HB Dragon Daily Winter Issue 2024

Daily

‘Grinch-a-Palooza’ spreads Holiday Cheer

The Annual Winter Concert are a staple of the Bernstein School Calendar

By Staff

The Music Department held its annual Winter Concerts from December 7-8.

The Winter Concerts are a staple of the Bernstein community calendar. The first night of the concerts featured student rock bands and soloists singing popular songs. The second night featured the ensembles including Beginning Band, Intermediate Band, and Jazz Band.

Josh Ventura, of the student rock band Pandemonium, said “I liked the new songs that we played. It’s more technical with some soft spots. Looking at the older songs, we made some mistakes. We as a group always enjoy playing the winter concerts.”

Soccer Field Upgrades to begin in February

by Luz Nunez, Staff Reporter

After a year of conversations on the topic of rebuilding our school's soccer field, we have finally gotten the clear. We are getting a new soccer field with well improved changes.

Everytime we play a game on our school's field, many of the referees and players from the other schools complain about our field.

The field is patchy and has holes that make it dangerous for our players to play in the field. We also get complaints about the goal net from the referrees. With an improved field we would also like a new net for our goals.

The renovations are welcomed by the community.

(Story is continued on Pg. 7)

Photos from the Winter Concert (Dragon Daily)

Photo courtesy of Bernstein STEM Hollywood

A Student Perspective on the Advisory Period

By Concerned Students

Last year, the students received news of a schedule change, with a new period being added on Tuesdays. An advisory or homeroom period was presented to teachers and students as a space on Tuesdays where students would have the opportunity to make up work, enjoy breakfast, and learn mindfulness techniques. These expectations were shattered when the students found out that the period was to be an additional class that they would be assigned work for, and a place to prepare them for the SBA test.

Many are enraged at the false claims that were made intially made about what the period was supposed to be, hoping to get extra time once a week that they rarely get at home to help them stay on track. Instead of extra time, students have to worry about a ninth class every Tuesday and make sure that they keep with the advisory work, only adding to their worries. Junior year is extremely stressful for everyone, with AP tests, SBA and SAT coming up. It requires a lot of studying and test taking.

It's an additional class period that’s shorter than a normal class. A period in which you read, do missing work, or work on boring worksheets the school wants you to fill out that aren't even going to be graded. In other schools, it's the period where you go first thing in the morning to eat breakfast, or after lunch to get a quick break from all the rowdy lunch tables and sports.

Short Mondays were what prepared us for the rest of the week. Unfortunately, due to this unwise decision, students are stressed and struggling. Most students hate their new schedule, because students often get confused on which periods they have that day, and end up being late because they went to their other class. The school has absolutely no communication with students or teachers and the situation is upsetting and sloppy.

School Lunch food leaves much to be desired

by Velvet Tirado, Staff Reporter

Throughout the years I have been in school, school lunches have either gotten better and worse. Some highlights were the pupusas, a meatball sub, bringing back chocolate milk in 2016, and coffee cake.

There's also horrible aspects of school lunches. One of them is being unflavorful since the food is always in the freezers, sometimes the food can still be frozen on the inside and not cooked all the way. This makes the food experience underwhelming.

Furthermore, I believe school lunches should be served fresh, and be given all the nutrients a child needs throughout the day.

Photo from the LA Times article “How LAUSD feeds thousands of kids per day”

Photo Courtesy of “the 74”

Bernstein’s Sudden Tardy Policy Change

The sudden change in Tardy Policy is polarizing students and teachers

By Cindy Oxlaj, Staff Reporter

I personally think that the new policy has its faults. For instance, they said they are targeting students who are constantly late for their first class of the day. But at the same time, they end up getting kids that rarely come late for multiple reasons that are out of their control. This includes traffic, and having to drop off a sibling or relative off at their school whether from middle or elementary school.

There have already been instances that students only come one minute late, but still end up having to wait in the long queue of students signing in and then filling out the form to then head to class, which only ends up making them late to class even more. Some students have said that they are only a few minutes late, but since they have to wait in line they end up being more than 15 minutes late. Due to this, they end up missing even more class therefore defeating the purpose of implementing the policy in the first place.

Response to the Editor:

There are many things I can be critical about in this school, but the late policy is not one of them.

Every school I’ve ever worked at has had this policy and it’s effective. The previous state of affairs was awful. Students viewed the first period of the day as an optional period, where they can get their Starbucks order and saunter into school.

I’m sure administration will consider students who have siblings to be dropped off and other situations, but if you’re showing up late to school with Starbucks in hand, you’re late.

My advice: Wake up early enough to get your Starbucks order, be at school by 820, kiss your significant other goodbye, and get to class at 830!

LAUSD should allow for Mental Health days

by Staff Reporter

Mental health days are too important for everyone that attends school like students and staff. It’s important because everyone can get stressed and frustrated. A day off can help a lot of people who attend school so much because they can use that one day off to catch up on schoolwork, relax, and take time off for themselves away from everyone. You can do something that makes you happy and will help them prepare for the week.

At least one day out a month would be a good mental health off to help anyone who is stressed and needs time off. Teachers should be able to have that time without needing to use their sick pay. It would also motivate students to actually come to school and actually learn and not fall asleep because the night before they were up late getting an assignment done for a class. We also have to take care of our mental health and give a break to our body because we are in school for 8 hours a day.

An example of a similar situation to the new tardy policy implemented at HBHS

Shohei to Dodgers? Bad for Both Parties

by Juan Gasca, Staff Reporter

Nearly a month ago, the Dodgers made an historical move by signing the two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani to a 700 million dollar contract. Ohtani joins the Dodgers after 6 years with their crosstown rivals Los Angeles Angels which is where he won 2 MVPs which the most recent was given last year. Sure the leap to a “big” team sounds good for Ohtani and the big leap of sales sounds nice for the Dodgers but I predict the results far on the field won’t be what either side expected.

Ohtani not being able to pitch until 2025 due to his second Tommy John surgery is going to make the Dodgers consider things about his pitching. Sure if he can maintain the 100 mile fastball and the deadly splitter, it would be great but once Ohtani can pitch again the team will put restrictions on his innings like they did with Urias. The Dodgers could be more strict and might even make him pitch only from the bullpen ,which is something Ohtani does not want.

Even though Shohei Ohtani is a slugger, he is not a clutch hitter. Sure he may have a lot of homeruns but from all the games that I have seen, many of his homers come early in the game or when the result of the game was settled basically. Many times when he had to show up, Ohtani would get really desperate and swing at many bad pitches, which in result made him strike out.

Over time, Ohtani will more than likely start to decrease in his playing, but he will have a good time with his new teammates and will enjoy the big paychecks 10 years from now. I hope he proves me wrong by scoring a hat-trick against the Angels when he plays against them.

Shohei’s time at Anaheim is going to be missed and appreciated.

AEW: CM Punk Isn’t the One to Blame

by Kenia Flores, Staff Reporter

CM Punk, also known as Phil Brooks, is professional wrestler who has made a huge impact in the world of wrestling.

Known for his "Pipebomb" back in 2011, when he debuted in front of thousands of people and destroyed the big figures in the WWE at the time, including John Cena.

CM Punk was involved in a backstage fight on September 27, 2022 with fellow wrestler “The Elite”. The wrestling community were at first defending CM Punk and then changed the story to blame him for the incident. Tony Khan, head of AEW, ended up suspending CM Punk and The Elite.

Then on September 3rd, 2023, AEW announced that CM Punk is terminated from his contract. This was another incident of a backstage fight, this time involving CM Punk and Jack Perry. CM Punk was ultimately blamed for starting it.

I believe that for years CM Punk has been mistreated and if he does decide to come back to wrestling, he shouldn’t be buried with false rumors being spread about his work ethic, his character and in-ring skills, and his supposed attitude.

Jack Perry, The Elite, and many others should also face the same consequences. Because of this we are losing an amazing talent.

Shohei Ohtani at his signing day with the Dodgers in Dec 2023

HB FEATURE

Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Gant

By Staff

This is Mrs. Gant’s second year at Bernstein! She is a Special Education/Science Teacher. We caught up with them to ask how things are going:

What made you want to become a teacher?

I always wanted to be a teacher, that was my dream job growing up. Even now I couldn’t see myself in a different career. Along the way, there were moments in my life that confirmed that I should be working with children. Growing up I really only went to school to socialize, attend my culinary arts elective, and show the boys up in P.E! I was a good kid, I just wasn't engaged by what was being taught. My teachers didn’t envision a bright future for me.

So, I am here not only to teach students academics but ultimately, how to live, not just exist - to thrive. Most importantly to be proud of who they are as an individual, not hide from embarrassment or shame.

What advice do you have for students?

Oh so y’all want me to preach?

(Laughs) Everyone is welcome and if you need advice, ask me. I will do my best to help.

Be unapologetically yourself.

Shine bright kiddos!

Be thankful for the people in your life. Be thankful for the people who left your life. Be thankful for the people who let you down and who lifted you up. Be thankful for the hurt and hurdles you have already overcome. This is what makes us strong and wise.

Anything can be taken from you, but your knowledge remains with you!

Club Spotlight: Chess Club

by Staff

Chess Club is looking for members to join up!

Chess Club meets Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at Lunch in Room 535. The club is open to any students and any experience level.

There are many benefits to playing chess: it teaches patience, improves memory, improves problem solving skills, develops logical thinking, increases IQ, and builds confidence.

For more questions, please email Mr. Jones at djone3@lausd.net

Bobby Fischer, pictured above, was the first American Chess Grandmaster

Mrs. Gant-Grantham, a Special Education/Science Teacher at Bernstein HS

HB FEATURE

This month’s Student Spotlight... Hilary Lopez!

Advice from Hilary...

“I would say not to fall behind on work and keep your grades up. Even if you think graduation is so far away, your high school years will be over before you know it. Soon enough you’ll be filling out college applications and low grades will not help you.”

Her favorite subject is English.

Three words to describe them:

charismatic, caring, honest

When they graduate, they’re going to miss some of their teachers and the friends they used to hang out with.

Cheer Spotlight: Kimii Doris

by Staff

Q: Why did you join cheer?

A: “I thought it would be fun and a small challenge to fill my free time.”

Q: Do you find cheering to be a hard sport?

A: “Sometimes. Especially with all the stunting and tumbling but we always find a way to persevere.”

Q: Do you feel frustrated when you “mess up” while cheering?

A: “Definitely. I feel like I am often hard on myself and other people because I know we are capable.”

Q:What advice do you have for younger cheerleaders?

A”:Just have fun, even if you drop the student or your legs aren’t straight enough. Be your best you!”

She is a dog person

Hilary has been accepted to San Diego State and CSULA. She wants to major in social work.

Quote of the Month:

“The masses of men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with their song left unsung.”

Henry Thoreau

Soccer Field makeover long over due

(Continued from Front Page)

The soccer field renovations will include demolishing the current soccer field and then resurfacing and re-turfing the field. New concrete bleachers will installed so families and students can sit and watch the games. A higher perimeter fence will be installed around the field in order to keep balls in play and increase security for the campus.

Renovations on the soccer field will begin in February and will not interfere with the games played this season, as both Boys and Girls Soccer teams seasons end on Jan 29. For the 24-25 school year, the Boys and Girls teams will play their home games on the football field while renovations on the soccer field finish.

Girls Flag Football are looking for players

By Staff

The Girls Flag Football team are looking for players to start a flag football team that will compete next Fall.

Girls Flag Football has increased in popularity around the country, and has become a fall sport alongside the Boys Varsity Football team.

According to Coach Finch, the athletics program is currently looking for interested in players to establish a Girls Flag Football that will train and practice in the Spring. If there are enough players to field a team, then the team will compete in their first season in the Fall of 2024.

Last year, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) distributed a Flag Football rulebook to its members, with some controversy. The format of the game is two 20 minute halves that run the clock until the 2nd minute, no screening or blocking are allowed, and runners are not allowed to leap or spin to evade a flag grab.

For more info, please email Coach Finch at cvf9289@lausd.net.

Photo from the LA Times

The Soccer Field will be under renovation for a whole year starting in February

NASA Artemis Mission to send Humanity back to Moon

By Staff

NASA announced its first lunar landing mission in over 50 years that is scheduled to launch in Sept 2026.

This will be the first lunar landing mission in 57 years since NASA’s Apollo program that took humans to the moon for the first time.

The NASA Artemis program will take the first woman astronaut, Christian Koch, and first African American astronaut, Victor Glover, to the moon.

The program has experienced delays. Their mission to the moon has been delayed to Sept 2025, and will only orbit the moon. The following year in Sept 2026 will be when a lunar landing is made. The long term goal of the program will be to establish a long term space station on the moon.

US Presidential Primaries are underway

By Matthew Mbakata, Staff Reporter

January marks the first month of the Presidential Primaries.

On Jan 15, the Iowa Caucus was held and Former President Donald Trump won the Republican caucus. On Jan 23, Former President Donald Trump won the New Hampshire primary over Nikki Haley. President Biden won both primaries for the Democratic Party.

The 2024 election will prove controversial. Former President Donald Trump has been indicted on criminal charges and is expected to go to trial on March 4. There are politicians and political experts that claim that this could disqualify President Trump from running for office, as a candidate for the Presidency should not be convicted of criminal wrongdoing.

President Joe Biden is the oldest president to be in office and will be 86 once he leaves office if he wins a second term. Biden is facing low approval ratings and 56 percent of aligned Democrats approve of him. Many American voters would like to see both parties field younger, alternative options.

A second Trump-Biden runoff is looking likely, depending if Trump is ineligble

Left to right: Christian Koch, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, Jeremy Hansen

HBNEWS Israel-Hamas War Update

By Staff

The Israel-Hamas War is now in its third month.

The war began on Oct 7 when Hamas fighters attacked Israeli towns and kibbutzes, killing 1200 Israelis and taking 600 hostages.

The attack has prompted a heavy bombardment campaign and a phased invasion and occupation of the Gaza Strip by the Israeli Defence Forces.

IDF ministers have said that an invasion of the Gaza Strip will take months, due to the nature of urban warfare and Hamas’s extended tunnel network that was constructed over a long period.

UN Ceasefire resolutions have been discussed but have failed to pass, with the US vetoing the majority.

Icelandic Volcano erupts , sends country into shelter

by Staff

A volcano in southern Grindavik, Iceland erupted for the second time in less than a month which caused a whole country to evacuate.

The eruption began at 8am local time caused the evacuation due to a small amount of earthquakes in the area, then hours later a second fissure opened near the edge of town, and lava crept toward the homes. This all happened to the town of three thousand people, which is 30 miles away from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.

The volcano is west of Fagradalsfjall, which was dormant for 6,000 years before flaring to life in March 2021. Iceland is known for its frequent volcanic eruptions because the island country sits atop a hotspot in the Northern Atlantic ocean.

In 2010, a volcanic eruption in Iceland disrupted Western air travel for weeks.

The IDF occupation of Gaza has killed over 25,000 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry

HBSPORTS

Winter Sports Update: Basketball and Soccer

Girls Basketball Update

By Staff

The Girls Basketball team finished 17-8 overall and 10-2 in league Play.

The Lady Dragons have improved on their previous year’s record and have only recorded two losses in league play this year, both to rivals Hollywood.

The team this year has been coached by Coach Locke and the team has proven their dominance on the CIF Central League.

The team played their final regular season game on January 29 against Belmont, in which the Lady Dragons routed Belmont 59-8. Their playoff run starts Feb 8, opponent TBD.

Boys Basketball Update

By Staff

The Boys Basketball are currently 22-5 and went undefeated in League Play, 12-0.

This season has proven to be a night and day difference from last season, where they finished with a losing record 7-15 overall. The team has been lead by a trio of power guards, Troy Agtang, Greg Griffin, and Carlos Cordero. The team was featured in an article by the LA Times.

Greg Griffin, Junior, has led the team with 33 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game, and 6 assists per game.

The team finished their season at home against Belmont with a win, 37-35.

DRAGON ATHLETE OF THE MONTH:

Boys Basketball: Greg Griffin, Junior

Bernstein Guard Trio: Troy Agtang, Greg Griffin, and Carlos Cordero

The 23-24 Lady Dragons Basketball Team @bernsteinladyballers

HBSPORTS

Sports Update:

Girls Soccer Update

By Staff

The Girls soccer team finished their season 8-8-1 and 6-6 in League Play.

This has been an improved season for the Lady Dragons soccer team, after winning only two games last year. “The season overall has been great. We’ve played in two tournaments and the team did really well. In the league, we’ve been competitive since Day 1,” said Coach Juan Perez.

The team has been led by Valeria Vilalneda, Emily Rivera, Dayana Deras, Briana Garcia, Ada Caceres, and Naomi Corado.

Boys Soccer Update

By Staff

The Boys soccer team finished the regular season with an overall record of 10-5-5, and 5-2-5 in League, finishing in third in the CIF Central League.

The team has been led by Kevin Ruiz, Joshua Rivera, Efrain Madrid, Emilio Garcia, and Santos Mejia.

A highlight of the season was when the team played RFK at home and beat the RFK Bobcats 8-1.

The team is currently 5th out of 29 teams in CIF Division 4. The team is currently on a 10 games undefeated streak.

The Good Place Review: Heady Comedy Gets You Thinking

NBC show features star lineup but gets you thinking deeply

By Vivian Kim, Staff Reporter

A show that is able to slide in moral philosophy so casually, but so deeply? That is exactly what this show is. This show is able to put in very real topics, that’ll have you questioning your morals and still maintain its comedic effect. The show provides a good variety of people and shows various examples of people’s lives. The best part is it won’t leave you on a cliffhanger, or disappointing ending.

The show is perfect is you want to learn more about ethics and moral philosophy. It shows experiments based off people’s morals and questioning what their morals are. And it may seem like that would be boring, but that’s the thing, it isn’t at all. The show keeps up and add twists to the plot, with funny scenes and sometimes a few sad scenes. But that is exactly what makes this show so good. It educates while also still being a regular seeming show.

It’s a binge worthy show (I’ve rewatched it like 5 times). The ending is just the most perfect and beautiful thing. Hands down the best way a show has ever ended. I love how the whole show plays out.

Rating: 10/10

Upcoming TV Show Releases:

Abbott Elementary

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live

Avatar: the Last Airbender

Book Review: A Silent Place

By Justin Gonzalez, Staff Reporter

I recently had the opportunity to read the Japanese manga "A Silent Voice", and I must say, it was a true emotional rollercoaster. The story revolves around the struggles and growth of its main characters, Shoya Ishida and Shoko Nishimiya, as they navigate the challenges of communication and understanding.

The book delves into the sensitive topic of bullying, and it does so with a raw and unflinching honesty that is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking. At the heart of the story is Shoko, a deaf girl who becomes the target of Shoya's cruel and relentless bullying.

In addition to its compelling narrative, "A Silent Voice" is beautifully illustrated, with carefully crafted panels that bring the characters and their emotions to life. The artwork truly enhances the storytelling, capturing the pain, vulnerability, and hope of the characters in a way that words alone cannot convey.

Ultimately, "A Silent Voice" is a powerful and moving tale of forgiveness, empathy, and the resilience of the human spirit. It's a story that prompts reflection on our own actions and their impact on others, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness and understanding in our interactions with others.

Movie Review: Five Nights at Freddy’s

The highly anticipated horror is nothing more than cheap jumpscares

By Joseph Tejeda, Staff Reporter

For this version of the segment, I am going to be reviewing one of the most anticipated movies of last year, Five Nights at Freddy’s. Ever since the first game came out in 2014, the fans of the game have been excited for a movie and they got what they wanted after almost a whole decade.

I thought that the movie could’ve been better than it actually is. First, the movie wasn’t even scary or bloody at all. I find it funny when people who defend the movie say that the reason it wasn't scary was because “the movie is PG-13” so it was hard to make the movie like any other horror. I believe that it’s not a legitimate reason because there are other horrors that are also PG-13 but they’re more gory and have more horror scenes than FNAF.

I understand that the movie in a way is for kids but they could’ve done anything to add in “scary” scenes than just cheap jumpscares.

Another reason I thought that the film could’ve been better is because there isn’t really a plot for the movie. With the lack of plot, lack of horror, and lack of gore, this movie just felt like a cash grab. It is understandable considering that the movie is in a way made for kids.

I give the Five Nights at Freddy’s movie a 6.2/10

Upcoming Movie Releases:

Demonslayer Feb 23

Dune: Part Two March 1

Kung Fu Panda 4 March 8

What’s the Hype around Frank Ocean?

By Edgardo Ramos, Staff Reporter

I was at first not into listening to Frank Ocean because a lot of people were over hyping him which made me not want to listen to him. Once I found out about this song from him, I immediately got into his song. Today I will be reviewing “Pink Matter” by Frank Ocean ft. Andrè 3000 which in my opinion is a very great song with a great feature to this song.

One of "Pink Matter's" main strengths is the instrumental arrangement. The dreamy mood created by the lightweight melodies and delicate guitar riffs puts the listener in a musical journey that feels both personal and boundless.

One of "Pink Matter's" main strengths is the instrumental arrangement. The dreamy mood created by the lightweight melodies and delicate guitar riffs puts the listener in a musical journey that feels both personal and boundless. The production, which is reflective of dreamy and psychedelic noises, goes well with the song's introspective vibe.

The vocals of Frank Ocean on "Pink Matter" are incredible. His delivery is powerful and deep, giving the songs more depth by expressing a sense of vulnerability. The performer invites listeners to consider their own experiences and feelings as they go into issues of existentialism, love, and identity. A sense of mystery is added to the song by the lyrical abstraction and poetry, which lend itself to multiple meanings.

Five Nights at Freddy’s lacks plot and full of cheap jumpscares says Gasca

FOOD&LIFESTYLE

Food Review: Crumbl Cookies

By Hilary Lopez, Staff Reporter

Crumbl Cookies was a very hyped up business especially after starting soon after quarantine it seemed like it was all anyone could ever talk about.

Though I may be very very late to the party I decided to try two flavors that were just newly released this week. One being some sort of strawberry flavor and another being a waffle flavor. The strawberry cookie was pretty decent, the actual cookie part tasted somewhat fine but I do agree that they’re somewhat mushy which is not something I particularly look for in a cookie; I like more of a crunchy texture and that was definitely not the case with these cookies.

Overall I would give the cookie a 3/10. If you like overly sweet cookies than you will definitely like Crumbl Cookies, but if you’re not too into that I would stay as far away as I can from those cookies.

Student Fashion Spotlight: Noah Brandy

By Staff

Who or what inspires your fashion sense?

“My emotional state in the moment. However I’m feeling, that’s how I’m going to dress. It’s an easy way to express myself.

Where do you shop at?

”I thrift. Salvation Army, Goodwill, Urban City Fashion. I shop online, at Goat. Mainly Thrift stores.”

How much money do you spend on clothing?

“About 100-200. The most I spent was $230.”

Whose fashion taste do you look up to?

“I like D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Brent Fiyaz

What would you be seen not wearing?

”Big Red Boots, those are dumb!”

“Three Ways to Survive in the Apocalypse” Review

By Brenda Hernandez, Staff Reporter

“Three Ways to Survive in the Apocalypse” is a fictional webnovel written by tls123. It is Kim Dokja’s favorite webnovel, and he has been following it for 13 years.

On his subway ride home from work, he finishes the last chapter of the main story. Although there is a feeling of satisfaction, there is an emptiness with seeing the end of the world that he had followed for more than a decade. However, this ride home was different.

Volume one of the comic consists of the prologue and the first 9 chapters of the series. When you open the book, you are first greeted by a mini poster. It is gorgeous, as it shows two of our protagonists.

I would recommend buying if you are looking for a different experience of the comic.

HBCARTOONS

Patrick... Needs Sleep by Sasha Kravets

Hand Holding by Jasmin Barrientos

DRAGON

TRIVIA!

(First person to respond with the right answer wins a $25 Amazon Gift Card!)

January marks the beginning of the rst presidential primaries held during an election year. Who is the only US president to serve two non-consecutive terms?

Staff Directory

Editor-in-Chief: Isis Williams

Managing Editor: Sasha Kravets

News Editor: Siamus Shakiba

Sports Editor: Kenia Flores

Entertainment Editor: Karleen Gutierrez

Food & Lifestyle Editor: Marcos Mendez

Cartoonists: Sasha Kravets, Gisele Lusk

For a full list of staff writers/photographers, go to hbdragondaily.com

Contact Us: Email: hbdragondaily@gmail.com; Advisor email: a.milledge@lausd.net