last dance of the year! The theme is The Last Dance Under the Lights.

Scholorship Night 5/23

Organizations, foundations and groups from across the county and state contribute money to give to AHS students. These scholarships help students reach their goals!

Yearbook distribution 5/28-5/30

Have you been waiting to get your yearbook? They are finally here! The yearbook staff has been working hard all year! This week you will be able to pick it up in room H2001 during lunch.

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GREYSCALE REPORT

GREYSCALE REPORT

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