Pony Express | April 2016

A different high school education route ›› Middle college provides

Next generation shoe science ›› How specialized footwear

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page 7

helps athletes perform better

students with the opportunity to learn in a mature environment

2016 AP Exam Schedule AP Exams will be held in the Mini Gym. For 8 a.m. exams, report to the Mini Gym by 7:30 For 12 p.m. exams, report to the Mini Gym by 11:30

*AP Spanish Language and Culture exam will be held in the Library Computer Lab

THE PONY EXPRESS Volume 56, Issue VII

Pioneer High School's Student Newspaper

April 29, 2016

Years of heartfelt service; teacher of the year

Art teacher and club adviser Laurie Kirk wins Jefferson Service Award for years of change

By Kayla Howell and Alexis Lopez Staff Writers Pioneer Teacher of the Year Laurie Kirk gestured excitedly as she leaned over a student’s art to offer advice. Her enthusiasm is part of what earned her the Jefferson Service Award for her work with Art Club and National Art Honor Society. The club quadrupled in size since she became the club adviser eight years ago. In the last four years, she supervised the sock monkey drive and Christmas tree decoration for Good Samaritan Hospital every fall.

“Humans are creators,” Kirk said. “That’s part of being human— it’s fundamental.” Kirk’s passion for service stems from her love of art.

“It’s really neat to have a creative opportunity for students to express and highlight that art is in our schools.”

Alex Meng, a junior in Service Learning, mentioned the unique tree themes Art Club manages to create every year under her direction. “We thought it was really interesting how every year she’s so passionate about it and every year she does something new,” Meng said.

This imaginative type of service has opened up doors for students. “This is a way that

Photo by Khang Nguyen

Laurie Kirk showcasing different techniques of using pastel colors to her students in advanced art

art students can put their own passions into something that would help the community,” said junior Katherine Chen, historian of the art club.

Despite Kirk’s devotion, the sock monkey drive proved to require more guidance than she alone can provide. Next year, it will be discontinued, and attention will instead focus on another aspect of the project.

With the extra time she will have due to

Leaving the Mustang family Principal Stefani Garino leaves for Piedmont Middle School

By Ariana de Souza and Andrea Vazquez

Staff Writers

After four years of dedication to the Pioneer community, Principal Stefani Garino will not return to Pioneer next year. With tears streaming down her face, Garino reflected on her time as a Mustang.

Garino felt that she was part of the Pioneer community since she first stepped foot on campus. “I was walking across from the parking lot to the main office and there was no nobody out there except for one kid.” Garino described how he offered to help carry some boxes. After Garino declined and thanked him for the offer, he welcomed her to Pioneer. “I thought, ‘Man, what a wonderful young man,’” Garino said.

Garino said she will especially miss the student body. “There is something about you guys that is so special and so different from every other school site,” she said.

During her time at Pioneer, Garino served as Photo by Andrea Vazquez a role model for some students. “She’s helped me (From left to right) Seniors David Gonzalez, through a lot,” senior Zack Matar said. “That’s Principal Garino, Zack Matar, and Anthony Campos pose in front of the gym why I would view her as a mom.”

She also built a close relationship with her As Garino transitions to her new position as administration team. “They’re like the brothers principal of Piedmont Middle School, she will that I don’t have,” Garino said. take her experiences at Pioneer with her. “I’m at Eric Perry, Math teacher and football coach, a time in my career where I’ll be retiring in a few has seen Garino’s enthusiasm for Pioneer. “She years and I’ve wanted some different experiences loves to come out and talk to the boys and the before I retire,” Garino said. “I wish the new guys all love her,” Perry said. “The thing that I noticed that always stood out to me is her passion principal all the best and Pioneer will always have a really special big place in my heart.” for the kids.”

this change, Kirk hopes to focus on the tree decorating, which includes having children’s books on and below the tree. “We thought [it was] the more visual impact for everyone that comes through the pediatrics lobby,” Kirk said.

She looks back on what the service project has meant to her. “It’s been a huge deal to be able to support our community and to help students give back,” Kirk said. “It [has helped] students realize what generosity and giving are all about.”

May Deadlines May 1 Deadline to commit to a four-year university May 2 Mandatory community service hours due (If you have any concerns on meeting community service hours, please see Ms. Wolpin the front office) May 23-27 Senior finals May 27 Return all textbooks in the library May 27 Completed the obligatory credits to graduate May 31 & June 1 Mandatory graduation practice at the football field

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Campus Blood to better lives

Graffiti continues on campus

Students on campus making a difference, one drop at a time

By Semira Sherief Senior, Section Editor

By Ana Starmer Sophomore, Section Editor Pioneer alumnus, Chris Bush, died three years ago from leukemia. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, leukemia is blood cancer that requires frequent blood transplants to replace red cells and other components destroyed by leukemia.

Bush underwent multiple blood transfusions in an effort to remove the cancer. Although his family wanted to donate blood, they did not match his blood type.

Because of this, his sister freshman Mikayla Bush finds it important to give blood. The biannual Blood Drive gives students the chance to save lives by donating blood to the Stanford Blood Center. “People should really consider donating blood because it saves so many people,” Mikayla said. “Every year, my sister and my mom donate blood to the Leukemia foundation as a ritual, and so when I’m 16, I’m going to donate here.”

Senior Madisen MacDonald has donated twice at the Blood Drive, and plans on donating again this semester. “It’s one of the small things that I can do to help,” McDonald said. “I am B negative too, which is rarer [than other types], so I feel like it’s making a difference.”

Service Learning member and senior Tiffany Trat is the co-coordinator for the Blood Drive this year. “It’s a lot of teamwork on Service Learning’s behalf; the whole entire class works for it,” Trat said. Last year, the Blood Drive potentially saved over 5,000 lives.

This upcoming Blood Drive, Service Learning hopes to save just as many lives on May 16 and May 17 in the Mini Gym. Students can sign up through their classes or by contacting Service Learning.

Calendar May 3 Beginning Drama Tribute Show 7pm May 5 Staff Appreciation Day May 5 Advanced Drama Tribute Show 7pm May 7 SAT May 12-14 Glue Factory-Nunsense 7-9pm May 12 Powder Puff/Bonfire May 16 Locks of Love May 17 Senior Sunset 7:15-8:30pm May 16-20 Service Learning Week (Sophomore Project)

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Incidents of vandalism have been spotted on campus since early March students who may know more information regarding the incident.

Senior Brandon Disch was called out of class, asked a series of questions about the graffiti, and The most recent incident of graffiti was spotted had the text messages on his phone looked at by on campus on April 19 in the boys’ bathroom administrators. “I think it is good that they are near classroom 400. The content of the vandalism being diligent about the situation, but I think consisted of vulgar and defamatory language it should have been more organized. Other kids written on the walls, according to Assistant were randomly being questioned for going to the Principal of Discipline Kaden Bahner. There has bathroom too,” Disch said. been an increase in tagging in the boys’ bathroom Even with the extra surveillance, some students this semester since the beginning of late March, continue to express concern for their safety and feel beginning with a bomb threat. as though the additional security will not alleviate “We ultimately have not found those that are the problem. “Sometimes you can’t even know what responsible,” Bahner said. “We immediately got to believe and what not to believe because you never law enforcement involved and they increased their know what kind of student this person is,” senior presence here on campus, but they didn’t believe Brooke Davis said in regards to the threat. it was a viable threat.”

Administrators have been looking into other Administrators continue to work with local law resources to help resolve the vandalism issue on enforcement to identify the perpetrators of the campus, such as promoting the Silicon Valley crimes. “In other schools that I’ve been at, I have Crime Stoppers. “They offer cash rewards that seen similar situations where charges were pressed could be anywhere between 50 and 100 dollars against students who created a threatening or for students who come forth with information,” hostile environment, which is pretty much what Bahner said. “If it is found that this information this is,” Bahner said. Whether or not consequences results in an arrest or citation, they can respond in will be the same in this situation depends on law a website where they provide an anonymous tip.” enforcement, according to Bahner.

The link for the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers is Since the incident, security cameras were http://svcrimestoppers.org. installed around campus. Administrators Bahner would like to thank students, staff borrowed cameras from the Multimedia members, and other community members for Department. “We have increased surveillance being cooperative with administrators while they of the restrooms and specific times [students] deal with this incident. are coming in and out of bathrooms, which for “All the students that have already come anybody that’s been paying attention to that forward and staff members that have come forth would have seen an increase in that this past with suspicious behaviors they’ve seen have led us couple weeks,” Bahner said. to at least be able to question those that we think Administrators have been questioning potential might be responsible,” Bahner said.

A glamorous performance

Dance students demonstrate the techniques that they have learned

By Aline Mata Senior, Copy Editor On April 7 and 8, the dance classes and dance team captured the essence of Hollywood in this year’s spring dance show, “Glitz and Glamour.”

Since August, the dance classes prepared for their show, which consisted of solo performances by each senior on the dance team and separate performances by the dance classes and team.

Sophomore Kathryn Nowell, who is on the dance team, has danced for 12 years. She loves performing at the dance show. “I was excited because my family gets to see how hard you’ve worked and why we love to do what we do, which is dance together,” Nowell said.

While dance may seem easy, the preparation that goes into learning a dance is more complex.

“It’s really hard. You need a lot of muscle and stamina,” Advanced Dance student and senior Nicole Pang said.

When choreographing a dance routine,Lisa Yap, dance teacher, gets inspiration from music and dance videos. “We try to get the choreography first… then we clean it up,” Yap said.

One of the challenges of dance is memorizing the complex choreography. Advanced Dance student, junior Alexa Felberg said that even a single misstep “can be detrimental to the whole class and [Yap] might have to go back and change stuff.”

According to Yap, the classes have original dances every year. Yap explained that unlike the core curriculum classes, which teach the same material every year, dance does not learn the same routine twice.

Dance parent Tonie Finch supports her daughter, freshman Natalie Finch, by volunteering

Photo by Aline Mata Vaszquez The dance team performs at their Spring show

at the dance performance. “It is just so important that the students feel a part of the community here at Pioneer and dance is one of those awesome outlets for them,” Tonie Finch said.

Through a mixture of art and athletics, dance classes allow students to take an elective that mentally and physically challenges them. Despite these challenges, dance students still feel it is valuable. “It’s really good exercise for me and it makes me more creative,” Pang said. In her seven years of dance classes, she learned skills such as discipline. Dance allows students to be more innovative with types of dance, such as improvisation, and serves as an outlet for them to express their emotions.

Highlights A different high school educational route

Middle College provides students with the opportunity to learn in a mature environment

Photo courtesy of Lisa Canton Class of Middle College juniors and seniors at San Jose City College

By Lauryn Luescher and Katie Nguyen Staff Writers San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD) gives students an alternative to traditional high school by offering Middle College. This program allows juniors and seniors to take the remainder of their high school courses along with select college courses located at San Jose City College (SJCC).

Middle College students attend their A-G required classes in addition to an optional 11

college units of their choice that are paid for

by SJUSD. Although students take classes full time at SJCC, they are allowed to participate in activities, sports, and attend graduation at their previous high school in SJUSD. When students graduate from the Middle College program, they will have earned enough college credits to equal one year at either a community college or a four-year university.

Middle College junior, Jarod Ma said, “I wanted to go for a computer science major and going to Middle College really helps because there are programming classes that I can take

The man behind the screen Steve Odom’s journey from mechanic to high school technician

Photo by Beatriz Lopez Steve Odom rewiring a class projector

By Alex Paredes Sophomore, Staff Writer Before being hired at Pioneer, Technical Support Coordinator (TSC) Steve Odom was a blue-collar worker in the Auto Mechanics Industry. “I love working with my hands [and] problem solving,” he said.

Although being a motorcycle mechanic was fulfilling for him, he wanted to grow as a professional. “Unfortunately, that career doesn’t have good growth opportunities,” Odom said.

When he saw an opportunity to move into a technical position at Pioneer, he quickly applied.

As a TSC, Odom has more free time to work on independent projects throughout the year, something he was not able to do as a mechanic.

According to Assistant Principal Tim Gavello, technical responsibilities prior to Odom’s arrival in Pioneer were more spread out among the staff. “We split it up among a few teachers and they each had a period to do it– their prep

period,” Gavello said.

Odom believes that teachers should not have to worry about technical problems while doing their job. “When you’re a teacher, you’re so busy as it is,” he said. As an employee that does not teach, he has the entire school day to solve technical problems that teachers cannot get through during their day.

Odom’s to-do list is often so long that he does not get through it in a single day. “I can’t imagine [a teacher] trying to find time to do my job that takes me eight hours a day,” he said.

Since his arrival, he has been very supportive when resolving technological problems. Spanish teacher Wiebke Michels said, “Each year, [his job is] more important.” Technology is always changing, so Odom’s tasks become more complex as time goes by.

“The more things that change in technology, it’s just more things I have to learn,” he said.

In the future, Odom hopes to see technology become more of an everyday part of life on campus.

and higher level mathematics.” Ma also takes Japanese, which is one of the many languages offered at SJCC. “I would recommend it to students that are looking to push themselves,” academic counselor Devon Ghani said. “I would expect that they are already doing well in their classes here and they are looking for more of a challenge.” Middle College classes expect mature and dedicated students that are able to work independently.

Classes range from about 18 to 30 students, making it easier to receive individual help.

“Students report that they feel more ready to begin college post high school after the Middle College experience,” SJCC academic counselor Lisa Canton said.

Middle College senior Sheva Vatannia feels that Middle college counselors helped her prepare for her future in college and in her career. “[Middle College students] have been exposed to actual college classes and teaching methods,” Vatannia said. “I understand what to expect from my classes next fall [at Seattle University].”

To apply for Middle College students can email lcanton@sjusd.org or call (408)298-2181 ext. 3996. The Middle College application packet is available at www.sjusd.org/ sjmiddlecollege/.

Living in the business world Junior Anh Le places second at the Enterprise Leadership Conference

By Jasmine Airem and Lindsay Cutler Staff Writers

The Enterprise Leadership Conference (ELC) provides an up-close and personal look into the business world. Junior Anh Le is one of many aspiring entrepreneurs who applied to the annual conference, where students are randomly teamed up to pitch a concept as a functioning business for a product to investors.

Le and her team’s pitch, a wristband device that monitors and notifies users of oxygen levels via a smartphone app, placed second out of nine teams.

According to team member and Wilcox High School junior, Diego San Martin, the inspiration for the app rose from concerns about choking-related deaths. This stemmed from an incident San Martin experienced, where as a child, he may have suffocated had his parents not assisted him. The app is meant to alert users in case oxygen levels begin to fluctuate.

Le and her team members dedicated their leisure time during the conference to getting a head start.

“There were times when they said we should take a break and go to the beach, and four of the people on our team stayed and worked on it,” Le said.

Their intense focus was fostered by the unique, business-like environment of the conference. “It’s a lot more interactive because you’re trying to sell the product,” San Martin said. “You’re trying to show where it can go in the future.”

Networking opportunities are abundant at the conference. Since the it is held by entrepreneurs, lawyers, and business owners, Le secured an internship at State Farm.

Le’s English teacher, Michelle Bowman, believes that ELC is a good opportunity for prospective business students. “When they tell me they want to major in business, they don’t really know what that means,” she said. “If they participate in something [like ELC], they can see many varieties and how the business world really is.”

Students interested in attending ELC may apply online.

The conference is held every March in Pacific Grove.

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Focus This month, The Pony Express hopes to inform readers about curriculum introduced for the upcoming school year. With transitions in the chemistry curriculum, an indepth exploration of engineering, and a more comprehensive sex education program in store, students at Pioneer can expect a new experience in the classroom. These changes will offer students new options for in-depth fields of study, particularly in the STEM field. This could influence students in college and beyond to shift their academic focus.

As curriculum is constantly changing, please check next month’s issue for updates.

Sex education reform in California public schools Pioneer begins to comply with new state standards for sex education as possible. He said, “It’s a two-week program

By Jasminder Bains and Patricia Ruiz include the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and I believe an outside source will come in to community.

“This whole group and community Mena teach the curriculum.” SJUSD is searching for an of people have voices and have concerns and need Staff Writers The California Healthy Youth Act is a new law that requires California public schools to provide comprehensive sexual health education; it came into effect on January 1, 2016.

Previously, California’s sex education legislation, The California Comprehensive Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Education Act (2004), encouraged a comprehensive curriculum, but only required HIV/AIDS prevention education. The resulting discrepancy in education throughout school districts in California provided a cause for streamlining sex education.

The new law requires coverage of all sexually transmitted infections in addition to HIV/AIDS prevention education. The revised curriculum also includes human development, the importance of prenatal care, healthy relationships, sex trafficking, and gender identity.

Science Department Chair Kyle Murdock sees the changes to cover gender identity as a way to

information as well,” he said.

In addition, schools are now required to provide information about the effectiveness and safety of all FDA-approved contraceptives as well as a non-biased discussion about all options after childbirth such as parenting, adoption, and abortion.

In order to meet these standards, SJUSD is accommodating for a more comprehensive curriculum to go into place next school year.

Changes have not been finalized yet. “We are in the beginning stages of the plans. Once we complete our plans, we will have to take our plan to get Board approval,” said Kristine Kimura, Secondary Manager of Curriculum and Instruction at SJUSD. Implementation at Pioneer is being discussed as well. Tim Gavello, Assistant Principal of Curriculum, believes sex education will take place in freshmen P.E. classes to ensure all incoming students receive the course as soon

A new eye on chemistry New chemistry curriculum implemented next year

appropriate outside source.

The state government recognizes that some families do not want their children receiving sex education through public schools. Parents continue to have the right to opt out their children from any or all of the instruction.

Currently, to opt out a student, parents must sign a permission slip that the Biology Department gives to all students before beginning the health unit. SJUSD’s Board of Education is deciding how this process will work next school year.

Step into the unknown A new opportunity to explore the world of engineering

By Celina Sowinski Senior, Staff Writer

Next year, Pioneer will offer an additional engineering class called Principles of Engineering.

It will be composed of four units: Energy and Power, Materials and Structures, Control System, and Statistics and Kinematics.

Saul Hernandez, the current engineering teacher, pushed for the addition of this course with the support of Project Lead the Way, a nonprofit organization that provides support to STEM programs.

Although the new class has yet to be approved as an A-G course, Principal Stefani Garino believes that engineering courses are important.

“These engineering classes help keep kids interested in all forms of technology and are Photo by Sarah Greene creating the skill base to help our Robotics Team,” Chemistry teacher, Laura Bald, helps her students understand a worksheet for a lab Garino said.

Part of building the skill base for Robotics topics the students are supposed to learn by

By Sarah Greene is introducing students to engineering. “That’s explorations.”

Sophomore, Staff Writer always been my dream,” Hernandez said. “I New chemistry teacher, Laura Bald, feels the change in curriculum will be a smooth transition know some students know they want to get into A new chemistry curriculum that focuses more to next year. “The things I do in class are definitely engineering and there are students that don’t on problem solving and critical thinking will be already geared toward the direction of next year, so know … but my biggest belief is that students should be exposed to it.” put into effect in the 2016-2017 school year as it won’t be as big of a change to me,” Bald said.

Principles to Engineering gives students an part of California’s three-year implementation of She discussed the problem-solving aspect opportunity to prepare for future careers. “This the Next Generation Science Standards. of the new curriculum. “We’re trying to help Chemistry will have a more conceptual students think like scientists so they can apply not is what you do as an intern,” Hernandez said.

“You go ahead and do planning, you start doing understanding rather than a mathematical just their knowledge, but their way to go about approach and will focus on environmental problem solving,” Bald said. “Instead of being given machining, you start doing prototyping.”

Hernandez’s belief in exposing students to science. This includes topics such as climate how the elements are in a periodic table, you’ll be change and tying chemistry concepts to current given little cards that tell you what the elements are engineering has already helped freshman Johann Kwon set up his future. Kwon hopes to take this events in the news. and you have to try to piece them together.”

Biology and chemistry teacher, Kelly O’Hara, As a new addition, O’Hara said environmental class to “practice his skills and develop them to be is excited for this new curriculum and believes it science topics will also be included in the physics, used in the work force.”

Hernandez noted that no experience is required will benefit students more. “This new curriculum chemistry, and biology curriculum. For example, for the class and it will be open to all grade levels. will encourage students to become better critical heat and radiation would be part of physics, thinkers,” O’Hara said. “It really puts emphasis greenhouse gases would be part of chemistry, and Students interested in joining the class can talk to Assistant Principal of Curriculum, Tim Gavello. on student discovery instead of lecturing on population part of biology.

Español Viviendo en el mundo de negocios La estudiante Anh Le gana el segundo lugar en la Conferencia de Liderazgo de Empresas Escrito por Lindsay Cutler y Jasmine Airem Escritoras La Conferencia de Liderazgo de Empresas (ELC) provee un vistazo personal dentro del mundo de negocios. La estudiante Ahn Le es una de tantas empresarias aspirantes que aplicó para la conferencia anual, donde estudiantes son puestos en equipos al azar para lanzar un concepto para un producto como negocio a los inversionistas.

El concepto de Le y su equipo fue una pulsera que monitorea y notifica a usuarios de niveles de oxígeno vía una aplicación para teléfonos inteligentes. Su concepto tomó el segundo lugar de nueve equipos.

De acuerdo al miembro del equipo y estudiante de la Preparatoria Wilcox, Diego San Martin, la inspiración para la aplicación vino de las preocupaciones sobre las muertes por asfixia. Esto salió de un incidente que San Martin tuvo de niño, donde pudo haberse asfixiado si no hubiera sido por la asistencia de sus padres. El propósito de la aplicación es alertar a los usuarios en caso de que sus niveles de oxígeno estén fluctuando.

Le y su equipo dedicaron sus momentos de ocio durante la conferencia para adelantarse. “Hubo momentos en donde nos decían que tomáramos un descanso y fuéramos a la playa, y cuatro de los miembros de nuestro equipo se quedaron y trabajaron en ello,” Le dijo.

Su enfoque intenso fue fomentado por el entorno único de negocios de la conferencia. “Es mucho más interactivo porque estás tratando de vender el producto,” San Martin dijo. “Estás tratando de demostrar dónde puede llegar en el porvenir.”

Oportunidades para establecer contactos son abundantes en la conferencia. Empresarios, abogados, y dueños de negocios están encargo de la conferencia. Por esto, Le pudo asegurar un internado en State Farm.

Michelle Bowman, la maestra de Inglés de Le, cree que la conferencia es una buena oportunidad para estudiantes de negocios potenciales. “Cuando me dicen que quieren estudiar negocios, ellos de verdad no saben qué significa eso,” ella dijo. “Si participan en algo [como la conferencia], ellos podrán ver variedades y como es de verdad el mundo de negocios.

Estudiantes que están interesados en asistir a la conferencia pueden aplicar en línea. La conferencia se lleva a cabo cada Marzo en Pacific Grove.

Compartiendo videos

El estudiante Spencer Spring tiene su propio canal de YouTube Escrito por Mahsan Zare Escritora

Los videos del estudiante Spencer Spring tienen gran variedad, desde el reto de Bean Boozled hasta suéteres Do-It-Yourself (DIY) suéteres de Kanye West. Pueden ser encontrados en su propio canal de YouTube titulado Spencer Spring.

Originalmente, Spring comenzó su canal en la secundaria y decidió revivirlo durante la preparatoria.

“Pasaba mucho de mi tiempo libre viendo otros canales en YouTube de otras personas,” Spring dijo. “Fui inspirado por ellos y pensé, “Oye, esto es algo padre de tener y hacer.’”

La estudiante Maya Youssef, una fanática del canal de Spencer Spring, disfruta ser parte de la comunidad que apoya el canal de YouTube de Spencer Spring. “La gente que ve sus videos, ve cada uno de ellos y todos dejamos comentarios,” Youssef dijo. “Todos somos fanáticos de Spencer Spring.”

El canal de Spencer Spring consiste de retos de YouTube, sus propias versiones de canciones y videoblogs, donde las personas de los canales graban sus vidas diarias. Un antiguo alumno de Pioneer y hermano

Un nuevo ojo en química

Un nuevo currículo de química será implementado el próximo año Escrito por Sarah Greene Escritora Un nuevo currículo de química será puesto en efecto en el año escolar 2016-2017, en donde el enfoque está en resolución de problemas y pensamiento crítico.

Esto es parte de la implementación de tres años en California de La Nueva Generación de Estándares de Ciencia en Química.

Química tendrá un mejor entendimiento conceptual en vez de un aproche matemático y con un enfoque en la ciencia medioambiental. Esto incluye temas como el cambio climático y uniendo conceptos de química con eventos recientes en las noticias.

Maestra de biología y química, Kelly O’Hara, está emocionada por el nuevo currículo y cree que beneficiará más a los estudiantes. “Este nuevo currículo animará a los estudiantes a pensar críticamente,” O’Hara dijo. “Pone un énfasis en el descubrimiento de estudiantes en vez de darle lecciones a los estudiantes sobre los temas cuando deberían estar explorando.”

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mayor de Spencer, Sheldon Spring, dijo, “El hecho que es creativo y también si mismo sin complejos, yo pienso, son sus dos mejores cualidades y definitívamente se transfieren a su canal de YouTube.”

Sheldon Spring ha aparecida en dos videos de su hermano, el reto de Bean Boozled y el de la etiqueta de hermanos. “Si saca mucha alegría de sus videos,” Sheldon dijo. “Yo creo que son divertidos y me permiten pasar tiempo con mi hermanito de una manera que jamás había hecho.”

El apoyo que recibe Spencer Spring es su motivación.

“Es muy divertido ver a la gente en la escuela el día después que subo un video, y que me digan, ‘Me gustó mucho el video que hiciste ayer.’ Creo que esa es una gran razón por la cual sigo adelante.” Spencer explicó que puede ser un reto subir videos semanales cuando tienes un canal de YouTube, debido a las demás responsabilidades que tiene.

“Ojalá la edición mejore para que sea más profesional,” Spencer Spring dijo sobre sus planes para el futuro. “A lo mejor empezaré a contactar a otras personas de YouTube en la área y hacer colaboraciones y a lo mejor asi nos podríamos exponer a otras audiencias.”

Típicamente Spencer Spring sube nuevos videos a su canal de YouTube cada lunes.

La nueva maestra de química, Laura Bald, siente que el cambio en currículo será una transición fácil para el próximo año. “Las cosas que hago en mi clase ya definitivamente son orientadas en dirección para el próximo año, así que no será un gran cambio para mi,” Bald dijo.

Ella habló sobre el aspecto de solucionar problemas del currículo. “Estamos tratando de ayudar a los estudiantes a que piensen como científicos para que puedan aplicar, no solo su sabiduría, sino también su manera de solucionar problemas,” Bald dijo. “En vez de darles cómo están los elementos en la tabla periódica , se les dará pequeñas tarjetas que te dirán que son los elementos y deberán tratar de ensamblarlos por sí mismos.”

Como una nueva adición, O’Hara dijo que los temas de la ciencia medioambiental también serán incluidas en los currículos para física, química y biología. Por ejemplo, calor y radiación serán parte de física, gases de invernadero serán parte de química, y la población parte de biología. #tspasanjose

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Sports Hitting the birdie

The badminton team starts off the 2015-2016 with a good record

Photo by Delaney MacDowall

Junior Maya Youssef returns her opponents’ hit

By Delaney MacDowall Junior, Staff Writer Varsity badminton ran extra drills during conditioning months before the season began, so that the coach could make cuts to create a stronger team.

Conditioning, which began on Jan. 19, focused on improving the players’ skills. Practices

have a similar concept. “The coach looks at people during conditioning, how hard people try, and have a ‘Round Robin,’” doubles player and sophomore Luke Trinh said. A “Round Robin” is an event in which players compete and advance in their category, while the coach makes cuts based on their wins and losses.

The different categories a player must choose from are: singles, and doubles, where they play with the same gender, and mixed, when opposite genders play with each other.

“Depending on the day, we separate into different categories and work on drills,” sophomore Alex Torres said. “People in doubles work on serving, while mixed work on trying to hit toward the corners of the court.”

Head coach Kevin Tran commented on the daily set-up of practices. “I do my best to set up drills for the players,” he said. “[I] also ask the players how they can fix their mistakes.”

Everyone plays at a different level. “Every player learns at a different pace and learns in different ways,” Tran said. “When the player gets it down and improves, it’s a very satisfying feeling.”

The team takes the skills from practices and applies them to games. “Anything can happen on game days. Players get mentally frustrated if their plays aren’t going to their liking,” Tran said. “You get to see whether or not the players can mentally toughen it out and fight for the win.”

The team currently holds a record of 9-4. “The important thing isn’t how far the team goes, but if all the players played hard, did their best, improved, and learned,” parent Cherie Cole said.

The varsity badminton team seeks the league champions title and a spot in the Central Coast Section (CCS) playoffs.

A day with the Warriors

Staff writers attend a Golden State Warriors practice in Oakland of the entrance to the practice gym. Walking down the hallway, underneath images of Nate Thurmond and Wilt Chamberlain, made me feel incredibly young. These men were the The Golden State Warriors are officially foundation of the Warriors. They represent 70 one of the greatest teams to play basketball. years of basketball excellence. These men have Their April 13 win over the Memphis Grizzlies shattered NBA records, scored 100 points in capped a National Basketball Association a game, and grabbed 55 rebounds in a game.

(NBA) record 73 win season. Never did I I was going to talk to players who would believe I would stand with the best in the NBA, undoubtedly be on those walls. let alone interview them.

As the gym doors opened, I considered how Covering a Bay Area team that has the many points, wins, and awards the team behind chance to make history is incredible, and on those doors would eventually earn. Stepping behalf of the staff of The Pony Express, I asked through the doors and onto the hardwood to attend a mid-March game. After exchanging floors of the courts was breathtaking. In the 12 emails, stressing over the responses, and facility, I stood among members of the Mercury communicating constantly for two months, News and CSN Bay Area gathered around the my fellow sports writer Lauryn Luescher and baseline, watching Stephen Curry, the greatest I attended a Warriors practice in downtown three-point shooter of all time.

Oakland.

To read more, scan the QR code located on Pictures of Warriors’ greats graced the walls the photo.

By Andrew Keller Junior, Copy Editor

Setting up for success Boys volleyball determined to return to CCS after more than five years

By Zara Wehrung Senior, Section Editor Returning this season with a 4-8 record from the 2015 season, the boys varsity volleyball team sets up to make a comeback this season under the leadership of head coach Tony Lien and captain and senior Karim Houssni. The team made it their 2016 season goal to move up to A-League and get to Central Coast Section (CCS).

Houssni expects his team to make it to CCS. “Our team has a lot more potential than last year and we are achieving things we didn’t achieve last year,” Houssni said. This year, the boys have been able to run ones, a faster paced attack.

However, a weakness that both Lien and Houssni agreed upon that might hurt the team’s chances of a bid to CCS is the team’s difficult time focusing. “Sometimes we’re lackadaisical or we’re not giving a hundred percent. We’re laughing and making jokes,” Houssni said.

According to Lien, focusing is not his biggest concern when it comes to CCS. “For our kids that start sophomore year, freshman year, it’s hard,” Lien said. “We’re competing against boys and teams that have been playing since they were in sixth grade and they’ve been playing year-round.”

Despite an experience gap between Lien’s team and the competition, Houssni said that this year has brought new talent and life to the team and gameplay. “I would say playing smart is our greatest achievement,” Houssni said.

The team is currently running a 6-2, a system where two of the six players on the court are setters. This court setup optimizes the offensive players because the setter is always setting from the back row. Lien’s team has Houssni setting all the way around and senior Suraj Lawani subbing in for opposite junior Shaydon Bodemar.

The current 5-2 record has the boys second in league behind Lincoln. Outside hitter, junior Andrew Keller, has the third most kills in the league with 65. His .133 hitting percentage has him second in league for hitting percentage.

Setters Houssni and Lalwani are third and fourth in league for assists.

“I’m happy that our team is very comfortable with each other this year; we can all work together and hopefully go to CCS,” middle blocker and junior James Wilson said. The boys’ next game is at home against Prospect on April 29.

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.

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

Photo courtesy of Andrew Keller Junior Andrew Keller (left) and sophomore Lauryn Luescher (right) at the Warrirors training gym

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

Sports Next generation shoe science How specialized footwear helps athletes perform better

By Jack Dasch Junior, Staff Writer Specialized footwear plays a huge role in sports, but gets little recognition. Athletes can pull off all sorts of impressive feats, but how much of this can be attributed to shoes designed specifically to get the job done?

Athletes at Pioneer primarily use cleats and court shoes.

Athlete of the Month

when jumping. Modern shoes force the athlete onto the balls of the feet, allowing them to jump 3.5 inches higher than the flat-footed Chuck Taylor Converse worn through the 1960s, according to livestrong.com. Girls JV head coach Kristin Lebherz said, “Before athletes go on the court, they step on a sticky pad to help increase their traction.”

Volleyball shoes are similar, except they are intended to be lighter. In a study done by Dr.

Football cleats are durable and have ankle support for lateral movements. What sets them apart from other cleats is the spike on the toe.

“Every step is on your toes, and that spike gives you grip and helps you push off really fast,” football player Daniel Torres said.

Track spikes are designed to be as light as possible,

Jack Daniels, an Olympic running coach, it was found that increasing the weight of a shoe by 3.5 ounces increases the work force on the body by 1 percent, which adds up over the course of a game. “Volleyball shoes are more flexible for lateral movements,” Volleyball setter Suraj Lalwani added.

with small spikes only along the balls of the feet. They are further specialized into event type, and padding is scrapped to cut weight according to the grouping.

Basketball shoes are hightop to protect the ankles

Specialized footwear is designed for performance and prevent injury. Without cleats, athletes would have a very difficult time starting quickly or cutting hard on the turf. On the court, players wouldn’t be able to stop quickly or land safely after jumping.

Photo by Beatriz Lopez Junior and track captain Mackenzie Meyer has been involved in track and cross country since her freshman year. Recently, Meyer had surgery on both of her shins as a result of a condition known as chronic compartment syndrome, which occurs when high pressure builds up in the lower leg muscles, eventually causing muscle damage. “Going from wearing a boot on one of your legs with crutches to being here [doing track] now, it’s crazy how short of a time it was, but it was definitely really hard for me,” Meyer said.“I have to work on sprinting and getting back into running further distances because when you are off for three months, you kind of just lose everything.” Despite the setback, Meyer is working twice as hard this year to reach her pre-surgery running form. Just a few months after her surgery, Meyer is back on the track and is working to reach her average 800 meter time of 2:44 and an average mile time of 5:41.

Swim team gets a makeover

Head coach Tim Nguyen pushes swimmers to reach their full potential

By Lauryn Luescher and Katie Nguyen Staff Writers Head coach Tim Nguyen took over the Pioneer’s swim program three years ago. Since his arrival, Nguyen helped improve athletes’ times, raised the integrity of their overall training, and made changes to practice, allowing the program to continue to grow.

“Practice is shorter now— it’s only an hour and a half— but it’s all strength training, so every practice is mostly sprint sets,” junior Dominic Bandoni said. Bandoni has been on the team since his freshman year and has seen practice undergo this change.

Nguyen made these changes to make the most out of the 16-week high school season. “This year, we’re actually trying a new type of training program that has provided some good results,”

To view additional sports articles scan the QR code below

Nguyen said. “It’s called Ultra Short Race Pace Training (USRPT). It targets top end speed and a high heart rate about 180 bpm or more over a short period of time.”

Sophomore Grace Torpey experienced the benefits of Nguyen’s coaching firsthand. “[Nguyen’s coaching] has made me much faster.

I dropped 11 seconds since last year in my 100-breast,” Torpey said.

If swimmers show the desire for improvement, Nguyen will take the time to help them reach their goals. “My practices are tough and demanding each and every day,” Nguyen said.

“Each swimmer gets what they want out of the workout depending on what their goals are. I am pretty old school and believe in tough love.”

Those who come to practice and are not determined to develop their skills and times as a swimmer may be cut from the team. “If you stop on the wall a lot, he will kick you out. In my

opinion, that’s deserving,” senior Maddy Brown said. “You show up to practice knowing that it’s going to be hard, so if you stop, you might as well get out of the pool.”

Although swimmers compete as a team, swim is often structured like an individual sport. “It’s up to the swimmer in a lot of cases,” Bandoni said. “If you really don’t care about the sport and you’re just there to get the credits, [Coach Nguyen] is probably not going to care what you do, but if you work hard, he will help you reach your goals if you want to go to CCS.” Currently, the swimmers are working hard to make Central Coast Section (CCS). The varsity girls team has a record of 5-1 and the varsity boys are 4-2.

“I’m looking forward to next year,” sophomore Halliona Bacon said. “I know we are losing a bunch of seniors that are really fast, so that will be hard to come back up from, but I know we have the talent to continue on with what we have been doing.”

Upcoming Games!

May 4 Mountain View @ Pioneer Lacrosse 4:00pm

May 6 Gunderson @ Pioneer Varsity Boys Volleyball 6:30pm

May 6 Pioneer @ Branham Varsity Baseball 4:00pm

May 10 Westmount @ Pioneer Vasity Softball 4:00pm

7

Entertainment Student takes Review of “Dig Too Deep” on YouTube An underwhelming debut by Amy Allgeyer Junior Spencer Spring runs his own YouTube channel

By Mahsan Zare Senior, Staff Writer Junior Spencer Spring’s diverse videos range from the Bean Boozled Challenge to Do-ItYourself (DIY) Kanye West sweaters on his own self titled YouTube channel.

Spring originally started his channel in middle school and decided to revive it during high school. “A lot of my free time was spent watching other YouTubers,” Spring said. “I got inspired by them and I thought, ‘Oh hey, this could be a cool thing to have and do.’”

As a long-time fan of Spencer Spring’s channel, junior Maya Youssef enjoys being a part of the community that supports Spencer Spring’s YouTube channel. “The people who watch his videos watch every single time and we all leave comments,” Youssef said. “We are all fans of Spencer Spring.”

Spencer Spring’s channel consists of YouTube challenges, song covers, and vlogs, where YouTubers themselves film their everyday life.

Sheldon Spring, Pioneer alumnus and Spencer’s older brother, said, “The fact that he’s creative and also unapologetically himself I think those are two of his best qualities and they definitely transfer well into his YouTube channel.”

Sheldon Spring has been featured in two of his brother’s videos, the Bean Boozled Challenge and Sibling Tag. “He does get a lot of joy out of it,” Sheldon said.“I just think they’re fun and makes me bond with my little brother in a way that I’ve never really done before.”

The support Spencer Spring receives is his motivation. “It’s really fun to see people at school the day after I upload a video saying, ‘I really like the video you did yesterday.’I think that’s a really big part of what keeps me going.” Spring explained that providing weekly content can be challenging when owning a YouTube channel because of outside responsibilities.

“Hopefully the editing will get better so it’s more professional,” Spencer Spring said in regards to future plans. “Maybe I’ll start hitting up YouTubers in the area and do collaborations and maybe that will expose audiences to each other.”

Spencer Spring typically posts every Monday on his YouTube channel.

Photo by Khang Nguyen

8

Junior and Youtuber Spencer Spring

By Kimiya Nasiri Sophomore, Staff Writer

With important messages about environmentalism, Dig Too Deep, by Amy Allgeyer, had the potential to be an incredibly powerful book. Unfortunately, it fell short.

Dig Too Deep tells the story of high schooler Liberty Briscoe, who is forced to move to Kentucky and live with her Granny after her mother is arrested for participating in a violent protest. When the bright orange drinking water causes people in her town, including her Granny, to experience major health problems, Liberty finds herself following in her mother’s footsteps.

The first half of this book was extremely engaging and well-written. Allgeyer captured Liberty’s frustration and hopelessness perfectly.

Liberty was powerless to help her Granny because nobody would risk speaking up against the authorities. I clearly felt Liberty’s resentment toward her mom for abandoning her when she most needed help.

As the story progressed and each of Liberty’s attempts to expose the town’s environmental problems failed, I expected a satisfying finale that never came. The build-up dragged on until the last chapters, yet the ending was anticlimactic and underwhelming for the weight of the problems.

The horrible things Liberty had to balance as she

The Year of Eskimeaux

attempted to confront the man responsible for the orange water almost completely overpowered any happiness that was found in the end.

What saved this book was the characterization of Liberty. The strength of her personality was authentic and uplifting, and despite never being in her situation, I could relate to her disappointment at being the minority. Allgeyer did an excellent job of balancing Liberty’s teen drama with the rest of the storyline and appealing to a young adult crowd.

While Dig Too Deep failed to execute the influential read it could have, fans of strong lead characters may enjoy this novel. 3/5

Photo by Kimiya Nasiri Cover art for “Dig Too Deep” by Amy Allgeyer

A Monthly Playlist

By Cammi Kaneko, Senior

“Lately” by WebsterX “Her and Cigarettes” by Cheap Girls Eskimeaux’s newest EP does “Big Boy” by The Snails not disappoint “Is it Possible / Sleep Song” by Frankie Cosmos “Ultralight Beam”

by Kanye West

By Cammi Kaneko “Wendy” by Richie Woods Senior, Section Editor “Call it Fate, Call it Karma” by The Strokes “Agoraphobia”

by Deerhunter Eskimeaux, the songwriting and production “Space Song” by Beach House project of Gabrielle Smith, released a short EP this “I Like What You Say”

by Nada Surf month titled The Year of the Rabbit. Eskimeaux’s “Camp Adventure” by Delta Sleep album released last year, O.K., was filled with “True Colors” by boris smile memorable songs such as “Broken Necks” and “I “1914” by Florist Admit I’m Scared.” I had high hopes for The Year “Something French” by Devendra of the Rabbit and Smith did not disappoint. With Banhart her beautiful, distinct vocals and witty, relatable Access on Spotify here at lyrics, The Year of the Rabbit is a short and sweet https://goo.gl/qqyMYa follow-up to O.K. “Power,” the first single released from the EP, is one of my favorites. It is hard not to fall in love The Pony Express with this song, as Smith croons with her angelic Newspaper Staff voice over soft drumming. The lyrics, full of pessimism and discontentment, juxtapose nicely Editors-in-Chief with the lovely, melodic tune.

Abby Catolico | Ariana de Souza | Andrea Vazquez However, “Year of the Rabbit” is my favorite Copy Editors Andrew Keller | Aline Mata Vazquez | Andrea Vazquez track of this EP. This song essentially features two Section Editors of my favorite female lead vocalists, Smith and Lindsay Cutler | Cammi Kaneko | Semira Sherief | Greta Kline (also known as Frankie Cosmos).

Anastasia Starmer | Josephine Velazquez | Zara Wehrung While all of the songs off this EP are catchy and Photo Editor clever, “Year of the Rabbit” has my favorite lyrics: Khang Nguyen “Lost in a furrowed brow and a coffee cup / If Staff Writers and Photographers you could only tell me what is up.” The poetic Jasmine Airem | Jasminder Bains | Everett Bang | Jack metaphor and the straightforward honesty in this Dasch | Caitlyn Greene | Sarah Greene | Kayla Howell | line work really well together and contrast each Brandon Jimenez | Maddi Kidder | Alexis Lopez | Lauryn other nicely.

Luescher | Delaney Macdowall | Will Majors | Kimiya All of the tracks contain questions of doubt Nasiri | Katie Nguyen | Alex Paredes | Matthew Pinkney and insecurity, with lyrics like, “All you ever say | Patricia Ruiz Mena | Julia Sargis | Anastasia Starmer | is “good” / Are you mad?” and “What the **** is Celina Sowinski | Andrea Winters | Mahsan Zare this feeling?” Smith’s obvious raw emotion and Tech Team self-doubt are prevalent and a main reason why Abby Catolico | Colton Donnolley | Beatriz Lopez | this EP is so refreshing and relatable. Although I Candice Phelan Adviser thoroughly enjoyed The Year of the Rabbit, I wish Mrs. Shannon Giovannoli Smith waited to release a full-length album and just included the tracks from this EP as well. The The Pony Express is a designated public forum for tracklist contains only six songs, therefore, there is student expression. Student editors make all content no time to waste with lyrics that are anything but decisions. honest. Overall, I enjoyed this short EP. 4/5.