Pony Express | April 2017 by Pioneer Pony Express

Cameras Installed Surveillance camera project finally completed

page 2

AP English Language ›› New AP English class being

Photo by Everret Bang

offered to incoming juniors

Switching Over to a New Gaming Era

team anchored

›› The Nintendo Switch is designed for a portable gaming experience

page 4

No Coach, No Problem ›› Track and Field throwing team

Growing Business Opportunities ›› Students get new chance to

page 3

expand business knowledge page 6

going string despite lack of coach

Athlete of the Month ›› Sam Nichol keeps Lacrosse

page 3

page 7

THE PONY EXPRESS Volume 57, Issue 6

Pioneer High School's Student Newspaper

April 24, 2017

WASC Mid-Cycle Visit Shows Improvement After the March 22 Pioneer review, accreditation results show growth in the five key areas By Katie Nguyen and Lauryn Luescher Editors-in-Chief After a full examination during the 2013-2014 school year, Pioneer was given five critical areas of need in order for the school to become a more inclusive learning environment, according to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. During the one day mid-cycle visit, on March 22, accreditors Brian Irvine and Bridget Spires came to Pioneer to observe the school’s progress on the advice the WASC team recommended three years prior. The accreditors were looking to see if Pioneer was improving access to student services, establishing academic progress for students of greatest need, monitoring student progress through common assessments, increasing cultural proficiency and utilizing all classified personnel. After their classroom observations and meetings with student and parent groups, Irvine and Spires debriefed with the administration and compiled a report detailing what the school accomplished since the last visit and what was left to work on. According to Principle Herbert Espiritu, the WASC team gave the school positive feedback. “They feel like all the critical areas that they suggested three years ago are in the process right now,” Espiritu said. “They feel that we are headed on the right track so that in 2020, when they

WASC accreditor Brian Irvine observing Kyle Murdock’s first period. Photo by Andrew Keller

do their full visit, they will be able to dive into the report that we give them and really see what things are happening.” The visiting team found that the growth of Pioneer was not consistent throughout all departments, but they are confident that the new administrative team will be able to fully enforce their recommendations. According to the WASC Visiting Committee Report, “A more open and transparent atmosphere is in place at this time that may not have always been here. The school has committed to doing what is needed to support their students. They have the support of site and district leadership, and will continue to work on the most

vexing aspects of their action plans. We have found no new areas of concern.” One of the major changes from the last visit was an almost entirely new administration team and Irvine noticed the effects on the campus. “(The administration) has given the teachers free rein in making the changes that they need to make and that’s really refreshing,” Irvine said. “It’s not a top-down administration. It’s run by the staff, it’s run by the teachers because they are the ones with the expertise.” English Language Development student Leo Valdez, 10, feels that Pioneer’s ELD program allows students to feel welcomed and have targeted a critical area of need. “At first I didn’t feel support, but then I started assimilating little by little and a lot of good students helped me a lot in everything I needed,” Valdez said. “They supported me and my English teacher started supporting me a lot as well as my friends. They all helped me to persevere.” Patrick Bernhardt has served as a member and as chair of the WASC visitation committees and thinks that Pioneer can implement positive programs from other schools. “(The accreditors’) goal is to validate the self study that Pioneer has already done,” Bernhardt said. “Their goal is to check if the strengths that Pioneer has already identified are strengths and that the areas for growth for Pioneer are areas that have grown.”

Resource Teacher Taken Into SJUSD Halts Custody by San Jose Police Staff Hiring John Hayden arrested, illegal images found in his home By Katie Nguyen and Andrea Winters Editors Thursday afternoon, with school still in session, Principal Herbert Espiritu received notification that the San Jose Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children task force was looking into resource teacher John Hayden for alleged criminal activity. After school, Hayden, 41, was taken into custody by local police officers. According to the SJPD, Hayden was arrested for suspected possession of child pornography and booked in the County Jail after images allegedly were found at his San Jose residence. Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Public Communications Officer Sean Webby expects Hayden to be arraigned sometime this week. According to San Jose Unified School District spokesman Peter Allen, Hayden was placed on paid administrative leave pending the results of the formal investigation. District and campus officials are cooperating fully with police investigators.

Thursday evening, Espiritu sent out an email alerting Pioneer families and staff members to the issue. He assured the community that no students were involved with any crime in connection with Hayden and that administrators would be doing everything they could to protect the safety of all students. “The safety of our students is my number one priority. Unfortunately, things like this happen at schools,” Espiritu said. “Our administration team is committed to keeping our students safe and when things like this happen, we take the highest possible measure to make sure our students are safe at all times.” The investigation uncovered no unreported incidents of lewd or inappropriate conduct, and no prior incidents on campus were found. Persons with information regarding this incident are urged to contact Detective Sergeant Spears #3413 or Detective Jourdenais #4108 in the San Jose Police Department’s ICAC (Sexual Assaults) Unit at 408-537-1397 or 408-2774102.

Hiring freeze implemented to avoid overspending budget By Andrea Winters Staff Writer According to Math department chair Patrick Bernhardt, San Jose Unified School District has lost 400 to 500 students in the past few years, but since the start of this school year, it is estimated that 900 students have left the district already. With 700 more expected to leave, the district will likely lose upwards of 1,500 students by the start of next year. SJUSD serves over 30,000 students total. Because of these projected losses, the district has implemented selective hiring freezes as they sort out the budget. Pioneer’s English department, with three or four spots that need filling, is currently unable to make offers to new hires. English teacher Jason Goldman-Hall, who has been filling in as department chair, along with Lyndsey Hicks, while Beth Stafford is on maternity leave, said the freeze is causing worry in ››Continued on pg. 2

News SJCC Unites with SJUSD SJCC offers college courses at the high school level next year By Siya Bedi Staff Writer The administration team decided to commence a new program at Pioneer providing more opportunity for students to explore new types of careers. Next year, San Jose City College and San Jose Unified School District will be working together to provide Pioneer, Lincoln, Gunderson, Willow Glen and San Jose High with college courses such as American Sign Language, Introduction to Sociology, Social Problems, and Sports Medicine. “It will be dual enrollment which means that the professors from San Jose City will be coming to Pioneer High School to teach classes to high school students,” academic counselor Sophia Ángeles said. “Students will be getting college credits and high school credits.” Principal Herbert Espiritu believes that these courses will help expose students to college level coursework similar to the AP courses offered on campus. “The only difference is that it is only a semester course and it is being offered through San Jose City with their professors, but I would say that the content and the amount of work is similar,” Espiritu said. “It really gives you the feel of what

college level work, format and schedules look like.” During her sophomore year, Christina Gluszczak, 11, attended the American Sign Language course held at Leland High School, which already offers this program to high school students. “I wish (Pioneer) would have offered (this program) my sophomore year because it would have been a lot less hassle to just do it here as opposed to Leland,” Gluszczak said. “I am glad that they are offering it because I know a lot of kids don’t like Spanish and it’s not their thing.” As of now, the district is still waiting for confirmation from San Jose City College about whether this program will take place, which depends on the amount of students that show interest by signing up for these courses. “We will get confirmation late April or early May. If students are interested, they have to go to their academic counselor and asked to be put on the list,” Angeles said. “After we get confirmation, we’ll touch base with students about next steps.” Anyone interested in the courses should speak with their academic counselors in the library.

“The professors from San Jose City will be coming to Pioneer High School to teach classes to high school students.” -Sophia Ángeles

Staff Hiring (Continued)

Surveillance cameras finally monitoring campus By Annika Dahlberg Staff Writer Since December, San Jose Unified has been working hard to complete a camera installation in numerous schools throughout the district, including Pioneer. The project, still under construction, was scheduled to be finished by April 14 and was fully operational by April 15. The new cameras are aimed to catch acts of vandalism, and other incidents and deter the unwanted visitors that have been known to frequent the campus. Since the end of last school year, Pioneer has been hit by several acts of vandalism, including the paint and broken windows last June and the illegal posters placed up around campus in February. The paint cleanup and repair itself cost the district $4,614 according to Steve Adamo, Director of Operations, Facilities, and Construction for the district. The cameras are part of a district wide push to improve the safety and security on campuses. Every school across the district received new security measures that are nearing completion. Safety was one of the top priorities among parents and teachers within the district. “It’s part of the survey the parents took,” Principal Herbert Espiritu said. “They said security is an important thing.” The video feed, which can be accessed by Principal Espiritu, Assistant Principal Tim Gavello and the district’s central station, can be used as evidence for negative acts being carried out throughout the campus. “We try to take a look at the camera and the video footage and see if there’s anything we can see,” Espiritu said. Adamo confirmed that Measure H funds are being used to add the cameras throughout the campus. “(The) total budgeted for all of the enhancements including fencing, intrusion alarm upgrades, door locks, cameras and other related work was $14 million dollars,” Adamo said. The eleven new cameras and one existing camera are located throughout the campus near R2, R5, 300, 500, 501, P4, the library, the PAC, the main gym and main office. Jasmine Purewal, 10, tends to be on campus for extended hours due to a 0 period and several sports. Purewal believes that with the cameras fewer incidents, like the neo-Nazi poster will occur, thus improving the safety on campus. “I think people would be afraid to do those things because there are cameras now,” Purewal said. “They would get busted for it.”

go unfilled at the start of next year all depends on how quickly the district can move teachers from other schools. Ideally, the district will relocate SJUSD teachers, rather than hiring outside applicants. Director of Human Resources Jacqueline Murphy is working to fit teachers into positions that serve each school’s requirement per their student population. “We are able to reduce our number of teachers through natural attrition and are committed to not laying off any teachers. However, some (schools) have more teachers than students to serve, while other sites have vacancies. This is where the hiring freeze comes into play,” Murphy said. Previous years have put SJUSD in a better position financially to avoid long term hardships than other district experiencing the same problem. The district’s savings account, which is required to maintain at least 3% or the district’s spending, has a buffer of about $50 million to help compensate for what SJUSD has been losing. If the district does spend the amount projected for the next three years, however, this money will be gone. The hiring freeze is a big first step in making sure they can spend less than predicted. “This is an opportunity to ensure we have the right employees in the right positions to provide our students with all the tools they need to be successful,” McMahon said. The hiring freeze is supposed to end sometime in April when the teachers being involuntarily transferred have been assigned to their new positions. “The majority of our employees have already been placed and we anticipate that the remainder will be placed within the next two weeks,” Murphy said. “At that point, we will resume full San Jose Unified maintenance worker fixing the camera recruitment and extending offers for available outside of Zohreh Moaven’s room R5. roles.”

Photo by Katie Nguyen

Pioneer’s largest department. “Every year, we compete with other schools, and other districts, for good hires. We don’t want to lose good people to higher-paying districts or districts with immediate openings,” he said. Families with children are finding it difficult to afford high rents and mortgages in San Jose and are being forced to leave the area in search of cheaper housing. Their replacements often do not have school-aged children, leaving some SJUSD schools struggling to keep enrollment up. Every school is losing money having to keep the entire school open. They receive subsidies from the district based on daily attendance reports, meaning the fewer students they have, the less funding they get. While organizing budget plans for the next three years, the district predicted that by the 2019-2020 school year, they will spend more money than they take in. Deputy Superintendent Stephen McMahon is in charge of organizing budget spending by district leaders, school administrators, and all district departments to manage the entire district’s budget, but his job is complicated now that he has to prevent any future deficit spending. “A projected deficit for 2019-2020 is the primary driver behind the current hiring freeze. We are working to stave off larger cuts later by making smart and tactful decisions now,” McMahon said. The hiring freeze was implemented to give the district more time to figure out the budget for the next few years. It allows the district to decide how many teaching positions they need at each school, depending on its population. “In order to ensure that its budget remains balanced, the district needs to adjust the people it employs when it loses students,” Bernhardt said. With four English teachers leaving Pioneer next year, the possibility that these positions will

Completed Camera Installation

Sports Golf Players Turning Heads Athlete of the NCGA players of the year headline Pioneer golf team’s run for CCS Month By Lindsey Giraudo Staff Writer

Photo by Andrea Winters Thomas Hutchinson, 12, practices his chip shot at practice at the Santa Teresa Golf Club on April 19.

Upcoming Games April 27 Track and Field Prospect v. Pioneer 3:30pm May 4 Boys Volleyball Gunderson v. Pioneer 6:30pm April 28 Softball Santa Teresa v. Pioneer 4pm May 9 Baseball Leland v. Pioneer 4pm

Photo by Jacob Klarke

Stacked with prospects, there are high expectations for Pioneer’s golf team, led by the Northern California Golf Association players of the year, Thomas Hutchinson, 12, and Sabrina Iqbal, 11. The potential of the team was solidified with the talents of Hutchinson who committed to UC Davis during his junior year, and Iqbal, who committed to Texas Christian University during her sophomore year. “We came into this season, and we were going to make cuts. We had 30 kids come out, and every one of those kids was awesome,” golf coach Jeff Steinberg said. “There was no way we could cut anybody.” Last year, Hutchinson received the NCGA Men’s Player of the Year. He specializes in chipping, and his strategy to win at tournaments and competitions is to focus solely on his performance. “I try not to think about how anyone else is doing, just how I’m doing,” Hutchinson said. With the encouragement of his parents and his older sister who is currently on the golf team at UC Davis, Hutchinson started playing at 6 years old and began competing in tournaments at age 10.

Hutchinson practices 40 hours per week, even if it means canceling plans with friends or finishing school work late at night. “My friends always ask me to hang out during the day, and I say no cause I’ve got to practice,” Hutchinson said. “But it’s getting me an education for college, so I’m happy.” Hutchinson’s teammate, junior Sabrina Iqbal, has received the NCGA Player of the Year for three consecutive years. In 2016, she received the first ever Women’s Player of the Year award. Iqbal’s father, a professional golfing instructor, has guided her and nurtured her love of golfing since she began at age four. “My favorite part of golf is competing and getting so motivated all the time, not just to beat other people, but to do best for yourself and that makes me happy,” Iqbal said. Both Hutchinson’s and Iqbal’s skills at golfing and dedication to the sport influence the motivational drive between their teammates. “It makes our team better overall,” said Steinberg. “When the season ends, they’ll still be out here everyday, so for all the kids to see their work ethic makes them think ‘If I come out here, I’ll get better too.’”

Sam Nichol, 10, warms up before her game against Los Gatos in their season opener on Feb. 28.

By Andrew Keller Sports Editor Girls lacrosse sophomore Sam Nichol is a two-way star, anchoring the defense and taking charge on the offensive end. Drawing from her experiences in ice hockey and water polo, Nichol leads the squad with her physicality and dedication. “I’m aggressive. I have to keep a level head because there are fouls and you could definitely get hurt,” Nicol said. “Compared to other sports I do, it’s really hard to not hit people.” During practices, Nichols is challenging herself and other teammates to improve their skills in highly competitive 7-on-7 transition drills, testing both physical and mental toughness. With regard to Nichol’s skill, Lacrosse coach Chelsea Jones focuses on the awareness her captain displays on the field. “Sam understands the importance of both conditioning and skill development,” Jones said. “Whether it’s running a mile, cradling, the basic or more advanced plays, she understands their importance and how all three of those things work together to build an athlete.” Looking forward to the future of pioneer lacrosse, Nichol is optimistic with her chances at shaping the team. “Senior year, we’ll be more experienced and a lot better. We’re all still learning,” Nichol said. For now, Nichol is the face of the team and is improving through the team’s focus on the basics.

No Coach, No Problem The throwing team continues to impress without a coach By Scott Young Staff Writer Pioneer’s throwing team is on track to have one of their most successful seasons in recent years, even without having a hired coach. The throwing team’s “Big Three” – seniors Brandon Dick, Dean Farakesh and Andrew BrewerPachecho, – often sweep all nine points at each meet by earning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in discus and shot put. “It’s really cool to have them all back for their senior year because they picked up right where they left off and they’re only getting better,” track coach Kevin Krail said. Despite persistent efforts in the last two years, there is still no official throwing coach. Dick took charge in 2016 and led the team in the absence, with Krail assisting in guiding the team by working with Dick to plan practices each day. Being on the team for four years allows Dick to be an example for younger team members and to become a strong contender to compete for the Central Coast Section title. “Brandon’s taken the role as our coach,” Krail said. “He’s a senior leader, he’s a four-year guy, and he takes

the role of teaching fundamentals. He’s filled the void.” Farakesh praises Dick’s performance in his unanticipated role, and how well he has managed to direct one of the best throwing lineups the school has compiled. “Our throwing team compared to last year is a lot better. We have less throwers, but we have better throwers,” Farakesh said. As a coach and a player, Dick must balance his time to train himself and the team. “He has to sacrifice some time when he could be getting better to help the team. I’m very proud of him for that,” Krail said. Even with high potential and strong goals, Dick keeps the targets of other team members in mind. “A good goal would be to see everyone have a big increase in the distance of their throws,” Dick said. His short-term objective for the team is to have all throwers set their personal records each week. The throwing team trains after school every day to reach these targets, and lifting is a crucial part of the strengthening process. “Other than strength, it’s mostly technique and getting our angles down and trying to get the best form in our throws,” Farakesh said.

Features Advanced Placement Juniors AP English Language being offered to incoming junior class By Ricky Covey Staff Writer Advanced Placement English Language and Composition was initially a senior level class, but next school year, the course will be offered to the junior class as well. Students and teachers have contemplated whether the rigor of AP Language for juniors would be too much of a challenge, so the English Department decided to formulate the junior and senior classes differently. “We did want to offer (the class) to juniors, (but) we just didn’t know how,” AP Language teacher Michelle Bowman said. “We talked about how it was putting a big burden on juniors as it is, with such a tough year with testing and the SAT, so we thought it would be a better class at the senior level.” Despite this reluctance from teachers, Bowman believes that taking the senior level course a year early can benefit the junior class, as it will be taught to the juniors differently than it will be for the seniors. “It will incorporate some American Literature, (because it is) the focus for juniors,” Bowman said. “With the seniors, it will be a different topic because (it) helps them get prepared for the college essay and also for college level classes, a research unit, different types of humor, and more world events for them.” Assistant Principal of Instruction Emily Burton is glad that AP Language is being offered to the junior class from personal experiences. “Personally, I took AP English Language Composition as a junior in high school,” said Burton, who went to Gilroy High School. “I definitely didn’t think it was anything surprising because it is what many schools across the nation do.” Although many agree that the class may be beneficial, students like Megan Hunt, 10, feel that the incoming junior class have disadvantages in taking this course, unlike the seniors. “I think the disadvantages are just being not as prepared as the seniors,” Hunt said. “They had three years of English before doing this, (and) we only had two.” Even though the class has been a senior level class for three years, Bowman ensures that it is a good change because of the rewarding opportunities. “Some colleges will only accept AP Language, and some will accept AP Literature, (so students) have the opportunity to get both out of the way.” Bowman said. If anyone has questions about the course, Bowman is available in room 454.

Making a Scientific Difference Science Olympiad prepares for its transition into the next year By Angelo Arriaga Staff Writer After arriving at Pioneer her junior year, Snizhana Khomych, 12, formed her own branch of the Science Olympiad, a STEM-based organization, which has grown to more than 15 members. The Science Olympiad Club has reached hundreds of schools across the country, but Pioneer has only taken part for two years. Although it was difficult to get started, Khomych managed to create a team that is capable of competing against other schools across California. “The biggest difficulty about starting the club was attracting members because I didn’t know anyone on campus when I transferred in junior year,” Khomych said. “It was also stressful to meet the deadlines for registration, event sign-ups, and team forms because missing one of them would mean we couldn’t compete.” The competition is divided into two categories, the first being tests about specific subjects that range from advanced math to astronomy and the second being building a structure that can perform tasks such as holding up as much weight as possible. Although Science Olympiad is designed to drive a competitive attitude, participants like Julia Dunker, 11,

enjoy the social environment it provides. “It’s cool to see which other people are interested in similar topics as you,” Dunker said. “Without Science Olympiad, I wouldn’t have tried to identify 20 rock specimens in three minutes, it gives you a new insight to learn about yourself and how you work.” The team prepared for annual events like the Santa Clara Regional on campus in Biology teacher Kyle Murdock’s classroom once a week. Murdock served as the adviser for the team since its start and provided a place for the team to meet and practice for competitions, but notes that the team is remarkably self-motivated. “My door is open. They can ask me questions like they have occasionally, but really it’s all them,” Murdock said. “These are highly-driven Pioneer students that have a passion for science and it’s exciting how they can take that passion to have fun and compete.” Khomych has played a key part of the team from its founding and has spearheaded the team’s ambition to compete. “Snizhana was the Pioneer image, she created the team and she brought it to Pioneer so it’d be nice if her legacy could continue,” Murdock said. “And if we have interested students I think we can. There’s a spirit there.”

Jefferson Award for Public Service Have you done outstanding service that impacts your community? If you think so, you can qualify for the Jefferson Award for Public Service! Photo by Jacob Guerra

How to apply: Submit a slip of paper with your name on it to Mr. Burrell in room P4 and you will be contacted.

Club members Jake blozan, 11, and Snizhana Khomych,12, meet at the Golden Gate invitational at UC Berkeley on Feb. 11

Features Mustang Alternate Paths With SVCTE Takes First Pioneer students taking initiative for future job opportunities Place In Art Competition By Melody Beam Staff Writer

Later, she will receive a certificate of completion and then possibly pursue an internship. Some SVCTE options do not award internships, but for students like Adahi Escutia-Gutierrez, 11, internships are a possibility allowing for her to increase her chances of getting hired at the San Jose Regional Medical Center. “Our teacher has connections to hospitals so she knows people from San Jose Regional,” EscutiaGutierrez said. “You actually get a one on one experience with the environment of the hospital.” The curriculum provided at the SVCTE differs from the common core taught at regular high schools by using hands on activities to teach students. The workload ranges from student to student. Some students claim that it was hard to keep up at first, but then developed a system for managing a double workload. Keeping in mind that they still have classes at Pioneer, Barrera wants to stress the fact that students who attend SVCTE still have graduation requirements to complete. Most students only attend one year considering those obligations. Other courses that SVCTE offers range from filmmaking to welding, giving students many options to explore.

With the limited amount of classes that aid students in figuring out their future career path, community colleges and internships have become a popular option in past years for juniors and seniors. Pioneer art student Julia Rose Silicon Valley Career Technical Education, Joroski showcased in local event formerly the Central County Occupational Center, is an alternative resource for students who aspire to get By Brianna Hamilton ahead in their desired career. Staff Writer “It’s another option for students to take classes, especially for those students who know what (career) In a competition with talented Advanced they want to get into or are interested in but don’t Placement and advanced art students, one student really know how to go about it,” College and Career won a spot in a highly selective art museum as a Tech Hazel Barrera said. sophomore and beginning art student. Barrera collects applications every February, but Julia Rose Joroski, 10, exhibited an acrylic students are still able to turn in applications with a painting in the third annual Art Now juried high lower chance of acceptance since limited spots are school art exhibition through the New Museum available. Los Gatos, where the theme of the show was Approximately 10 Pioneer students are currently “Choices.” attending the SVCTE, the most popular choices The museum only featured work by students in being medical assisting and veterinary practice. local high schools including paint, sculpture, and Jocelyn Rodriguez, 11, is currently taking a film as possible mediums. While only 60 art pieces forensics course that teaches her how to analyze crime get accepted each year, over 900 were submitted for scenes, correctly secure crime scenes and solve cases. the panel of judges to view and critique. Two other Pioneer art students, seniors Carlos Gonzalez Sanchez and Charlie Yamamoto, also had their pieces featured. Joroski, only in beginning art, impressively beat out some of the more advanced and experienced students by receiving first place in the paintings exhibited in the show. “Julia Rose is in my beginning class, but she saw Pioneer High School junior Jeffrey Plaza creates own record label the poster and submitted it on her own. It’s really impressive,” art teacher Laurie Kirk said. hopes to take the label and make it bigger once he’s By Isabel Epstein Joroski’s original goal was just to gain experience Staff Writers ready to promote bigger artists and make it into a to expand her artistic ability. more professional label. More often than not, people underestimate what “I’m only a sophomore. It was a bit surprising, The first thing the label released was a sampler of young minds are capable of and what they can but I had confidence in my artwork,” Joroski said. 10 different bands as a platform to get the bands’ achieve. After two months of waiting for inspiration to names out there. Flip it Over Records put the Jeffrey Plaza, 11, started co-managing a record strike, Joroski came up with the idea of technology various bands on one compilation disc leading to the label, Flip it Over Records, with Archbishop Mitty being the cause of isolation while running. fostering of a community of local artists. High School senior Shane Mitbo to promote high “(In the painting) the astronaut represented The label’s first major project was releasing The school bands and to get a head start on Plaza’s dream someone who is trying to break free to experience Axidents first EP, “What Took You So Long,” on career of working at a record label. new things, yet a hand is holding the cord, the March 4. “There is a lot of music here in San Jose and I hesitation of wanting to go into the forest, but still “(Flip it Over Records is) extremely proud to thought it would be a really cool way to become a wanting to stay in isolation and the forest being showcase such exciting music by such driven dudes,” central hub for all the bands in San Jose,” Plaza said. those new experiences,” Joroski said. Mitbo said. “Flip it Over Records” goal is to bring music to as Joroski explains how she has always enjoyed The Axidents have recorded and released a few many listeners as possible by helping Bay Area bands doodling, but as she got older she was introduced singles before the EP, but this was a whole new with funding recording sessions, making CDs and to different types of medias and styles. experience for them. distributing to online music services. “I think she is her own best inspiration, she’s “Recording the EP was extremely fun because it “We took notes from some of our favorite labels dedicated,” Kirk said. felt like we were professionals,” lead singer, Brandon like Broken World Media and Run For Cover One of Joroski’s good friends explained how Martinez said. Records,” said Mitbo. her talent has grown through the years since the To learn more about “Flip it Over Records go to The company was created in November of 2016 beginning of their friendship. http://www.flipitoverrecords.com and to listen to The but had not kicked into full effect until Plaza had “Ever since she was little she’s wanted to be an Axidents “What Took You So Long” go to https:// thrown a house show in December. Plaza someday artist and I have loved watching her grow” Megan open.spotify.com/artist/3slRPA0sFPi0k65dndiMDi. Arnold, 10, said. Joroski wants to continue to submit her work to various contests to expand her resume in the hopes of one day having a career in animation.

The art museum, “NUMU”, showcased Pioneer art student, Julia Rose Joroski, 10.

Photo by Brentley Johnson

Photo Courtesy of Julia Rose Joroski

Flipping Music on its Head

Cameron Rendon crowd surfing at a show at The Living Room on August 15, 2016

Looking For A Job? The JCC in Los Gatos has after-school and summer jobs for teens. Lifeguards

•

Swim Instructors

Childcare Assistants

•

Camp Counselors

Service Desk Receptionists

Learn more at www.apjcc.org/jobs

We offer American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification classes. See www.apjcc.org/redcross for details.

Get certified to work as a lifeguard!

The Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center (JCC) is a non-sectarian, non-profit community center that is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. You don’t have to be Jewish to be a member or employee of the JCC. We are located at 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032.

Show colleges your true colors

Creating 15 million success stories One student at a time Silicon Valley Startup Seeking summer interns Apply in 3 easy steps

Download the FREE Chroma app www.dochroma.com

Complete your visual achievement profile (Chroma Timeline)

Send your resume peter.ye@dochroma.com

Entertainment Education in the Spotlight Expressing Teacher Karen Fahrner brings her love of theater into the classroom Latin Culture By Matthew Andrejka and Everett Bang Section Editors

Folklorico Club eager to educate the community through dance

English teacher Karen Fahrner has brought her passion for acting throughout her career at Pioneer. After teaching for 22 years, Fahrner will be retiring from the educational field. Director Doug Brook is in charge of the comedy, “Fools” and is working with Fahrner and her role to create a hilarious escape from reality. This comedy is about a fictitious village in Russia which is under a 200-year curse that makes everyone foolish. Fahrner plays Lenya Zubritsky, the wife of a doctor and mother of the girl who can break the curse if she manages to learn one thing. “Check your mind at the door and laugh for a couple of hours,” Brook said. Fahrner has been acting since she was young and performed in several productions like Mr. Dini’s Glue Factory while she taught at Pioneer. This spring, Fahrner will be performing in “Fools,” by Theatre Chevruta, a Jewish Readers Theater, as one of the leading characters. “The two parents of the girl are significant characters in the show,” Brook said. “They exemplify exactly how foolish everyone under the curse is and they do a good job of establishing that.” Fahrner’s passion for theater comes out in class and influences the way she presents lessons and projects to her students. “My love for theater is connected to my love for

By Jasmine Airem Staff Writer

The artwork for the comedy “Fools” featuring Karen Fahrner. Photo Courtesy of Addison-Penzak JCC

literature and the language arts and playing, which being in plays is, and teaching allows me to play,” Fahrner said. Fahrner is well known among her students for incorporating dramatic interpretations into her projects. Halliona Bacon, 11, finds these creative presentations helpful to capture the essence of the lesson. “We do so many projects and they are just fun because she inspires us to do more theatrical presentations,” Bacon said. Fahrner will be staying in San Jose after her retiring and hopes to meet her students in good health. “It’s always fun to run into students into the real world,” Fahrner said. “I hope to see one of y’all out there.”

Switching To New Gaming Era Nintendo Switch designed for home and on the go gaming experience By Will Majors Staff Writer

Mainly ‘Mario Kart’ because it is multiplayer,” Rodriguez said. Switch users found a glaring issue with the controls, About a month ago, the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo’s specifically with the left Joy-Con which is the main newest hit product, flew off the shelves, resulting in controller making it difficult for the Joy-Con to stay in masses of stores being sold out within hours. sync when playing farther away from the console. The Switch is now available for $299.99 at many “I’m pretty upset about it, I hate it, I hope that they retailers and commercially is surpassing Nintendo’s Wii will fix the issue,” Johnson said. U. The Pro Controller is an alternative if players want to The Nintendo Switch has two modes allowing for avoid the desyncing issue. gameplay flexibility. On the top is TV mode allowing the Math teacher Cody King commented on the player to put the two Joy-Con’s in the grip and the game different Joy-Cons. is displayed on TV. The second mode is portable mode “More people are used to the type of controller rather where the Joy-Cons hook up to the screen. than the Joy-Cons. From what I’ve experienced it’s not Nintendo Switch player Cash Johnson, 11,appreciates that comfortable using the left joycon,” King said. how mobile the Switch is. The Switch improved on the battery life compared to “Being a programmer myself, I like how portable past Nintendo devices. it is,” Johnson said. “I know (it will offer) a lot more “The battery life is 4 to 6 hours which is enough to opportunities for people who want to make games.” be on a road trip and then plug it in when you’re done,” Marco Rodriguez, 11, always had a strong passion for Johnson said. video games since buying his first Gameboy. He believes The Switch promises to be one of Nintendo’s most that the Switch will bring people back to their childhood advanced consoles. However, where the Switch stands roots with the ability to play their favorite video games. will be determined in the future as the Switch is still a “I’m excited for ‘Mario Kart’ and ‘Super Mario.’ young console.

Cultural acceptance does not always occur naturally to everyone. The Folklorico Dance Club at Pioneer is hoping to promote inclusion through their unique dance style and culture. The club focuses on a wide range of Latin cultural dance forms and choreography in order to educate the community on the cultural background and what it means to specific individuals. Club member Yessi Huerta, 9, explains the personal significance of the club. “My mom used to dance it and my grandma used to dance it so it feels really good to dance it,” Huerta said. The club, while focusing on Pioneer’s students, is also branching out to the local Almaden Elementary School, to demonstrate the Latin dance to the younger students there. Club adviser and Spanish teacher Sonia Gonzales feels that it is important to spread the knowledge of the Latin culture. She believes that students need to know more about the culture in order to fully accept others. “I think it’s something students can relate to and be interested in. Rather than an entire lesson plan, it’s a type of visual learning,” Gonzales said. Club members are not only hoping that they will be able to express their culture in the way they individually perceive it, but also teach others who want to learn about it. They have taken steps in the preparation for their upcoming performance by choreographing traditional folklorico dances and rehearsing the routine for their anticipated audience. Club member Bella Gutierrez, 11, aims to express her perception of the Latin culture to future generations. “I like being able to express who I am and to [teach] others about what I do and what makes me who I am,” Gutierrez said. “It’s given me an opportunity to share things about who I am and the culture that makes me who I am.” The performance being held by the Folklorico Club will take place on Friday, April 28 at 5 p.m. at Almaden Elementary School, where an audience will gather to witness the Latin culture spread by Folklorico choreographed numbers.

WE HELP FUND THE PONY EXPRESS! We are the Pioneer High School Education Foundation and we raise funds for: • • • •

Student Service Learning NHS Banquet/Scholarships Classroom technology Academic programs

ATTENTION PARENTS: We meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month in the Media Center and we’d love to have you join us as we support PHS students in their academic endeavors.

Photo by Maddi Kidder

We are searching for parents to help raise funds in support of technology and educational needs of the school.

Marco Rodriguez, 11, and Cash Johnson, 11, playing “1-2-Switch” together during lunch in room P6.

Visit us online and make your donation today using your credit card. It’s fast and easy. Go to www.pioneerhigh.org and select the Education Foundation link. Questions? Email us today at educationfoundationphs@gmail.com PHSEF is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization

Opinion Mustang Spirit Dwindling Pony Express Editorial Board In the past three weeks, two events, Fiesta Mundial and the Mr. Mustang Pageant, had to be cancelled due to lack of student interest. What happened to the genuine interest in rallies? Where did our participation in spirit days go? The problem isn’t caused by our administration, who actively support and participate in rallies. It’s not caused by Leadership, who spend countless hours planning and setting up our rallies. The students of Pioneer need to step up and start caring about their school. Four years ago, we had Winter Ball. We had a spring dance. Our football tailgates were packed with activities and food. Attendance at Winter Ball and the spring dance fell, and were cancelled. Events such as the food fair are successful because we, as a student body, actually engage. Despite the good intentions, offering extra credit and food shouldn’t be a way to get students to go to a dance. Stop complaining about the rallies and dances being “boring” and do something about it. Leadership is open to suggestions. High school is only four years. Make the most of it. Step out of your comfort zone. Often times with school events, students either

don’t know what is going on or forget about the event entirely. Branching out with active social media accounts will encourage participation and unify the student body behind a sense of school pride. Although Pioneer has had several school accounts in the past, they were not consistently active and there were often multiple accounts to choose from. We should also have ASB supported fundraisers that would not only allowing us to pay for things that students want, but it would also increase greater participation among students in school events. Leadership teacher Michelle Mayhew acknowledged that leadership students need to “step up to the plate and follow through” with planning events on campus. “We have this conversation all the time (in class),” Mayhew said. “If you’re not going dress up on dress up days, why would somebody who’s not in leadership look at you think, ‘they don’t have to dress up, why should I.’” Whether we’re talking about Leadership students or the general population, it all comes down to student involvement. If we want events, and want spirit, it’s time for us to start showing up and taking part in campus events and traditions.

Disrespecting Bush’s Legacy By Isabella Osborne Staff Writer Watching a loved one lose their fight against cancer is hard; when people disrespect an event that honors a lost cancer patient, action must be taken to solve the issue that should not be occurring. The Chris Bush Classic is a basketball tournament held at Pioneer in honor of Chris Bush, a former Pioneer student who died of Leukemia. He played on the varsity basketball team during his freshman and sophomore year. His family is very involved and watches the games held in his memory. Mikayla Bush, 10, Chris Bush’s younger sister, watches the Chris Bush Classic every year. One particular team had the nerve to write, upsidedown, “Send Nudes” as their team name with the number ‘69’ following on the back. When Mikayla Bush saw the jerseys, she was upset and offended. Mikayla told her family and talked to the principal; where they were reassured it would be taken care of.

Leadership, who conducted the memorial event, had not specified to the participating teams what they could or could not write on the jerseys and had not seen the jerseys beforehand. They reprimanded the team for their thoughtless actions and were instructed to find something else to wear for the following games. True, students are allowed freedom of speech, but this is unprotected speech, which is the “incitement to illegal activity; defamation and libel,” since it promotes the potential transmission of child pornography. Not only does this qualify as unprotected speech and creates an uncomfortable environment, but it is sexual harassment as well as degrades and perverts the event for what it is. The Chris Bush Classic has ended, but attention must be called to the jerseys. If we want to end this type of disrespect and behavior, we should take effective steps to ending it. The team did not continue to wear the jerseys, but this should not be an issue. Disrespecting a memorial tournament should not be something that our administration struggles to control.

Striking Down Stigmas By Beatriz Lopez Features Editor

Almost a year ago a family member was talking to a close friend of mine about their future. They answered with the fact that they were planning on going to a community college then transferring to a four year in order to save money and help out their family. I will never forget my family member’s face. They were repulsed, disappointed, and to this day think they will not be able to accomplish anything. I’m curious as to what that family member will say about my decision to attend a community college. There is a stigma surrounding community colleges. It’s just “High School: Part Two” or that people who go there are people who were barely able to pass high school. This is not the case. I have met many people who have attended a community college for various reasons and not one of those reasons was because they were “too dumb for a four year.” They did it because they weren’t in the right mental health state to stray too far from home. They were a single parent at the age of 17 who

just wanted to get ahead in life while not missing out on their child’s development. They wanted to help their parents out with money, but never because they gave up trying. Community colleges are a great way to save money and get ahead in your future so the fact that this stigma exists is really irrational in my eyes. Most of the courses offered at community colleges are the equivalent to classes in many four year institutions so why does it matter what path people take if the end goal is to expand their skills and knowledge? Even if a person wishes to just get an associate’s degree and not transfer or just take the occasional class to gather a better understanding on a topic that interests them, there is not a single person that has the right to judge or undermine whatever educational path a different person choses to take. Not everyone has the same opportunity available to them when it comes to education, some decide to not pursue it any further than high school and that is okay. If someone chooses a path that will better their life and the lives around them, that is almost always going to be the right choice.

Letter to the Editors The Pony Express wants to hear from you. Send us your thoughts, comments, criticism or praise, and we’ll potentially print it here. Letters should be exclusive to the Pioneer Pony Express and preferably 150-200 words. Contact the Pioneer Pony Express at ponyexpresseditors@ gmail.com.

Scan the QR code to check us out online or visit us at pioneerponyexpress.weebly. com