Unpuzzling the Brain: One lobe at a time
PHOTOESSAY: Giving blood to save lives
IN-DEPTH: Delving into the human psyche and some of its disorders and functions
THE PROSPECTOR CUPERTINO HIGH SCHOOL’S
VOLUME 52 NO. 2
10100 FINCH AVENUE, CUPERTINO CA
NOVEMBER 1, 2010
New administrative tutorial aims to help struggling students EMILY CHENG features assistant
AMAR KANTIPUDI
MANDATORY TUTORIAL | Assistant principal Geoff
Wright addresses students at a tutorial session in the Wagon Wheel
When the tutorial bell rang on the morning of October 13, 2010, the majority of students departed from their second period for the ritual self-studies. However, the remaining few were assigned to attend a different even—located at our campus wagon wheel, the first administrative tutorial. This new tutorial targets students not receiving at least a passing grade of C and focuses on raising their academic commitment. Students become eligible for this tutorial program through a referral by their teachers. Students had mixed reactions towards the administrative tutorial policy “It is ingrained in the minds of students that tutorial is a ‘free’ time to do whatever the student prefers, as long as its productive and does not break school rules…” said senior Minh Dam. “ …but students receiving their C’s and D’s probably
attend because they might not be doing their homework or spending their time studying for class.” On top of that, some tension already mounted in the first administrative tutorial, “There were a couple of students who were not inclined to work,” said Assistant Principal Geoff Wright,“ But after talking with them individually, they understood that this was an opportunity and both began working.” The administrative staff believes that the purpose behind this policy takes precedence over the reactions that students have been expressing. The staff emphasizes that students who attend these tutorials are not, by any means, any less capable than those around them. Assistant Principal Andy Walczak attended a conference that offered proper guidance in helping students succeed. With the tips he gathered from the conference, Walczak believed that the tutorial policy is proficient in providing support see ADMINISTRATIVE TUTORIAL, pg 2
Host families prepare for debut of Taiwanese exchange students AZADEH RONGERE news assistant
Ten new students from Hsinchu, Taiwan will soon walk the halls of this school with the opportunity to experience the Cupertino culture by shadowing a host student. This exchange program is funded and provided by the Cupertino-Hsinchu Sister City Association, which chooses academically gifted Taiwanese students and host families. Before the students arrive, the host families will prepare thoroughly to ensure the students have a rewarding experience. The Taiwanese students are selected primarily on their excellent grades and extracurricular activities, making this program extremely competitive. Additionally, the host families are interviewed and their homes are inspected. Each host family must have at least one student attending Cupertino High School and is expected to entertain their guest so that they can fully grasp the Cupertino culture. The chosen Taiwanese students and host families will participate in welcoming activities managed by the CupertinoHsinchu Sister City Association. From this Tuesday through Friday, the Taiwanese exchange students will shadow their host sibling. This year, the Cupertino-Hsinchu Sister City Association does not have enough volunteers for each student to have their own host family. Due to this shortage, some homes may have to welcome two students into their homes. Sophomore Selina Her explained that her family has participated twice before, and they are excited to meet their third—possibly fourth—Taiwanese sibling. Her has helped past foreign exchange students with their English and see FOREIGN EXCHANGE, pg 2
PHOTOS TAKEN BY JAMIN SHIH
BOARD ELECTIONS | (from left to right, clockwise) New candidate Michael Goldman speaks to a community member at a forum open to the public; Incumbent Hung Wei speaks to her opponent, candidate Monet Goldman; Incumbent Bill Wilson; Incumbent Barbara Nunes
Is three a crowd?
Family candidacy stirs controversy in the district Board of Trustees election
ANTHONY KAO editor in-chief HARINI JAGANATHAN news editor
I
n an intriguing election occurrence, three candidates for the three available seats on the Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) Board of Supervisors are from the same family. Husband and wife Michael and Miyuki Goldman and son Monet Goldman are running for Board seats on similar platforms espousing the expansion of course selections and curbing “administrative” spending. But hints of controversy tint both their family candidacy dynamic and campaign objectives. The Goldmans’ decision to run together was born out of necessity, as Michael Goldman had unsuccessfully tried to encourage friends to run
alongside him. “A couple of friends agreed with me enough that they were willing to campaign with me, but they backed out at the last minute,” said Michael Goldman. But if multiple Goldmans are elected, state law may limit their aspirations. According to the Brown Act, public officials cannot deliberate on official issues outside of public hearings. This may be difficult to follow in the privacy of the Goldmans’ home. Michael Goldman seemed to imply that this would not be a problem, at least with his son Monet. “Once you’re in college like my son, you don’t have time for anything. The other thing is when you do have time, the last thing you want to do is [hang] around your parents,” he said. Similar controversial sentiments are also present in the Goldmans’ mostly unified campaign platform, a primary component of which is see BOARD ELECTIONS, pg 2