California voters split over Proposition 50 debate bark
Editorial teaser
Read the Bark’s position on the difference between appreciation and appropriation.
By Madisen Petersmeyer
On Nov. 4, 2025, California voters will decide the fate of Proposition 50, a state-wide redistricting measure that plans to temporarily change the congressional maps of California in response to the newly redrawn congressional districts of Texas.
Advanced Placement U.S. History and Government teacher Lindsey Kornfeld was able to share her knowledge on the process of getting a proposition, such as Prop. 50, passed to the California legislature in comparison to other states.
“California actually has one of the lowest barriers in order for the populace to get a proposition put onto the ballot,” Kornfeld said.
Prop. 50 is a constitutional amendment and will be on the upcoming California special election ballot. If passed, Prop. 50 will allow for provisional changes to the California congressional districts through the year 2030.
“A proposition is going to have the power of law, but be decided on by the people, so instead of our representatives deciding on our districts, the people are going to decide on if they like them,” Kornfeld said.
While Prop. 50 continues to gain more attention, it is important to understand both sides. As of Sept. 2025, 51 percent of California voters are preparing to vote yes, while 34 percent of voters plan to vote in opposition of the measure, according to data from Emerson College Polling.
“[California is] the fourth largest economy in the world. We have a large, diverse population and I think we have the ability, hopefully, to pass Prop. 50 and counter what Texas has done,” Ames said.
On the flip side of the debate, John Turnacliff, chairman of the Marin County Republican Central Committee, is prepared to vote no and believes that the California government is taking the redistricting debate too far.
After news of Prop. 50 reached the Marin County Republican Central Committee, their immediate reaction was to oppose the proposition.
“Once everybody saw what was going on, the initial reaction was [that Prop. 50 is an] overreach,” Turnacliff said.
Additionally, Turnacliff mentioned that if new districts are to be drawn, people living in the northeastern region of California will be getting “the short end of the stick” and will have to deal with the decisions of people from other regions.
Along with the rest of the California Republican Party, the Marin Republican Central Committee is ready to vote no on Prop. 50.
“[Prop. 50] wasn’t right, so everybody in the [California Republican Party] from top to bottom got on board with no right off the bat,” Turnacliff said.
While discussing the topic of the upcoming election and the recent redistricting of the Texas congressional maps, Marin resident and devoted advocate of Democratic ideals, Sarah Ames, said that Prop. 50 is the only way for California to fight back against the Trump Administration and the changes made to the Texas congressional districts. mpetersmeyer@redwoodbark.org
Marin voter registration, from Feb. 20, 2024, shows that just over 93 percent of eligible voters are registered to vote, with over 60 percent of those voters registered as Democrats and just over 12 percent are registered Republican voters.
...Before putting on a costume this Halloween, ask yourself: Do I understand this outfit’s background? Would someone from this culture find it disrespectful? Am I celebrating a culture or using it for attention?...
Continue reading on pg. 6...
PHOTO SURVEY
By Sidney Bank Cub Reporter
Would you vote YES or NO on Prop 50 and why?
Luke Dugdale
“I would vote yes. [Prop 50] is definitely something that could help our country because it prevents Donald Trump going [from] a president to a king.”
Audrey Maddox
“I really like Prop 50. I would vote yes on it because it creates a more unified society and more equal voting.”
Charlie Seraphine
“I don’t really know, but I’d probably say no [to Prop 50]. There’s a lot of issues with gerrymandering, which affects the electoral college and the amount of power you have per vote.”
Emma Quaroni Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior
“Although I’m heavily leaning towards yes, I am a little undecided because, ethically, it’s important to give people of other parties representation so that they don’t move out of California [which will] lead to more division.”
Groundbreaking ceremony for FASCD project kickoff
By Taylor Kaster Cub Reporter
On Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) hosted the groundbreaking ceremony on the Redwood girls’ softball field to celebrate the commencement of Redwood’s Fine Arts, Student Commons and Dining (FASCD) building project.
This $73.1 million building project will start with Phase One (of two phases), which will replace the aging portable classrooms with new fine arts and music buildings. The project is intended to support the music and ceramics programs by expanding instructors, workspaces and curriculum.
Saum Zargar, one of Redwood’s three assistant
principals, has served as a liaison between the district office and the school throughout the planning process.
“As a school administrator, I feel very good and appreciative [towards] the [FASCD project] . We are a great school [with] great programs, so to be able to have buildings and infrastructure that support our students for generations to come is a cool thing,” Zargar said.
Phase Two of the FASCD building project will include a multi-purpose eating area that will be built on campus near the existing music and ceramics rooms.
To read the full version of this article, visit the News section of our website: www.redwoodbark.org tkaster@redwoodbark.org
USING DECORATED SIGNS, protesters line up across the Tamalpais overpass to advocate for “Yes on 50.”
Photo by Siena Forster
FRED CASISSA, CYNTHIA Roenisch, Courtney Goode, Kevin Saavedra, Jennifer Holden and Eli Beckman participate in the symbolic digging of the dirt.
Illustration by Natalie Vinogradsky
bark
Homecoming week recap
Homecoming week kicked off with a cozy start as students arrived at school, dressed in their favorite pajamas, with donuts waiting for them at the mosaic stage. Beginning at 8:00 a.m., Leadership quickly emptied their plentiful boxes filled to the brim with donuts, making sure every passing student received one. Sophomore Luke Pialloux fueled the beginning of his spirited week with a glazed donut.
“It was the right amount of [sweet] and savory to start
Both excited and hopeful, Pialloux described his
“I’m very excited for homecoming week, but I would
On Tuesday, students and staff showed up decked out in denim for “Denim Day.” From plain jean pants, spectacular jean jackets to spirited overalls, the halls were filled with blue. At lunch, the excitement carried over to a round of Homecoming Court trivia, where nominees competed on two teams in a friendly game that had the crowd both laughing and cheering.
When asked about his experiences as part of the Homecoming Court, senior James Mostafavi explained how meaningful this week was for seniors, as it was one of the final chances to come together as a class and celebrate school spirit.
“It was a shock to get elected first of all, but I embraced it and I’m happy to be a part of it,” Mostafavi said. “Spirit and community [are] very prominent throughout the school during Homecoming.”
Students felt connected on campus throughout the week, as themed days and spirited events brought students closer than ever, reminding everyone of the strong pride that defines the Redwood community.
On Thursday, upperclassmen celebrated the week by showing off their class jerseys. The day was filled with a competitive nature, including the yearly Klassy Kickoff at lunch, where junior and senior girls face off in a game of flag football. Lauren Van Dusen is a junior flag football athlete and Klassy Kickoff participant.
“[The game] had a really fun, competitive atmosphere, especially because everyone was so passionate,” Van Dusen said.
The juniors won the game 14-0 with the help of Riya Pyle, who played a key role in their success.
“Riya made a big difference in the game, scoring both touchdowns and being a key player in her competitive nature,” Van Dusen said.
The crowd definitely favored the seniors at the start, and that showed in the players' competitive drive to win when they weren’t favored.
“We were really excited [to play] especially because we were the underdogs,” Van Dusen said.
In the end, win or loss, the day turned out to be a huge success, fueling school spirit as students and faculty prepared for the big homecoming dance.
and
Friday wrapped up the Fall 2025 Homecoming Week with Grade Level Colors Day, each class shining with spirit by dressing in their assigned color: seniors in black, juniors in white, sophomores in blue and freshmen in green. During lunch, students lined up for the annual Fall Feast, which featured $5 food items including pulled pork sandwiches, pizza, salads and burritos. The event also included Homecoming Court karaoke, where nominees took to the Mosaic Stage, singing their hearts out before the winner was announced the following night at the Homecoming dance.
The Homecoming Week left a big impression on firstyear students. Freshman Colin McNamara reveled in his first rally and the tasty food at the Fall Feast.
“The pepperoni pizza was delicious,” McNamara said. “The Homecoming skits were also super entertaining and amusing.”
On Wednesday, students showed their immense school spirit by dressing head to toe in red for Spirit Wear Day. The energy around campus was electric, as students and staff gathered in the Phil Roark gymnasium for the longawaited Homecoming rally. The rally was kicked off by Associated Student Body President Madison Bishop and senior class President Morgan Sicklick. The event featured an exciting performance from the varsity cheer team that got the crowd loud and on their feet, followed by gradelevel skits that brought plenty of laughter, cheers, boos and competition. Each grade’s skit had its own theme: seniors showcased the jungle, juniors embodied the outer space, sophomores went “under the sea,” and freshmen found themselves “buried beneath.” In the end, the seniors took the win for the best skit, while the juniors claimed victory in the stairway decorating and flag contests.
On Saturday afternoon, varsity football beat Napa High School 42-0 for their annual Homecoming game. During halftime, the varsity cheer team performed at center field, followed by Homecoming Court introductions. Wrapping up the eventful week, the Homecoming dance began on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and provided fun for students until 10 p.m., featuring food such as Crumbl Cookies, churros and brownies, dancing to popular songs. Senior Charlotte “Cat” Domet was crowned Homecoming Royal after popping the coveted "gold confetti popper,” followed by her victory song choice, “Just Like Heaven,” by The Cure. Freshman Violet Hamilton attended both the Homecoming football game and dance for the first time this year.
“The atmosphere at the football game was good despite the heat,” Hamilton said. “The dance was fun. I loved being with my friends.”
The week was successfully wrapped up with a great night of fun.
bark@redwoodbark.org
TRADING A DONUT for a smile, sophomore Adam Scheer starts homecoming week off with a sugary treat.
Photo by Oren Weingarten
FINISHING UP THEIR intense trivia game during lunch, Homecoming Court nominees smile as they share a special bonding moment.
Photo by Reed Grossman
RAISED ABOVE THE student section, varsity cheerleaders perform high-intensity stunts to open the rally.
Photo by Reed Grossman
SENIOR QUARTERBACK ASHLEY Ball attempts to pass the football on an offensive play as junior Olivia Hamm strides to rip off her flags.
Photo by Reed Grossman
HOMECOMING COURT NOMINEES take on karaoke at the Mosaic Stage, spreading laughter, joy
fun to students passing by.
Photo by Penelope Trott
HOMECOMING SENIOR ROYALTY smiles in the bleachers while waiting to be announced during halftime of the varsity football game.
Photo courtesy of Callie Mock
NEWS BRIEFS
By Nico Ruel
Understanding teen anxiety workshop
On Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tamalpais Union High School District Wellness hosted a parent workshop titled “Transforming Teen Anxiety into a Superpower” led by Dr. Tracy Foose. The event, held over Zoom, focused on helping teens and parents better understand and manage anxiety. Foose explained how anxiety isn’t always a negative thing, as it reflects genuine care for what you are anxious about. She emphasized the important role that parents play in managing their teens’ anxiety, and gave both parents and teens tools to help not only manage their anxiety, but turn it into something positive.
Redwood hosts the PSAT and SAT
On Tuesday, Oct. 21, and Wednesday, Oct. 22, Redwood administered the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) to students across campus who signed up. The PSAT was open to sophomores and juniors, while the SAT was open to juniors and seniors. Both exams were proctored by teachers in various rooms and taken on school-issued Chromebooks. On both days, a special schedule was implemented, with those not taking the test arriving at 11:20 a.m. This marks the second year in a row that Redwood has offered the PSAT and SAT on campus to students, an opportunity that was introduced because in the past, many students struggled to find available testing centers nearby.
Homecoming Royal crowned at dance
On Saturday, Oct. 18, during the annual Homecoming dance, senior Charlotte “Cat” Domet was crowned this year’s Homecoming Royal. The announcement took place midway through the dance, as all of the nominees took the stage. They then simultaneously popped confetti cannons, with red signaling the runners-up and gold signaling Domet as the winner. This marked the first time that the winner was announced during the dance, rather than at halftime of the Homecoming football game, as done in years past.
ICE set to appear at Super Bowl during Bad Bunny’s halftime show
By Adela Tabak
The Super Bowl halftime show has always been a fan favorite performance to watch. The glitz and glamour of the show is breathtaking, whether viewed on a television screen or seen live. Each year, celebrities find a unique way to make their halftime show stand out from those in the past. However, performances like Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 halftime show raise an essential question as to why the Super Bowl has become a political circus and whether this trend will continue.
With the announcement of Bad Bunny’s halftime show performance, it is evident that this trend will continue for the 2026 Super Bowl. According to the New York Times, “Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, gave the clearest indication yet that agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would attend the Super Bowl in February [2026], where the Latin superstar Bad Bunny is scheduled to headline the halftime show.”
ICE raids have spread across the nation, detaining people from their homes to deport them from the United States (U.S.). According to The Guardian, a total of over 228,000 arrests, deportations and detainments have taken place by ICE officers since President Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. Following these events, ICE being at the Super Bowl seems unnecessary to senior Olivia Santiago-Hall, who plans on watching the 2026 Super Bowl.
“How do we know that these agents are trained [correctly]? Do they have the right names? How do we know that people who grew up and lived in the U.S. all their lives are [going to] be affected by going to the Super Bowl? That feels like something that is taking away from the joy that everyone collectively has when it’s the Super Bowl,” Hall said.
recognizes the influence Bad Bunny has, regarding how politics have emerged in his artistry.
We have to remember that we’ve continued to live, we’ve continued to resist and we continue to be here.
Ms. Ceja-Chau
Advanced Placement (AP) World History and Life Lab teacher
Advanced Placement (AP) World History and Life Lab teacher, Michelle CejaChau, is an avid Bad Bunny fan who plans to watch the 2026 Super Bowl. Chau reflects on why ICE would be at the Super Bowl in the first place, although that will not stop Bad Bunny from representing his community.
“[ICE’s presence is a] fear tactic. I think that’s the main motivator and there’s genuine fear to be had
“The impact [of Bad Bunny performing] is so monumental. It’s the first of its kind, because for so long, [Latinx people] have been put into this category of [just] Latinx artists. He’s not just a Latino artist; he is a global superstar and the way he got to that is through his authenticity and his messaging, which has always been political. He’s never shied away from being or saying things that matter to him,” Chau said. “It’s like watching a family member make it this big, because we look like [Bad Bunny]. We talk the [same] language, have an accent [which is why] it’s so big [that he is performing at the Super Bowl].”
Rapper and Grammywinning artist Kendrick Lamar made headlines after his 2025 Super Bowl halftime show performance, which captured the current political climate of America. Chau explains how politics has always been present in sports in some capacity, yet has recently been represented most at the Super Bowl.
“We’re going to see this trend continue. It started with Kendrick Lamar’s performance last year, so I feel like it’s just going to continue, especially with everything else going on [in American politics]. It’s a big stage and platform to use your voice, to speak out on [issues] that matter. And I think with the artist’s choice, you’re just going to keep seeing this
The Latinx community has been fighting to protect their rights as citizens living in America following recent ICE raids and immigration rights. This issue goes beyond sports, fame or social media—it represents the day-to-day lives of so many Latinx individuals. Chau reflects on the oppression that the Latinx community has faced throughout history and how important it is to have artists like Bad Bunny perform on America’s biggest
“This isn’t the first time that we’ve seen this in history, where they’ve used these kinds of tools and tactics to deport us. So we have to remember that we’ve continued to live, we’ve continued to resist and we continue to be here,” Chau said. “That is part of the hope that we see with Bad Bunny [performing] at the Super Bowl.”
Photo by Nico Ruel
Photo by Oren Weingarten
Photo courtesy of Heute
Infographic by Beatrice Nass
opinion opinion
One standard for all
Reshaping the social acceptance of drugs for medicinal benefits
By Jack Block
Alcohol and nicotine have become widely socially accepted among teens. However, marijuana, despite being scientifically proven to be “less dangerous,” is not. As a society, all three substances must be held to the same standard in which they are classified as drugs. To do so, alcohol and nicotine need to be treated the same way that marijuana is as potentially dangerous substances.
As a teenager, when I think of social gatherings and what substances appear frequently, alcohol and nicotine immediately come to mind. Whether it’s a party, a concert or even the student section of a sports game, substances are sure to make an appearance.
Marijuana, nicotine and alcohol are commonly used by teenagers in our community. According to an OD Free Marin report from 2023, “ [Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) juniors] use alcohol or drugs at a rate twice as high as the rest of California.”
While it is true that teens in Marin have high tendencies to indulge in substances, some are more accepted than others. It appears that marijuana has a negative perception in comparison to other substances. Alcohol in fact is the most commonly accepted substance among Marin teenagers. According to that same Overdose (OD) Free Marin report, excessive underage drinking in our community is because parents often model excessive drinking, therefore normalizing alcohol for their kids.
Marijuana is a harmful drug that can have very severe and consequential effects on people long-term, especially for teens. Studies have shown that frequent marijuana use can lead to both mental and physical illnesses: depression, anxiety, derealization, respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, lung damage, pregnancy deficiencies and more.
Despite all of these negative effects, according to a University of California, Los Angeles Health article, smoking nicotine can prove to be more fatal than marijuana. Nicotine is highly addictive, more so than both alcohol and marijuana. According to the same study, “With nicotine, there is about a 30 percent chance you get addicted. With [marijuana], there is about a nine percent chance.” This is especially dangerous considering nicotine, like alcohol, is available to all U.S. residents over 21 years of age, whereas marijuana is only legal in 37 states. Nicotine causes several health risks much like marijuana, except they’re even worse: heart rate increase, blood pressure increase, lung failure, blood vessel damage, peripheral artery disease, anxiety, depression, memory, impulse control and more. While it may be true that marijuana is deserving of its bad rap, why don’t we feel the same about alcohol and nicotine?
Marijuana rightfully gets a bad reputation for many
reasons. Nicotine and alcohol also have bad reputations, but do not receive as much backlash as marijuana does. This is likely to do with the fact that it has had a different route to legalization than alcohol and nicotine have. In the past, alcohol and nicotine have been viewed much more favorably by society. Cigarettes were portrayed as “healthy” and “masculine” from their invention, to the 1960s. When researchers found that nicotine had actually been hurting people rather than helping after the 1964 Surgeon General’s report, the perspective shifted on nicotine, but not as much as you’d think. According to a
To improve as a community, we need to start bashing alcohol and nicotine to the same degree as marijuana.
report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 1965, 42.4 percent of people smoked. That number was still a decently high 11.6 percent in 2022. Although it has been over 60 years since nicotine was first bashed by the public, the narrative around nicotine for a long time was largely positive. This is why nicotine, in some cases, is still socially accepted in today’s society.
Alcohol is similar to nicotine in the sense that it is socially acceptable to drink. In Marin County, alcohol consumption is through the roof. According to Marin Prevention Network, “39 percent of Marin County [11th graders] report using alcohol in the past month versus 29 percent in California. And for [TUHSD] that number jumps up to 47 percent.”
According to a World Health Organization study, alcohol contributes to 4.7 percent of global deaths as 2.6 million people pass away each year from alcohol related instances. An additional 480,000 people die from nicotine use per year as well. While it is harder to find the exact number of people who die due to marijuana related causes per year, it is still credited with contributing to a significant number of deaths.
Marijuana is viewed negatively in our community, often shunned upon whereas nicotine and alcohol are more commonly accepted, but all three substances need to be set at the same standard.
They all have negative effects on the human body, and to improve as a community, we need to start bashing alcohol and nicotine to the same degree as marijuana.
Satire: Why throwing a Halloweekend party is an act of public service
By Morgan Sicklick
Every October, as the air chills and Spirit Week banners flutter, a more serious question haunts the halls: Who’s brave enough to throw the annual Halloweekend party?
Sure, students pretend they’re spending the weekend watching horror movies with “a few friends,” but we all know the truth. Somewhere in Tiburon, a kid is Googling “how to hide 80 people from parents.” The fear of getting caught is real, but what if hosting a party isn’t reckless teenage behavior at all? What if it’s a civic duty?
After all, throwing a party is one of the most demanding leadership experiences a teenager can have. Colleges may say they value “problem-solving” and “initiative,” but no Model UN debate will ever test you like the moment you hear, “The cops are outside.” Negotiation 101: The parent talk
Every great leader is a master of persuasion. Convincing your parents that your Halloweekend get-together is “just a movie night” builds rhetorical skills that rival the Harvard Debate Team.
You’ll practice tone control (“Of course no one’s drinking, Mom!”) and crisis messaging (“That’s just sparkling cider, I swear”). Future CEOs, politicians and PR representatives all start somewhere, and for most of us, that’s in our living rooms at 10 p.m. with a panicked text: “They’re on their way home early.” Event planning: The real-world AP course
Students spend months studying for AP exams, yet few realize the real AP stands for “Advanced Partying.” Coordinating guest lists, snacks, playlists and backup houses requires precision planning. How do you get 40 people to whisper simultaneously when headlights appear in the driveway? That’s crowd management. Making sure everyone Venmos five bucks for pizza? Budgeting. When the Bluetooth speaker dies midsong? Emergency logistics.
Scan the QR code to read more!
Illustration by Paloma Nacamuli
The line between connection and consumption is slowly blurring in today’s social media age
By Claire Carbone
Social media has become a way for communities to form and connect through shared niche interests. While these community interests can range from water bottles to vinyl, both can be successful in establishing a sense of belonging in their members. These items are harmless on their own, but problems arise when big companies begin capitalizing off the interest in these items. The personal expressions you see online are just trends — social media draws people into communities that are fueled by consumerism. Social media has become a trap for users because of the corporations that have exploited genuine communities and selfexpression for profit.
A perfect example of consumerism in social media is the rise of water bottle collections. Often referred to as “WaterTok,” collecting reusable water bottles has become a prominent trend on social media platforms.
2016 according to Luminate. Although this statistic seems innocent, Grady Newsource reported that vinyl records release 1.9 thousand tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when producing four million records. So with the resurgence of vinyl, their popularity will contribute negatively to climate change.
It seems that there is always a new water bottle to have: it first began with Hydro Flasks, then moved onto the Stanley cup and is currently focused on the Owala. Online, it may seem beneficial to get these water bottles because you're drinking more water and staying hydrated. However, WaterTok has created serious waste rooted in its consumeristic tendencies. The Invading Sea found that reusable steel water bottles take a significant amount of energy to produce, starting with iron that is mined and then smelted into steel. This process outputs pollution which further heats up the Earth, therefore speeding up climate change. Just because these water bottles are reusable doesn’t mean they are completely clear of climate harm, and people collecting multiple colors of each isn’t aiding environmental crises. Owning one reusable water bottle is far more sustainable than accumulating ten variants.
Another consumeristic, collectible item that has had a revival is vinyl records. Vinyl was first created in the mid-18th century as a way to listen to music without hearing it played live, and has been popularized again in recent years. This trend reached its peak in 2023 with 49.6 million album sales compared to 13.1 million sales in
But the resurgence isn’t solely due to consumer demands; the music industry has played the biggest part in driving interest. According to The Guardian in 2023, the Rolling Stones released 43 variants of their album Hackney Diamonds, each having the exact same track list, just with different artwork. Taylor Swift did something similar for her most recent album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” She released eight variants with different artwork, but the same track list. Certain ones were only available for purchase for 24 to 48 hours which pressured fans to buy all of them.
A similar incident occurred with her album “The Tortured Poets Department” where she marketed certain vinyls with bonus tracks, but these songs eventually became available online. Swift is not the only artist who has employed this technique, but due to her large platform she has the ability to encourage other artists to stop this pattern by setting an example.
On the other hand, artists like Billie Eilish have proven that it is possible to sell vinyl ethically. For her third and latest album, “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT,” Eilish continues to sell five variants, but all the materials and packaging used for these records are eco-friendly as she clearly notes in the description of each on her website.
Although water bottles and vinyl have become consumeristic, the communities of buyers they have created are valuable. Taylor & Francis Online found that online content can provide comfort for those who face fear and anxiety in their lives because they are a part of a community of people who share similar interests.
This kind of relationship that social media has fostered is one of the best things to come out of platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The algorithm makes it easy for people to find new interests and perspectives they didn’t have before and a fast way for people to find their people.
The problem with this algorithm is that it is also
available to big corporations which takes away the authenticity because consumeristic tendencies are often promoted within these groups. Corporations aren’t there for the community aspect, they’re there to make profit off the members. It’s important to recognize this shift because it means the difference between group loyalty and brand loyalty. Think about the authenticity of the product: is it valuable to you, or to the corporation?
ccarbone@redwoodbark.org
Step up from the sidelines
By Alex Atherton
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Dr. Martin Luther King Junior first spoke these words during a Canadian radio broadcast to an awestruck audience, and since then, they have echoed around the world for decades. These words can be found on the walls of classrooms, carved in gold on plaques and in the hearts of people who strive for justice all around our country, all because of their timeless message; being a bystander to a harmful event can cause as much harm as perpetrating it.
At first, choosing not to intervene in a harmful event may seem like a neutral action, but in reality, being a bystander to those events can normalize and enable the harm they cause. Dr. King saw this when civil rights activists having their bones broken by batons and bricks was standard and accepted, largely due to the silence of many of his fellow Americans. We see this today as millions of people each year face harassment, bullying and straight-up cruelty.
Each night before a precalculus math test last year, I’d memorize formulas, practicing how to solve the exact problems I was given. The next day, I’d use these quick-recall formulas to solve identical problems on the test, copying them down from memory with little thought of how I was applying them. Afterward, I’d discard that information from my brain, thinking I didn’t need it once the test was over. Although I later struggled to remember the material for finals, this short-term study method earned me the most valued currency in our education system: high grades. Unfortunately, short-term studying is common among students at Redwood. At 66 percent, more than half of students reported focusing on shortterm memorization of information they can forget after a test when studying, and only 34 percent reported focusing on a true understanding of material in an October Bark survey. This lack of genuine learning is a significant issue because many students load their schedules with Advanced
Placement and honors classes. Since these students have lofty coursework, they study for survival and high marks, rather than to learn. Especially at Redwood, school is more about short-term memorization and getting good grades than real understanding. Students are rewarded for memorizing facts for a test, rather than for deep thinking.
Throughout the nation, students can earn straight A’s by memorizing and cramming information, and not actually retaining any knowledge. According Katelyn Nixon, who at the Sandstone Psychology mental health clinic, “Students are taught to cram facts, take tests and then move on to the next set of information. This process, while it may result in high test scores, often fails to foster a genuine understanding of the material. Children become adept at memorizing information temporarily but lack the skills to apply or retain this knowledge in meaningful ways.”
BetterHelp therapy sees the same issues with rote learning — the process of memorizing information through repetition without understanding its meaning. Elaborating on the consequences this
learning method has on future careers, it states, “Some adults may find it difficult to function in the workplace because they tend to rely on rote memory. An employee might be able to memorize a list of features of a product but be unable to sell it effectively because they may not put those features into a context that can be easily translated into benefits for the consumer.”
Another significant problem is that an emphasis on grades leads to routine cheating. According to Sandstone Psychology, while grades are a measure of academic success, they fail to show a student’s true understanding. This created pressure causes extreme fear of failure, which stifles a child’s willingness to take risks and think outside the box. It also results in students consistently cheating. The Open Education Database online directory found that 61 percent of polled college students admitted to cheating. Worse, a study done at Fordham University found that, the average GPA for cheaters was higher than that of non-cheaters.
When good grades are valued above the honor system and actual learning, students turn to unethical choices like copying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to achieve them.
But some may say that one cannot be expected to think deeply about a topic without first knowing the basics of it through memorization. An online tutoring platform, Brightly, finds that an average
U.S. student takes 112 standardized tests between pre-K and grade 12, so others may argue that short-term memorization is promoted so teachers can prepare students for these tests.
Regardless, memorization should be the first step in learning, not the end goal. Without practical, real-world application, memorization fades quickly and loses value. In an uncertain future job landscape, where factual information is readily available online and AI can complete many previously human tasks, critical thinking and problem-solving are necessary to keep up and succeed.
To refocus our education on learning, our curriculum should incorporate more project-based assessments and interactive elements, like Socratic seminar discussions and field trips outside the classroom, to gain real-world application. Assessments should also include revisions that reflect growth, analysis questions and more common usage of low-stakes practice quizzes to prioritize understanding and encourage critical thinking.
Short-term memorization is like learning how to cook by memorizing a recipe — maybe you can cook a few great dishes, but only if you learn to understand and apply concepts in real-world scenarios will you flourish and become a great cook.
editorial
The difference between appreciation and appropriation
When culture becomes a costume
Halloween is supposed to be a night of imagination, a chance to step into someone else’s shoes, even if only for an evening. But what happens when those shoes belong to someone whose identity has been mocked or misrepresented? Every October, social media fills with pictures of people in “exotic,” “tribal” or “traditional” costumes that imitate cultures they don’t belong to. What’s often brushed off as a creative idea is actually cultural appropriation: The act of taking or using elements of another culture, especially one that has faced oppression, without understanding or respect.
Even though Halloween is meant to be fun, wearing costumes that stereotype another culture is not acceptable. What may seem like just a “joke” reinforces those stereotypes, normalizes insensitivity and spreads damaging messages. Apps like TikTok and Instagram reward shock value, encouraging users to post “edgy” looks that go viral for the wrong reasons. The more these posts circulate, the more harmful costumes become normalized.
Social media’s influence on cultural appropriation is complicated. On one hand, it has created awareness through movements like #IAmNotACostume, a campaign that began on Tumblr and spread onto Instagram against it. On the other hand, the same platforms amplify the very behavior they condemn. Offensive costumes shared for attention or humor can reach millions overnight, making mockery trendier than respect.
In 2024, a TikTok video of college students wearing blackface to imitate rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs went viral, sparking backlash online. While thousands condemned the act, the clip’s rapid spread revealed how quickly disrespectful portrayals turn into entertainment.
This pattern shows up every year, especially in how companies market “cultural” costumes for profit. Think about the “Indian princess,” geisha kimono or “Hawaiian” costumes still sold at major retailers every fall. Even dressing as rappers or wearing “shiestys,” durags or belly chains as accessories takes cultural fashion out of context. These aren’t tributes; they’re caricatures that reduce entire cultures into aesthetics.
Philosopher Erich Hatala Matthes breaks cultural appropriation into three types: theft, misuse and misrepresentation. Halloween costumes often fall into the third category; they misrepresent cultures by exaggerating or distorting sacred symbols, traditions and clothing for fun. When someone without Indigenous heritage dresses as Pocahontas, they’re not celebrating Native culture; they’re flattening an entire community into a movie character. These choices turn deeply personal attributes into temporary trends.
Some argue that dressing up in another culture’s clothing is appreciation, not appropriation. They say people today are “too sensitive” or that Halloween is just about pretending. But appreciation and appropriation aren’t the same. Appreciation means “the recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of something,” while appropriation means “the taking of something for one’s own use without permission.” The difference lies in respect: appreciation learns from culture, appropriation takes from it.
A Pew Research Center survey found that 34 percent of Americans think blackface in a Halloween costume is “always or sometimes acceptable,” and 58 percent said it’s acceptable to wear traditional dress from another culture as a Halloween costume. A contrasting College Fix poll found that 55 percent of college students believed offensive costumes should face disciplinary action.
For Generation Z, whose lives and trends revolve around online platforms, the power to change this culture lies in our hands. Instead of liking, reposting or laughing at offensive costumes, we can choose to elevate respect, representation and responsibilityespecially when the youth often look up to teens and their actions.
Before putting on a costume this Halloween, ask yourself: Do I understand this outfit’s background? Would someone from this culture find it disrespectful? Am I celebrating a culture or using it for attention? If the answer makes you hesitate, it’s probably not the right choice. Our creativity doesn’t need to come at someone else’s expense. We can still be imaginative, just without ignorance. Because when culture becomes a costume, we all lose something real: respect.
Editors-in-ChiEf
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BARKS and BITES are the collective opinions of the BARK staff concerning relevant issues. BARKS represent praise, while BITES represent critiques.
According to the First Nations Development Institute, the mass-produced “Indian princess” costume perpetuates dehumanization by romanticizing stereotypes of Indigenous and Native American women. A study from Manchester Metropolitan University adds that Halloween costumes often represent “neglected but important” examples of how fashion and media erase cultural context. Even a single outfit can reinforce stereotypes.
A BARK to John Summit. He is making us want to SUMMIT our applications to Boulder.
A BITE to the Louvre heist. Turns out it’s easier to steal artifacts than a Redwood parking pass.
A BARK to last minute Halloween costumes. Black cat or football jersey?
A BITE to Almond Joys. They don’t bring joy.
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A BARK to Sora AI. Wait, is this real?
A BITE to Halloween and November 1 deadlines being on the same weekend. It looks like we’ll be having a function in the library!
A BARK to being in group seven. Thanks for giving us another excuse to feel special.
A BITE to the SAT. Is there a curve?
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The harmful effects of skipping breakfast
By Angelina Purvey and Penelope Trott
If you grew up watching Disney Channel or Nickelodeon, chances are you’ve encountered a scene where parents have laid out a lavish breakfast spread with many tantalizing options. Instead of digging in, the child runs out the door, explaining that there is just simply no time to eat, or they are not hungry. Although such an extravagant breakfast may not be common, skipping breakfast is a choice many children and teens make almost every day when going to school.
In an October Bark survey, 23 percent of students reported that they don’t eat breakfast before school, while 32 percent only eat breakfast on some days of the week. This habit may seem minor, but many are unaware of the repercussions that come with skipping this part of their morning routine.
When skipping breakfast, students leave themselves with more damage than just an empty stomach. According to a National Institute of Health study, missing breakfast harms one’s brain performance, especially as it relates to cognitive tasks, like memory and recall. Additionally, skipping breakfast impacts stress levels, which students need to manage in order to focus. Essentially, a meal can determine a student’s success.
Nutritionist and Redwood parent Jacqueline Endler understands that much more is happening in the body when one misses this important meal than just hunger.
“You want to even out your blood
glucose levels and get your cortisol levels down. Your cortisol is a stress hormone, and it is really heightened when you wake up in the morning and your blood sugar is low. Once you regulate your blood sugar, your stress hormone comes down, which is really important for students who have a long day ahead of them, [where they] need to be alert and focused.” Endler said. “High school is stressful, right? Anything [students] can do to alleviate that for themselves is important.”
Research by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention found that around 72.6 percent of students in the United States skip breakfast at least once a week. Additionally, the study showed that students with a high belief that their peers and adults care about their well-being, and whose grades mostly consisted of As and Bs, were 30 percent less likely to skip breakfast.
One high school senior, who chose to remain anonymous (whom we will refer to as “Liv”) had experienced issues with memory and test performance due to a lack of breakfast in the morning. Liv also saw major differences in the way she felt emotionally and physically, depending on whether she ate breakfast.
“If you think about anxiety as noise in your head, there's just no way to really focus and concentrate when you have white noise happening inside your brain. The best way to stay alert and focus is to quiet that noise by having a good breakfast, [making] those stress hormones come down,” Endler said.
Senior varsity athlete Holly Thomas has made a goal to work breakfast into her everyday routine.
“It’s harder to focus [when I skip breakfast] mainly because I'm focused on how hungry I am.
In an October Bark survey, 23 percent of students reported they don’t eat breakfast before school
“[Without breakfast], it was so hard to walk around school. I remember
I can't keep doing the task at hand,” Thomas said. “My performance dips when I'm not able to focus well. And I'm obviously not able to focus well when I haven't had anything to eat or any energy in me.”
Thomas occasionally finds it difficult to consistently eat breakfast in the mornings while trying to manage morning activities and extracurriculars.
“[Sometimes] I'll have morning practice, and I'll eat before, and then I won't eat between morning practice and school. Then, in my class right before lunch, I'm hungry [and] I just can't focus,” Thomas said.
For Liv, timing is also an important factor in eating breakfast every morning.
because of their fast-paced lifestyles. Even with a time crunch, it is crucial to find time to eat, even if it’s only a quick bite.
“Start with something easy and fast. [High schoolers] are really rushed in the morning and don’t get enough sleep, so sometimes they don't want to give up those extra few minutes in bed to have some breakfast, but there are definitely some quick ways to get nutrition in your body,” Endler said. “You can grab a low-sugar yogurt [and] frozen waffles that are high in protein. You can pop [the waffles] in the toaster and bring them in the car. All those [options] are quick and easy. You just want
bark@redwoodbark.org
Illustration by Natalie Vinogradsky
SKIPPING BREAKFAST CAN have detrimental effects on students’ wellbeing and academic performance
Photo illustration by Penelope Trott
Government on pause
Understandng the U.S. shutdown
By Rosstin Pouradib
For the third week in a row, the federal government remains shut down as Republicans and Democrats were unsuccessful in agreeing on a spending bill. About 1.4 million federal workers are furloughed or working without pay, national parks are closed and some air traffic controllers have stopped showing up for work. Once again, leaders in Washington couldn’t agree on a new budget, causing the government to shut down.
The most recent shutdown began on Oct. 1 after Congress was unsuccessful to pass a funding plan for the new fiscal year. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives approved a stopgap measure, but the Senate, where 60 votes are required to pass such a bill, rejected it. Democrats demanded the renewal of health insurance tax credits and protection for Medicaid, while Republicans, backed by President Donald Trump, pushed for sweeping budget cuts. Lindsay Kornfeld, a government teacher, talks about what she believes is the root of the dilemma and how it’s approached in the classroom.
“This is the first shutdown in nearly seven years, but it’s really the culmination of decades of growing division,” Kornfeld said. “We look at it in class, not through a political lens, but as a failure of function. If the government exists to solve problems, why isn’t it doing that?”
According to Kornfeld, the shutdown offers a real-world example of how partisan divides can paralyze the system.
“When we talk about democracy, this is the reality versus the ideal. Our founders created a structure that was supposed to encourage compromise. What we’re
Troops are still receiving checks for now, but lawmakers warn that may not last. Meanwhile, Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo and dozens of parks, including Alcatraz Island and Independence Hall, have closed indefinitely.
Still, Sunwong says most people his age treat the shutdown with resignation rather than outrage.
“Everyone’s incredibly casual about it. It’s like people expect the government to be in shambles at this point. No one’s shocked, just kind of disappointed,” Sunwong said.
Kornfeld sees that attitude as part of a broader civic challenge.
“When you look at polling, young people are increasingly disenchanted with the government. There’s this generational fatigue; like, the government isn’t functioning the way it was meant to. Each shutdown is another tally mark in that growing distrust,” Kornfeld said.
In class, Kornfeld uses the shutdown as a learning opportunity for students. Students examine previous shutdowns, including the record-breaking 35-day closure in 20182019 and compare them to the current impasse.
“We talk about what ended those shutdowns and how this one is different. This time, the White House seems comfortable letting it drag on, even suggesting that some furloughed workers might not get back pay. That’s unprecedented,”
WORKERS PROTESTED JOB furloughs as the government
thousands unemployed, temporarily or permanently.
Kornfeld agrees that education is key to countering apathy.
“When students understand how something like a budget works — and how political divides can break it — they’re better equipped to think critically about the solutions. That’s how democracy stays alive,” Kornfeld said.
Despite their varying perspectives on the matter, both Kornfeld and Sunwong see some hope in awareness.
“When students care enough to ask why the government isn’t working, that’s the first step,” Kornfeld said.
stance has alarmed many federal employees. Trump told reporters last week that back pay “depends on who we’re talking about” and that some workers “don’t deserve to be taken care of.” In response, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries argued that the law guarantees all furloughed employees their full pay once the government reopens. For Sunwong, the political standoff feels like more evidence of a system out of
“I think politicians are blinded by power,” Sunwong said. “They care more about proving a point than keeping things stable. They’ve forgotten what people actually need from [the
He added that although all the facts are present, people themselves have to
“At first, I thought the shutdown only affected college funding, but when teachers broke it down, I realized it impacts everything: Medicare, foreign aid, research. You start to see how every part of the government is connected,” Sunwong said.
“Even just talking about it means you’re engaging with the system rather than tuning out.” Sunwong echoed that sentiment, questioning politicians and their system.
“I’d ask politicians how much they’d be willing to give up just to keep things stable, because at the end of the day, people just want to live in a country that works,” Sungwong said.
As the shutdown continues, the question remains whether lawmakers and the citizens watching from classrooms across the country can find a way to restore faith in the system before the next crisis begins.
rpouradib@redwoodbark.org
To read more of the Bark’s political coverage, check out Isha Patel’s article on the Trump administration’s stance on transgender issues.
shutdown leaves
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
Infographic by Zoe Peters
IllustrationbyRosstinPouradib
Illustration by Cora Champommier
When the fun ends and the thoughts begin
By Paige Catanese
The end of a social event doesn’t always mean the end of a night. For many teens, the farewell that closes out a hangout or gathering can mean the beginning of an exhausting mental cycle of overthinking. Thoughts like, “Did I really say that last night?” or “Did I embarrass myself in front of everyone?” start to spiral. This self-doubt has a name: Post-event processing (PEP).
PEP is the act of replaying social moments after the fact, fixating on mistakes, embarrassing moments and how others perceive you within social situations such as parties, hangouts and events. Rather than a meaningful reflection on social interactions, PEP reinforces negative moments by filtering out positives, leading to a cyclical loop of self-criticism.
As explained by local teenage and family-based therapist Arin Bass, there are two main parts of the brain active during PEP: the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. The amygdala, located deep in the brain, is responsible for regulating high-level emotions, including fear, anger and pleasure. When it senses a potential threat, such as an embarrassing social memory, it triggers the fight or flight response.
“The fight-or-flight response is linked to the caveman days when people relied on this response to fight or run away from [something] like a tiger. Fast forward to today, and that fight-or-flight response really hasn’t changed, but the threats have changed. We’re not being chased by tigers today. We’re experiencing what we think could be a negative or threatening event, but the part of our brain responsible for this hasn’t actually adapted,” Bass said.
Meanwhile, the prefrontal cortex, located in the front of the brain, regulates social interaction and working memory. However, for teenagers, the prefrontal cortex is far from fully developed.
“The prefrontal cortex is still developing in teens, and it won’t be fully mature until around age 25. So if you’re 15, you have another 10 years to go before your prefrontal cortex is fully developed. It’s ageappropriate; it’s not supposed to be fully developed until 25, but I think that’s why teens can get stuck in this ruminative thinking process,” Bass said.
The immature prefrontal cortex also affects memories. The part of the brain can store the negative experience and use this memory to predict future events, impacting an individual’s willingness to attend social events in the future.
“If somebody’s expecting they’re gonna have a negative experience at the party, then they’re only going to remember and interpret the event negatively. Even if something really great and positive happened,” Bass said. “Humans are wired to pick up
on the negative. It’s a survival mechanism.”
PEP is especially common in teens living in competitive areas such as Marin County. According to an October Bark Survey, 65 percent of Redwood students reported overthinking after social events.
“We live in an area of the country that is a huge metropolitan area, and there’s a huge population of highly competitive teenagers. Teens in this area probably have higher rates of anxiety than perhaps other areas of the country,” Bass said.
But certain personal qualities can exacerbate these feelings of rumination as well. One study at the Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy found that 86 percent to 96 percent of participants with social phobia or a major depressive disorder engaged in post-event processing after an embarrassing social situation.
“PEP can typically arise from a previous anxiety, social anxiety, underlying anxiety symptoms, or disorders,” Bass said. “Take two teenagers, same age, different genetics, different family experiences, different family systems currently, different friend groups or different definitions of success. One has social anxiety, one has low social anxiety. They’re going to the same party, same experience, but they’re going to interpret those experiences really differently.”
These differences in interpretations don’t only stem from personal experiences. Other factors, such as self-esteem, can play a major role in this cycle as well.
“A lot of people struggle with negative core beliefs or really negative critical self-talk. So that’s all kind of the breeding ground for this ruminative, over-analyzing, over-thinking experience of breaking down an experience in a social setting that can really
be disruptive to somebody’s life,” Bass said.
According to research conducted at the Alcohol Research Center at the Medical University of South Carolina, 20 percent of participants who struggle with social anxiety have alcohol dependence. But a buzz won’t prevent PEP. In fact, alcohol lowers inhibitions, causing users to make social choices that they may not make while sober. Senior Gigi Walravens has observed this behavior unravel in those around her during social events she’s attended.
“After a night of drinking alcohol, people experience that depressive effect of alcohol and are most likely going to be interpreting those experiences pretty negatively,” Bass said.
Alcohol also disrupts hippocampus activity, which is responsible for storing memory, and interferes with converting short-term memory into long-term memory.
“When you wake up the morning after and you realize what you could have said or you forget what you said to people, and you don’t know if it was nice or not, you’re scared people are mad at you or you’re scared that you did something embarrassing,” Walravens said.
PEP has worsened in modern generations, as actions can live indefinitely through social media. Life Lab teacher Nicolle Plescia has noticed this increase in anxiety in her own students and children.
“I’m teaching the movie ‘The Social Dilemma’ right now. Studies show that teenagers are less willing to take risks now than they were 20 years ago. Who wants to do something that could potentially be made fun of or turn up in some terribly mean gossip Instagram account where people say mean things about them?” Plescia said.
Social media can also trigger these thoughts when they may not have been present before.
“You’ll look at a photo and be like, ‘Why does my hair look that way?’ or ‘Why does my stomach look like that?’ And then you rethink everything, like ‘Was I talking to people with my hair looking like that?’” Walravens said.
“If a teen can use tools to interrupt this negative feedback loop of PEP and social anxiety, they can break the cycle,” Bass said.
“When drinking [alcohol is] involved, you’re just a different person. Your emotions and the way that you react to things just aren’t as real,” Walravens said.
There is also a science behind it: When alcohol is consumed, the calming neurotransmitter Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) is released, causing individuals to feel more relaxed. As the brain releases more GABA, it compensates by reducing these receptors and increasing excitatory neurotransmitters, which control muscle movement, memory, learning and motivation. As the alcohol wears off, the imbalance creates a state of anxiety and intensifies PEP.
The first step to breaking this cycle is realizing that PEP is a common experience amongst teens, which can be difficult due to the isolation that teenagers put themselves through when experiencing PEP. The second step is showing oneself compassion during times of suffering.
“There are a few components of self-compassion. One is acknowledging the pain you’re having. Turning towards the upset as opposed to avoiding it and pushing it away,” Bass said.
Whether it’s a small hangout or a large party, teenagers can be very hard on themselves and get stuck in this cycle of overthinking. Understanding what PEP is, and that it is common, can make those morningafter thoughts feel less isolating and more
“Reminding oneself that I am not alone. Other people are going through this. Suffering is part of being human,” Bass said.
pcatanese@redwoodbark.org
Breaking out or breaking down?
Acne’s impact under the surface
By Paige Edelen and Elle Wilson
“It
have acne, so being the only person [among my friends] who still has acne, I sometimes feel behind. Like, ‘why hasn’t mine cleared up?,’” senior Charlie Dickerson said. Continue on pg. 11...
Photo illustration Oren Weingarten
Illustration by Paloma Nacamuli
Illustration by Rosstin Pouradib
Breaking out or breaking down?
Continued from pg. 10...
Dickerson has struggled with acne since fifth grade. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, he is among the 50 million Americans who have Acne Vulgaris, a skin condition especially common among teenagers. While acne is often associated with pimples, blackheads and other visible blemishes, its psychological effects run much deeper than the surface of the skin.
Acne is often referred to as one of the most common skin disorders (Yale Medicine). Developing when hair follicles fill with oil, bacteria and dead skin cells, acne is considered a spectrum, ranging from mild cases that clear up in a few days to severe cases that can leave scars from painful nodules under the skin. Dermatologists and doctors categorize cases based on numerous factors, including severity and type of lesions.
Dickerson has experienced various forms of acne on his face and body.
“It’s kind of always been there,” Dickerson said. “I am always a little insecure about a bunch of red dots all over my face and back or my chest.”
Beyond being painful and irritating, having acne in high school also causes insecurity and the feeling of extreme isolation. A senior who wishes to remain anonymous, whom we’ll call “Rachel,” has faced issues with comparison due to her acne.
“All the time, I’ll look at people and notice they don’t have any acne or other marks on their skin,” Rachel said. “I get so jealous, and it makes me not want to go out because everyone [seemingly] has perfect skin, and I immediately think everyone’s looking at my [not perfect] skin.”
Rachel has experienced acne since seventh grade. Not only has Rachel felt an increase in self-consciousness, but she has also faced other psychological effects due to having acne.
“I know I’m not the only one who struggles with it, but I’ve definitely felt judged [by my acne]. When I’m talking to other people, I’ll look at their eyes and see if they’re looking at where I’m breaking out,” Rachel said.
Rachel is not alone in her feelings. In an October Bark survey, 76 percent of Redwood students self-reported that they have noticed a significant decrease in confidence or mental health due to acne; six percent of those students said they felt those feelings every single day.
This is not a Redwoodspecific issue: in a study done by the National Institute of Health (NIH), 89.3 percent of teens with severe acne faced decreased self-esteem, and 31.4 percent faced feelings of unworthiness. Self-worth and confidence are already low during adolescence due to the development of the prefrontal cortex (the hub of decision-making and self-esteem), but outside factors like societal and peer pressures, adult expectations and social media can all add to the overwhelming experience of being a teenager.
can’t do anything. It’s something you can’t control,” Dickerson said.
Not only have Dickerson and Rachel dreaded going out at times, but Rachel has also stayed home from places as important as school.
“I remember a lot of times I’ve not gone to school because I was so insecure about [my acne]. Especially in middle school and the beginning of high school, when you feel so judged in that time of your life already, acne just adds to that [insecurity],” Rachel said.
While missing a few school days or social events may seem harmless, it can lead to larger issues. According to the NIH, 20 percent of teens with severe acne struggled with relationship building. Additionally, during a study also conducted by the NIH, 22 percent of acne cases led to depression and 41.8 percent of cases led to anxiety.
While treatments can clear some people’s skin, unfortunately for many, acne does not end after meeting with a professional. “I kept going to the dermatologist and they would give me different [prescriptions and] antibiotics. It just never worked, which was the frustrating part,” Dickerson said.
I feel like I have [to cover my acne up] all the time. It can feel like the polite thing to do.
“Rachel,” anonymous senior
Pediatrician Julie Bokser, who is also a Marin resident and mom of teenagers, has seen the emotional toll acne can take.
“Teenage girls in particular suffer significant distress from acne, which [can] make them feel unattractive. Feelings like this can cause some teens to avoid social situations, participating in class, trying out for a sport or getting a job,” Bokser said in a written interview. “[Oftentimes,] the longer acne lasts, the more likely it is to impact a teen’s emotional well-being.”
This raises the question: if so many people are struggling with acne and its severely harmful effects, why isn’t it talked about more?
One answer may be the plentiful available treatment options. Severe acne cases, such as those of Dickerson and Rachel, can often be the driving factor to seek medical help. Many pursue professional assistance from a dermatologist, who can prescribe various treatments, including Isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane, topical creams, face washes or other prescribed remedies.
[Acne] can feel like a sign of immaturity.
Charlie Dickerson, senior
Rachel can sometimes feel self-conscious enough to the point where she is apologetic to others because of her own acne.
“I’m so grateful makeup exists, because I feel like I have [to cover my acne up] all the time. It can feel like the polite thing to do,” Rachel said.
Having low self-worth can have detrimental outcomes. As Rachel mentioned, a breakout can easily lead to anxiety in public spaces due to fear of being seen or judged because of her acne. Dickerson has had similar experiences.
“There have been times where I’ve [thought] ‘I really don’t want to go out [because of my acne],’ but I don’t really have a choice. That’s the other thing about acne; it sits there for a week or two [and] you
By Olen Johnson and Charlie Anderson
The crowd echoed, counting down the final seconds—five, four, three, two ... Determined to make the game-winning catch, Demitri Farr jumped as high as he could, using all of his strength, reaching towards the ball. Then, “BOOM!” Demitri was suddenly knocked to the ground by the towering defender, all the force crashing down on his right
Bokser has noticed the various treatment options available. As someone who regularly works with teens, she has a protocol she routinely uses with adolescent patients, especially those who might be struggling.
“When I’m concerned about a teen, I may ask whether they are worried or unhappy with how they look. In particular, in teens with acne, I often let them know that most teens experience acne and then ask whether they are worried about their skin,” Bokser said. “Teens are often embarrassed to bring up their worries about acne, and I find it helpful to bring it up in a non-judgmental way and normalize that acne is part of adolescence.”
Dickerson began seeking help by visiting the dermatologist in eighth grade in hopes of clearing up his skin, but has had little luck so far.
“I only started Accutane about a month ago, so I haven’t really seen the full effects of it yet. I’ve done all the [prescribed topical medications] they give out, and they’ve never really worked,” Dickerson said.
Accutane is an oral name-brand medication to relieve severe acne. It’s often prescribed as a last resort when other remedies don’t work. Rachel began taking Accutane during her freshman year and was on it for around seven months.
“It was definitely worth it, but it really tested my patience. It makes you ‘purge,’ so you break out really badly and it makes your skin super dry. It felt like it got worse [before it got better], and it was very frustrating,” Rachel said.
knee. “POP,” an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and meniscus tear that will prevent Demitri from playing for an entire year. All of that work—every late-night film session, every early morning lift and every physically draining practice—gone. Just like that. Demitri’s experience may be fictional, but serious injuries are far from made up. They are a part of being an athlete...
Rachel and Dickerson are not the only ones who have tried multiple treatments for their acne. In the same October Bark survey, 47 percent of students reported that they are currently or have once taken a form of acne medication. However, Rachel feels as though its prevalence often goes unacknowledged.
“I never hear anyone talking about it. It’s common for girls to have a lot of insecurities, because of how they look or beauty standards or something else,” Rachel said.
“To me, acne is the exact same as wanting your body to be different. People talk about [those beauty standards], but nobody really talks about acne, and it [can be] a really deep insecurity.”
Even though acne isn’t talked about often, Dickerson’s experience has played a large role in his life.
“It’s kind of become who I am. I [recently realized] that most of my friends have never seen me with clear skin. It’s not a bad thing, but it can just feel weird,” Dickerson said.
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Illustration by Rosstin Pouradib
In April of 2017, teen suicide rates jumped 29 percent from the previous month. Coincidentally, the hit television series “13 Reasons Why,” which follows the aftermath of high school student Hannah Baker's suicide, was released on March 31, 2017. Within 28 days of its release, the show garnered 476 million watch hours. The show received an incredible amount of backlash from critics, parents and viewers due to its graphic details depicting Baker’s death, and has come extremely close to being taken off Netflix multiple times since its release. So, was the timing truly a coincidence?
Shows that tackle sensitive topics, such as suicide, can be praised for raising awareness through exposing the personal and societal impacts; however, “13 Reasons Why” suggests that these shows may do more harm than good.
Part of this harm can come from how audiences connect to characters, also known as parasocial relationships. This physiological concept goes much further than having a favorite show or movie and wanting to watch it on repeat. Parasocial relationships are a phenomenon that occurs when viewers form emotional bonds with fictional characters, often mirroring their personality traits and judgments as they would with real-life people.
Sure, if your favorite film is about a smart, caring, responsible person, this wouldn't be too bad. But those are not the films that sell. To ensure that a show is entertaining, producers and writers constantly have to overly dramatize conflict, tragedy and behaviors. That's where shows like “13 Reasons Why,” “Euphoria” and “Breaking Bad” come into play, which cover sensitive topics like substance abuse, suicide and mental illnesses. The line between shows raising awareness versus influencing teens becomes blurred when parasocial relationships enter the conversation.
Psychology
teacher Jonathan Hirsch uses social learning theory, a psychological framework suggesting that people learn new behaviors, attitudes and skills by observing and imitating others, to further explain the relationship between viewers and films.
“[People] think that a child who has been abused would grow up thinking, ‘I never want that to happen to anyone.’ But we know that's not the way it works. Children who are abused are more likely to
By
be abusers,” Hirsch said. “That really comes down to what is normalized. A child who has never been abused would likely never think to do that [to another person] because we mimic social learning theory [and] imitate what we see as normal and acceptable.”
Teenagers are the most susceptible to the dangerous effects of these shows due to their young age and relatability to the content, which usually focuses on high school characters and experiences. Senior Catherine Tang shared her experience with social learning theory from the perspective of a teenage girl, the target audience for many of these shows.
“There are times when you'll see characters, especially when you're younger and more impressionable, and you're like, ‘Oh, my God, that character is so cool. I want to be just like them.’ Whether it's the way they dress or act. But that also [includes] the bad things,” Tang said.
The warnings on the screen and TV ratings’ age limit, efforts to prevent immature audiences from viewing these shows, only do so much. All it takes is the click of a button confirming the viewer is old enough to view, and they have successfully passed the barrier.
“When [Euphoria and 13 Reasons Why] shows came out, we [high schoolers] were in middle school. If you watch them [in high school or older], you might be more educated, and it might not influence you as much. Even though they say a [TV] rating, that's not gonna stop people from watching them. They're still accessible, even if it says ‘TV-MA,’” Tang said.
Hirsch similarly believes that as one ages, they are less susceptible to negative influences.
“The power of influence exists whether we're aware of it [or not]. If we're aware of the possibility that something or someone is influencing us, that influence usually goes away,” Hirsch said. Though teenagers frequently attempt to prove their maturity to their parents or peers, their understanding of maturity may be warped by TV shows, leading them to make poor decisions.
“Teens are instinctively trying to be adults, but without guidance, they don't necessarily know what ‘adulting’ means,” Hirsch said.
One topic amplified through television shows is death. While death is often spoken about, the true impact of it is unfamiliar to most youth. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), only 5 percent of children in America
Hilah Brekhus-Lavinsky
Illustration by Natalie Vinogradsky
Illustrations by Rosstin Pouradib
Data from National Institute of Health
have experienced losing a loved one under the age of 75, resulting in a desensitization to death.
“Teenagers who haven’t experienced [knowing someone who has died] have a really visceral understanding of the finality of death. When you combine that with the romanticization of it on TV, that becomes dangerous,” Hirsch said.
The NIH also states that approximately four percent of youth know someone who has died by suicide. Senior Tobias Foster has speculated as to why “13 Reasons Why” had such a large effect on teens.
“[13 Reasons Why] really brought attention to the fact that suicide is an option for people to take,” Foster said.
Another example of a TV series about teenagers is “Gossip Girl,” which is a staple series from the early 2000s that amassed over 3.5 million views in the first season alone. One of the main characters, Blair Waldorf, is a seemingly perfect girl, but throughout the series, it is often mentioned that Blair had bulimia, an eating disorder characterized by overeating and then self-induced vomiting, and it even featured flashbacks to when she was struggling the most with it.
through watching shows and relating to characters. I know people who get really attached to shows because something about it speaks out to them. It almost becomes a community, which can be good,” Tang said.
“[Blair is seen as] perfect. Everyone wants to be exactly like her. People even dress up as her for Halloween. They aspire to be like her. The way they [portrayed Blair’s eating disorder in the show] is not negative. They make it seem cool,” Tang said. “If you see [characters] with a crazy eating disorder and you view them as cool, then you're like, ‘Oh, that's cool. I like the way it looks. Let me try that.’”
Hirsch expands on this idea of how the human tendency to form connections between fictional characters can be harmful to teenagers.
“Teens are looking for belonging somewhere and constantly searching for their identity. Sometimes we connect with TV shows, and can experience a sense of belonging with a show. It could be a good thing if the messaging is good, but it could be really problematic. [Teens] identify [with a character] and say, ‘yes, that's me, that character speaks to me’, then we instinctively try to mimic it,” Hirsch said.
Tang recognizes the security these shows bring to many teenagers, offering them a sense of belonging during times of stress and loneliness. This sense of belonging doesn't always have to influence harmful behaviors, such as suicide and eating disorders, but can inspire honorable behaviors and traits for viewers.
“People who are strongly influenced probably didn't have a strong community. They get their community
.“Gilmore Girls” is another popular show from the early 2000s about the wholesome relationship between a spunky mother and a quiet, intelligent daughter.
“I know people who love Gilmore Girls, and they aspire to be academically [successful, like the main character Rory]. In that way [parasocial relationships] are beneficial,” Tang said.
However, the danger of influence begins when teenagers romanticize suicide, substances and mental
“[In TV], there’s a real downplaying of the risks and downsides of [drug use] so teens are not exposed to the consequences of that,” Hirsch said. “We have to be more deliberate about what aspects of [drug use] we are normalizing. [Shows] normalize the finality, the loss and the grieving, [which] is really risky. There's no such thing as safe use. [Instead, we need to] normalize the consequences of it.”
Another popular show, “Breaking Bad,” is about the life of high school teacher Walter White as he manufactures and distributes methamphetamine alongside his partner and former student, Jesse Pinkman. Though “Breaking Bad” involves addiction, Foster thinks that the show does an adequate job of avoiding negative influences and stressing the importance of including the consequences of drug use.
“‘Breaking Bad’ did a good job because it showed the monetary gain that Walter had from selling the drugs, but it also showed what that did to him mentally, as well as Jesse Pinkman, who was an addict. While [Walter] enjoyed it and had a good time doing it, the effects that it had on him and the people that loved him just weren't worth it. I do think it's important that both sides of the story are illustrated,” Foster said.
The solution to the negative influence that TV can have on teens is not simple. It is extremely unlikely that the film industry will forfeit its creative freedom and stop making these shows.
“The wrong thing is to avoid shows like these; that's unrealistic. Shows like these can bring awareness to [sensitive] topics, but they can have the opposite effect. [We should bring] awareness through schools and provide resources for people who may be susceptible to being swayed by these TV shows. Then people can benefit from that, rather than just not watching them at all,” Foster said.
hbrekhuslavinsky@redwoodbark.org
Brekhus-Lavinsky
español español
Celebrando el Día de los Muertos a través de tradiciones
Por Hayden Martay
Cada principio de noviembre durante el Día de los Muertos, las familias de México y América Latina llenan sus hogares con flores de cempasúchil, velas y fotografías para honrar a sus seres queridos que han fallecido. Los estudiantes del programa de Desarrollo del Lenguaje Inglés (ELD) y los maestros incorporan esas mismas tradiciones en sus propias celebraciones.
Para Omar Gutiérrez, un estudiante de tercer año cuyos padres son de México, el Día de los Muertos es más que una festividad; es una forma de mantener viva la historia familiar.
“Mi tradición favorita es el día en que celebramos y conmemoramos a los muertos, a nuestros antepasados que dejaron el mundo de los vivos y pasaron a otra vida,” Gutiérrez dijo.
Cada año, Gutiérrez ayuda a su tía a construir una ofrenda para honrar a su abuelo.
“Ayudo a mi tía. Ella hace una ofrenda para mi abuelo y le pone pan y candelabros,” Gutiérrez dijo. “También pone fruta y hace un platillo típico que a él le gustaba cuando estaba vivo… y lo prepara y lo pone en la ofrenda, junto con su bebida favorita. Usualmente hacen un platillo tradicional se llama mole...Lo preparan para compartir con la familia y celebrar.”
Para Gladis López, estudiante de primer año, el Día de los Muertos significa
unión.
“Para mí, es más como pasar tiempo con la gente,” Lopez dijo. “Todos no están en su teléfono; entonces hablamos.”
López celebra la festividad con su padrastro, quien creció en México y llevó la tradición a su hogar.
“Tenemos un lugar donde ponemos fotos de nuestra familia… también ponemos lo que les gustaba comer, como pan dulce o tamales; depende de la persona,” López dijo.
Para ambos estudiantes, la celebración se trata de recordar, no de lamentar.
“Solo hablamos de las cosas divertidas que recordamos de ellos,” López dijo. “Es solo para hablar de ellos y recordarlos.”
Mientras estudiantes como Gutiérrez y López continúan las tradiciones de sus familias en México, la profesora de ELD y de Español Avanzado (AP) Deborah McCrea también honra la festividad. Su esposo, originario de México, le enseñó las costumbres del Día de los Muertos mientras vivían en el vecindario del Canal, en San Rafael, durante 10 años.
“Mi esposo es de México, entonces
él y yo vivimos en Canal por diez años y colaboramos con una fiesta muy grande en Canal el Día de los Muertos, y siempre vamos… ver los altares, los bailes, el arte y los niños,” dijo. En casa, McCrea honra a sus seres queridos creando una ofrenda llena de los objetos que más apreciaban.
“El año pasado, desafortunadamente, murieron muchas personas cercanas a mí. Mi papá, uno de mis mejores amigos y un hombre a quien admiraba mucho,” McCrea dijo. “El año pasado en el Día de los Muertos, teníamos las fotos en mi casa y las cosas que les gustaban… Hay agua, flores, cempasúchil, velas y papel picado.”
A través de las perspectivas tanto de estudiantes como de maestros, el Día de los Muertos conecta generaciones, comunidades y culturas. Arraigada en tradiciones únicas de cada familia, la festividad ofrece una manera de honrar a los seres queridos y llevar su herencia cultural a donde sea que vayan.
hmartay@redwoodbark.org
Luis Barajas Ochoa: sembrando esperanza, naturaleza y comunidad en las paredes
de Marin
Por Annabelle Walker
Luis Barajas es un artista mural del sur de California que recientemente pintó un hermoso mural en San Anselmo, Marin. El mural cubre cuatro paredes, cada una con su propia conexión con el mundo y la comunidad local. La pared frontal muestra una niña plantando una flor en una colina. A su izquierda, hay basura que flotado en el océano y un oso polar sobre un iceberg que se derrite. A su derecha hay una tortuga nada en aguas contaminadas y sobre ella, hay un cielo naranja y ahumado. En conjunto estas partes del mural representan los principales problemas mundiales, y la imagen central infunde esperanza a las nuevas generaciones para restaurar la salud de nuestro mundo a través de la naturaleza.
Barajas está extremadamente centrado en el simbolismo de su trabajo, así como en su conexión con la naturaleza.
“El muro con la niña plantando el árbol representa la siembra de esperanza y crecimiento. A su alrededor se encuentran las cosas de las que intentamos alejarnos,
como el cambio climático,” dijo Barajas.
Siempre le ha gustado el arte, especialmente en el colegio. Tras trabajar en la industria de la restauración durante muchos años, decide volver a la escuela para arte, donde ha completado un programa de cuatro años.
“Uno de mis profesores me sugirió que hiciera murales. Tuve que aprender a gestionar contratos, correos electrónicos, y todo lo anterior. Antes de graduarme conseguí mi primer trabajo profesional como muralista,” dijo Barajas.
Barajas explicó que su obra está profundamente conectada con su amor por la belleza del medioambiente. Vio la solicitud del mural en Café, un sitio web donde hay varias convocatorias para galerías, arte público, y subvenciones. La convocatoria hablaba sobre el cambio climático y los aspectos infantiles del mural que solicitaban.
“Mis empleadores quieren árboles, quieren algo que tenga que ver con la naturaleza. Pensé, ese soy yo, porque soy un gran aficionado a los animales y la naturaleza,” dijo
Barajas.
El proceso para conseguir la oportunidad de pintar este mural no fue fácil. Comenzó con aproximadamente sesenta y ocho solicitantes, y tras varias rondas de selección a lo largo de un mes, finalmente llegó al top cinco concursantes cuando le pidieron que presentara su idea. La pintura del mural le llevó diecisiete días, algunas de los cuales se vieron interrumpidos por el mal clima y lluvia lo que dificulto su trabajo.
“Las pendientes representaron un gran desafío, era extremadamente difícil mover la escalera y evitar caerse,” dijo Barajas.
“Creo que a la gente le ha encantado. Siguen diciendo que les encanta que sea apto para niños y que tenga un mensaje tan positivo para el futuro,” dijo Barajas.
Noto mucho apoyo a su trabajo por parte de la gente que pasaba mientras él trabajaba.
Le encanta escuchar cuánto le gusta su trabajo a la gente, porque antes de esto, estaba pasando por un periodo de rechazo, negación tras negación.
“Empezaba a pensar ‘quizás no soy bueno en esto’, o ‘quizás mi arte es pésimo’, pero al escuchar a la gente que amaba mi arte, no tienen idea de lo increíble que me hizo sentir,” dijo Barajas.
En general, Barajas está sumamente agradecido por la oportunidad de crear este mural para la comunidad de Marin y honrar la tierra donde se encuentra. Disfruta del proceso de creación y es sumamente apasionado sobre las ideas que expresa.
“Siento que pude traspasar nuevos límites al expresar mi estilo. En general, siento que pude ser yo mismo en él y realmente se nota,” dijo Barajas.
awalker@redwoodbark.org
Foto cortesía de Luis Barajas
Who’s the spookiest of them all? A rating of Halloween decorations
By Maggie Schwartz
by Maggie Schwartz
As the days grow colder and the nights stretch longer, Halloween creeps closer and closer. There are some signs of this as one drives around town: changing leaves, warmer clothing—and most of all—the decorations on the houses. From spiderwebs to skeletons, a few houses reliably deck themselves out the second it hits Oct. 1. The question is: which town does Halloween best?
Tiburon
Coming in last place is Tiburon. With the properties spread out and commonly behind gates, solid decoration is hard to come by. A good rule of thumb is the flatter the better. Up in the hills, the spirit is low, but venturing downtown or in Belveron will reveal hidden gems and gravestones. Most commonly found here are pumpkins on porches and spiderwebs in bushes.
Bark Beats
By Zander Hakimi
Midnight Sun - Zara Larsson
Corte Madera
Next up is Corte Madera. While it surpasses Tiburon, walking the streets here is unlikely to impress. You're more likely to spot a witch or zombie over here, but despite the consistency, the quality of decoration doesn't quite measure up. Corte Madera earns bonus points from Town Center’s festive setup.
Kentfield
While the streets of Kentfield are beautiful, their scare factor is lacking. A level up from Corte Madera, the houses of Kentfield fall right in the middle of the ranking. One can certainly be able to tell it is October thanks to the effort residents put in, but it's not quite there yet. Not until the number of gravestones becomes concerningly high will Kentfield truly enter the competition.
Larkspur
The spirit of Halloween is prevalent in Larkspur. With countless skeletons in yards and figures in windows, a chill crawls up the spine when walking around. Huge shout-out to Hillview, where horsesized spiders on the roof can be seen from miles away. The scary level here makes up for what Creekside lacks across town.
Paradise Cay
While technically part of Tiburon, it felt unjust to let its neighboring communities drag Paradise down. Providing the perfect trick-or-treating experience for Tiburon kids wanting a change of scenery, Paradise Cay is a compact collection of houses that all get the memo. With ghosts and clowns outnumbering residents, Paradise Cay is a factory of core memories waiting to be turned on.
Ross
costumes and candy; it's about a month of fun and scares. With houses decorated to the nines, Ross does Halloween right. One house even features a row of animatronics, waiting to jump out at any moment. Whether you're walking or driving, do so at your own risk—Ross is the place to be.
Whether it's a single pumpkin or a life-size witch, decorating your house for Halloween provides a service to the community. By taking a few extra minutes out of your day, you could make someone's journey through the neighborhood that much more enjoyable. Skeleton or clown, grave or web, the Halloween spirit is appreciated.
Coming out on top, to no one's surprise, is Ross. Ross residents understand that Halloween is not just about the
Swedish singer-songwriter Zara Larsson released her seventh studio album, “Midnight Sun.” The album is short, but it delivers just the right amount.The album's opening track, “Midnight Sun,” is my personal song of the summer despite it being released in September. Larsson says in the song, “Summer isn't over yet, ” and makes me wish this album had been released earlier this year. Larsson opens up in the vulnerable ballad “Saturn’s Return,” which puts her vocal display on full blast.
In all, “Midnight Sun” makes you want summer to last forever, and brings some unbelievably catchy and entertaining songs, creating a standout album in Larsson's discography.
Vie - Doja Cat
Doja Cat released her fifth studio album “Vie” to an underwhelming reception. Still congruent with poprap, Doja has traded the trap beats for 80s synths and critically-acclaimed producer Jack Antonoff. While the overall album became a little repetitive
mschwartz@redwoodbark.org
at times, songs like “Gorgeous” stand out from the rest. Often, the rap verses in the album can feel jarring, but “Gorgeous” works because it is clean and cohesive.
A song I was highly anticipating, “Take Me Dancing (feat. SZA),” ended up being a disappointment with SZA’s verse falling flat.
In conclusion, “Vie” overstays its welcome and becomes a little repetitive and predictable by the final track. However, “Vie” is still very much worth a listen and delivers some songs that perfectly highlight Doja Cat’s talent.
Sincerely: P.S. - Kali Uchis
Singer-songwriter Karly Marina Loaiza, known globally as Kali Uchis, released a deluxe version of her sixth studio album "Sincerely" titled "Sincerely: P.S.” The album explores themes of strong love and devotion for another and masterfully blends elements of R&B and pop.
"Sincerely: P.S.” opens up with “Heaven is a Home….” Uchis’s vocals instantly blow you away and create an ethereal vibe, perfect for sleepless nights. The second track on the album “Sugar! Honey! Love!” is filled with astounding whistle notes and will make you fall in love with Uchis’s vocal range. Songs like “Loose My Cool”
deliver sultry R&B, while “Cherry on Top” brings catchy and whimsical melodies.
Overall, "Sincerely: P.S.” builds off of its predecessor, is worthy of the “deluxe” title and Uchis delivers some of her best work.
Deadbeat - Tame Impala
Kevin Parker, Australian singer-songwriter and producer, commonly known as Tame Impala, released his fifth studio album “Deadbeat.” The album blends elements of indie and psychedelic rock as well as sounds of techno and Electronic Dance Music (EDM).
The third single off the album, “Dracula,” is a standout as it delivers a catchy hook similar to Parker’s most wellknown song, “The Less I Know The Better.” The album’s standouts include the trance-like “Loser” and “Not My World”, while songs like “Ethereal Connection” and “End of Summer” deliver more upbeat and EDM sounds.
In all, “Deadbeat” is a solid addition to Tame Impala’s discography and deserves a listen from fans who have listened to him before, to any casual listeners as well.
zhakimi@redwoodbark.org
MONSTERS OF ALL shapes and sizes hang out in this Kentfield yard.
Photo
Illustration by Olivia Hamm
Illustration by Natalie Vinogradsky
A spirited showcase Reviewing this year’s homecoming rally
By Lauren Ellington
On Oct. 15, 2025, the annual Homecoming Rally took place, packing the main gym with hundreds of spirited students eager to watch as their classmates dive headfirst into The Great Unknown with skits full of surprises. During homecoming week, each grade performs a skit in front of the whole school in the main gym, competing against each grade for the great honor of bragging rights and a year’s worth of class pride.
Freshmen 2/5
The freshmen went first, charging through the gym with their Class of 2029 flag, featuring Mount Tamalpais and a sunset backdrop. Throughout the skit, the freshman received boos from upperclassmen. Despite this, they did incorporate a few creative touches — including lighting effects and gymnastic stunts — that stood out. However, the performance overall felt disorganized and underrehearsed. Timing was off, transitions were messy and the skit struggled to hold the crowd’s attention. Although they added in some captivating elements, the freshman failed to beat the “worst skit” stereotype.
Sophomores 3.5/5
Stepping it up, the sophomores were the underdogs in the rally, ultimately earning an impressive second place. They added a humorous twist to their under-the-sea theme with inflatable shark costumes and lively performances. Raising the bar for underclassmen with innovative choreography to songs like “Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’” from “Teen Beach Movie” and “Jaws Main Theme” from “Jaws”. This underrated class showed up with fun, comedic elements and popular, fitting songs.
Photo by Oren Weingarten
WAVING THEIR CLASS flag, senior boys celebrate their final homecoming skit in coordinated attire.
Juniors 4/5
Progressing to the main bleachers, the juniors made their presence known with a routine that was really out of this world! With great song choices like viral TikTok dance “Sweet Escape” by Gwen Stefani and “Starships” by Nicki Minaj, their in-sync dances and contagious energy even caught the energy of the senior boys, who had turned their backs in mock protest yet couldn’t resist joining in. The juniors’ showmanship, coordination and
connection with the audience made it clear they were serious contenders this year. Integrating both simple and complex routines with fun tricks, the juniors should have earned their place above the sophomores, although with junior boys going off-script, storming the senior student section, ultimately deducing enough points to place them below the sophomores.
Seniors 4.5/5
Finally, the seniors closed out the rally with a performance full of flips and tricks and dynamic routines that truly brought the jungle theme to life. Their choreography is set to songs like “Welcome To The Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses, “Real In Rio” from “Rio” and “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé. The crowd erupted in cheers as the seniors nailed aerial cartwheels, synchronized flips and fluid formations. Their powerful stage presence and technical skill undeniably earned them first place in the skits.
lellington@redwoodbark.org
From stoops to stove with recipes for leftover pumpkins
By Natalie Vinogradsky
As Halloween is ending, you might find yourself with extra pumpkins lying around, whether it's from the pumpkins on your doorstep or some extra pumpkins on sale at a grocery store. If you're not sure what to do with the leftovers, don't worry and most importantly, don't let them go to waste. Here are some recipes that are a great way to use fresh or canned pumpkin instead of throwing it out.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Simplicity to make: 5/5
This recipe is made with a couple of simple ingredients that anyone could find in their pantry. It is almost as easy as making regular chocolate chip cookies, just with the addition of the pumpkin puree and pumpkin spices. An upside to this recipe is that it takes only 12 minutes to bake in the oven, but a downside is waiting for the cookie dough to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Although there was a wait, during the time it took to chill was the perfect amount of time to clean up and wait for the oven to preheat.
Taste: 5/5
These cookies were super chewy and soft, with the perfect amount of chocolate chips. The pumpkin flavor was not too overpowering, making it perfect for someone who doesn’t like an overwhelming amount of pumpkin.
Overall, the cookie was simple in taste and in preparation, making it a solid 4/5.
Pumpkin Swirl Brownies
Simplicity to make: 4/5
This recipe takes a bit more time than a regular brownie mix, but still easy to make. There are two main components to this recipe: The brownie base and the cream cheese batter, which are later combined in a pan to make the gorgeous swirl design seen on top. The main drawbacks to this recipe are the need to make two separate batters and the long baking time of about 40 minutes. Overall, it's an impressive-looking dessert that doesn't require advanced baking skills.
Taste: 3/5
It is rich and fudgey in taste, with a strong flavor of pumpkin cheesecake mixed into it. The pumpkin layer adds a chewy taste, but comes across as overpowering, especially when mixed with such a strong chocolate taste. If you like a very strong pumpkin flavor and are a chocolate fanatic, this is the recipe for you, but if not, you might find that this dessert is overly sweet.
Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Simplicity to make: 3/5
This recipe is pretty straightforward and doesn't require
a mixer, but it does require an extra step of browning the butter in a pan and constantly stirring it while it chills for an hour. Although it isn't hard to make, it requires extra time to prepare. Another downside is the chilling time in the fridge, which can be five to 10 minutes of waiting time. The good thing about this recipe is that it only needs 12 minutes in the oven to bake, so you can enjoy it quickly after making it.
Taste: 5/5
These cookies are soft and full of the warm snickerdoodle cinnamon taste, with an amazing addition of the pumpkin spices that work very well together. The cinnamon sugar coating gives it the right amount of sweetness and a perfect taste of fall.
For overall taste, the snickerdoodles win, as the flavor is very well balanced and a good combination of the sugary taste from the original Snickerdoodle and the added pumpkin spice. But, if you are in a rush and just need to create a super simple and well-tasting cookie, I recommend the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, as they require minimal prep and bake pretty quickly.
nvinogradsky@redwoodbark.org
WARM AND SALTY, these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies capture the taste of fall in every bite.
SWIRLED WITH FLAVORS of pumpkin cheesecake and brownie, it’s a perfect sweet treat.
CINNAMON, SUGAR AND pumpkin – a classic fall trio.
Illustration by Olivia Hamm
The best cliche first dates to secure a second one!
By Hilah Brekhus-Lavinsky
First dates are basically a social experiment disguised as a nice evening out. Even the most confident person suddenly forgets how to make decisions and ends up planning something from the “default date ideas” starter pack: ice cream, sunset, or mini golf. Are these ideas original? Not even close. But they’re classics for a reason: low-pressure, easy exits and just the right amount of awkward silence potential. Here are the top cliché first dates, ranked on awkwardness, entertainment level and how quickly you can fake an emergency if things go south.
AN ICE CREAM date is an opportunity to share a bowl, prompting a romantic memorable moment.
Ice Cream: 5 stars!
Ah, the ice cream date. Unimaginative? Yes. Brilliant? Also yes. First of all, it’s the perfect length: anywhere from 30 minutes (“Oh no, I left the oven on!”) to a few hours if the conversation is actually going well. Bonus: it comes in with a built-in exit strategy. Just say your phone’s at two percent and your dog might be sick. You also get that sweet moment of seeing who will offer to pay first, which tells you everything you need to know about their vibe (aka are they generous or have they “forgotten their wallet”?). The one downside: if you’re a self-conscious eater, nothing feels worse than slowly melting dairy dripping down your hand while you pretend you’re totally chill about it.
Sunset: 4 stars!
In Marin County, going to watch a sunset is practically a dating rite of passageyou’re not really in a relationship until you've awkwardly sat on a blanket in slightly too much wind. On paper, it’s romantic. In real life, it can be two hours of forced small talk, trying to act unbothered by dirt in your shoe while you silently pray the sun hurries up and sets already. But sunset spots are very telling.
If your date takes you to Bolinas Ridge, that’s a public, meaningful gesture. If they take you to a secret spot they swear no one knows about and turn off Snap map? Yeah, you’re not meeting their friends. Or their dog. Or their mom. Still, the drama, the view and the potential for cute golden hour pics?
Mini Golf: 4 stars!
This one's criminally underrated. A mini golf date feels like something out of a 2000s rom-com, and we mean that in the best way. It’s fun, it’s interactive, and it gives you something to focus on besides how weird your laugh sounds when you’re nervous. Also, it’s an easy way to gauge how competitive someone is-are they laughing off missed shots, or aggressively sweating over hole 3? Now, if your date swings like they've never seen a ball before, it could kill the vibe. But honestly? Watching someone fail at mini golf is a bonding experience. Bonus point if you end the night at an arcade. Sure, these dates are overdone, but “overdone” is just another word for timetested and slightly awkward in a charming way. So next time you're planning a first date, don't stress about being wildly original. Go basic, go safe, go slightly cheesy. At least you'll have something to laugh about later. And hey-if all else fails, you still got ice cream out of it.
Taking note of smarter study strategies
By Brooke Hansen
Effective studying is fundamental to academic success, yet students often struggle to find methods that optimize learning. In my experience, exploring multiple study strategies can reveal which approaches work best for different subjects. I found that digital platforms such as Khan Academy and ChatGPT provide complementary benefits when combined with traditional note-taking. Each method has unique advantages and limitations, and understanding these can help students tailor their study routines.
Khan Academy: Structured and guided learning
Khan Academy is a free online platform that offers video lessons, interactive experiences and progress tracking in subjects ranging from mathematics and science to history and economics. I found that the structure's curriculum is particularly helpful for building foundational knowledge. Visual explanations and interactive exercises reinforced understanding, while the platform’s progress reports allow students to identify areas needing improvement.
However, I also found that Khan Academy has limitations. Advanced topics are sometimes insufficiently covered, particularly at higher education levels. Additionally, passive video consumption without active engagement can reduce retention. Overall, Khan Academy is most effective for subjects requiring step-bystep problem solving, such as mathematics and science, and for students who benefit from a clearly organized learning path.
ChatGPT: Personalized and interactive support
ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence-based tool, provides immediate explanations, answers to questions and interactive engagement with academic content. I found it especially useful for clarifying concepts in the humanities and social sciences, where understanding context and nuance is crucial. ChatGPT also helps with brainstorming ideas, essay planning and reviewing material efficiently.
Yet ChatGPT has drawbacks. I found that some explanations may be incomplete or occasionally inaccurate, so it is important to cross-check information with trusted sources. Additionally, relying too heavily on the platform can limit critical thinking and problem-solving skills. When used judiciously, however, it can serve as an effective supplement to other study methods.
Traditional note-taking: Active engagement and retention
Traditional note-taking remains a reliable method for retaining and synthesizing information. I found that writing summaries, creating outlines and using visual aids actively engage my brain, improving both comprehension and memory. Notes can be tailored to personal learning preferences and provide a flexible resource for exam preparation or integrating multiple sources of information.
The main challenges include the time required to produce comprehensive notes and the risk of missing key points if students are unsure what is most important.
Nonetheless, I found that combining notes with digital resources enhances overall
study effectiveness. No single study method is universally superior. I found that Khan Academy provides structure and practice, ChatGPT offers personalized explanations and quick clarification and traditional notes support active engagement and retention. By combining these methods, students can leverage the strengths of each, creating a balanced and highly effective study strategy.
bhansen@redwoodbark.org
SENIOR OWEN MALONE soaks in the gorgeous sunset from Bolinas Ridge.
SOPHOMORE CADE JAFFE lines up his putt at the closest mini golf location, McGinnis Golf Club in San Rafeal.
sports sports
Hashtags and highlights help athletes shine
By Maddy Wagner
College sports recruiting isn’t just happening on the field anymore. It’s happening on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. More college coaches are turning to social media to scout talent by watching highlight reels, workout clips, full games and online streams. This means student athletes need to jump on the social media train to build a strong online presence and gain more visibility to help coaches recognize them. As social media becomes a bigger part of the recruiting process, athletes are learning yet another skill: to effectively promote themselves online, which can sometimes become overwhelming.
Junior Logan Leverte committed to play beach volleyball at Tulane and has seen firsthand how powerful social media can be during the recruiting process.
“I used Instagram just so I could follow other coaches and post my highlights, as well as achievements to give myself a reputation in the beach volleyball community,” Leverte said.
Leverte would upload her highlights and full game footage onto Youtube and Instagram, while linking them in her monthly emails to coaches.
“It definitely helps get your name out there,” Leverte said. “Coaches all talk to each other, and having your name recognized builds your reputation.”
As more athletes are training to become committed, some social platforms are better than others.
By Tate Ralston
While most teachers spend their breaks catching up on grading, grabbing lunch or taking a moment to rest, a small group of Redwood teachers throw on their swimsuits and dive into the pool. For them, swimming isn’t just exercise—it’s a reset button, a moment to themselves and a quiet break from the commotion of school life.
World history teacher and swim enthusiast Corin Greenberg is part of the North Bay Aquatics Masters program, swimming in the mornings each weekday as early as 5:30 a.m., in the Redwood pool. Along with the benefit of beating morning traffic, Greenberg has noticed her swim skills improving and translating into other aspects of her life.
“I’ve improved a lot just from swimming here and have learned a lot from swimming that I bring into my life. The coaches always say [that] your stroke should be easy, light and smooth; swimming harder doesn’t always mean faster, so they teach us to be calm and glide. I was pretty slow, and it’s not like I’m fast now, but instead of being at the end of the pool, I’m in the middle now, and it’s been really inspiring,” Greenberg said.
Advanced Placement African American history teacher Nikolai Butkevich also uses the Redwood pool, but instead of before school, he swims during lunch Tuesday through Friday.
“[Swimming at lunch] is just kind of like an open secret,” Butkevich said. “Some people have keys to the
“I use Instagram and YouTube the most because those are the two platforms coaches are on and it’s easy for them to find and navigate your clips and highlights,”
Junior Cole Graves plays varsity and competitive soccer, and is trying to become recruited. He has also used the platforms Instagram and YouTube to get on
Graves focuses on posting clips that show not just his talent but also what makes him stand out from the
“I try to showcase my highlights and what I have to offer, maybe more of what’s unique to me,” Graves
He has received interest from coaches who have invited him to camps after seeing his posts, giving him a head start in the recruitment process
Both athletes recommend
being consistent, smart and captivating.
“Don’t just post your best clips. The more the merrier. Make your content specific to the schools you’re trying to go to,” Graves said. They both recommend to start posting sooner than later and be on top of your social media to make sure you’re becoming noticed by coaches.
“Start as soon as you can,” Leverte said, “It helps you build a reputation early, and showing that you’re always improving really helps get your
secret, and if you find out about it, then you can join. [The pool] is not taken advantage of enough because of how good swimming is for your health.”
For Butkevich, these few laps offer a rare moment of solitude during a regularly packed day.
“It’s the only 20 minutes a day that I have to myself, and it’s the only time I’m really actually alone,” Butkevich said. “Being in the water with my own lane makes me feel there’s no one else around, and [that feeling] is really important to me.”
With a three-year-old child at home and the constant business of school each day, these moments offer a sense of clarity for Butkevich. Greenberg echoes this statement, acknowledging that swimming helps her energy in the classroom.
“Even though I’m waking up probably slightly earlier to go to the pool, I just have more energy and am more productive,” Greenberg said. “I’m definitely happier and more energetic.”
Butkevich notices the difference on days when he doesn’t swim.
“Normally, I’m pretty excited in the morning, but by the afternoon classes, I’m just kind of going through the motions, to be honest, because I don’t have a chance to swim. [Swimming] does make a difference in my mood,” Butkevich said.
Principal Barnaby Payne shares the same appreciation for the water, though his routine is a little different. After school, Payne heads to San Francisco’s Dolphin
name out there.”
Many college coaches want to see development over time in an athlete, not just broad highlight reels. Posting on the regular or monthly helps show your dedication to a sport and can help catch the attention of a coach. Using social media for recruiting has become more valuable than ever, helping players get their names and faces in front of coaches digitally.
mwagner@redwoodbark.org
Swimming and Boating Club where he’s been swimming in the cold bay for decades.
“I’m definitely one of those people where I’m always happier if I’m making that time to get a workout in or some exercise,” Payne said. “I’ve been swimming at [The Dolphin Swimming and Boating Club] since the 90s. It’s really awesome and we have our own little community down there.”
Payne sees that connection between movement and mindset as something that everyone can benefit from, not just teachers.
“What I hope for Redwood students is that despite all their hard work in school, they find ways to take care of their physical health,” Payne said. “That can be, for some kids, just taking a walk or going for a bike ride all the way up to competitive sports.”
For Payne, Greenberg and Butkevich, swimming isn’t just about staying in shape; it’s what helps them reset. From early morning workouts to quick lunchtime dips, the water gives them a chance to slow down and recharge. It keeps them productive and their moods positive, both in and out of the classroom, and reminds them that sometimes the best way to move forward is to glide.
tralston@redwoodbark.org
Sports Spotlight: Owen Malone makes waves for boys’ varsity water polo
By Noah Gersch
Many elite athletes start their journey early. They’re the ones who grew up with a love for the sport, playing day in and day out. Others take less traditional paths. Although senior goalie Owen Malone started his sport a little later than most, it hasn't affected him,now finding himself as one of the top goalies in California and captain of the dominant boys’ varsity water polo team.
“In seventh grade, I used to be on the swim team, and the water polo team would practice after us. I was getting bored with the swim team, so I thought I could try water polo. I liked it, and started playing,” Malone said.
outstanding job of staying focused. There isn’t anything that affects him [and] he does an excellent job of staying dialed in,” Nikfar said.
Malone’s journey to finding his position didn't come quick. After experimenting with different sports, water polo was the one that clicked for him, specifically as a goalie.
“I used to play lacrosse and basketball, but I liked being in the water a lot more. It just came a lot more naturally to me,” Malone said.
Despite his later start, Malone hasn’t shown any signs of being less qualified. Malone earned Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) first-team all-league honors in his junior year, establishing himself as a top player in the area with 331 saves and 21 steals. However, his impressive play has not gone unnoticed outside of Marin, as he is ranked number 79 nationally and number 64 in the state of California.
As a senior captain, he commands the defnse, motivates his teammates and sets the standard for effort and composure. Through this, he has developed into a core leader on the team. Isaac Nikfar, a junior teammate, has noticed the verbal initiative Malone takes in the pool. Isaac Nikfar, a junior teammate, has noticed the verbal initiative Malone takes in the pool
“He does a great job communicating on defense,” Nikfar said. “He’s a guy who leads by example and sets the tone for our guys.”
Malone’s presence in the game has become one of his most defining qualities. He never loses focus, which is a trait that sets him apart.
“He’s very relaxed, and he does an
Malone’s commitment to improvement stands out as well, with his work ethic being a key factor in his success.
“He’s really disciplined and puts in a lot of effort inside and outside of practice.
When we have extra pool time on the weekends, he’s always there doing legs, working on his jumps or his explosiveness,” Nikfar said. “He’s a role model on the team because he hasn’t played for very long, but he is very good, and that’s because of his work ethic. I think that helps motivate some of the other guys on the team to work harder.”
Malone’s athleticism shines in every game — diving for corner shots, stretching across the cage and reacting in split seconds. His explosiveness and range make it difficult for opponents to score on him.
“His athleticism is what makes him stand out, because goalies normally can't get to the top corners, but Owen does an outstanding job of covering the whole goal,” Nikfar said.
Under Head Coach Rudy Kardos, Malone has learned many important lessons that he carries with him in the pool and even beyond the game.“I always look for the next thing to get better at, and not just settle for [my current state]. There’s always something that can be improved. No one is perfect,” Malone said.
For Malone, water polo also comes with building bonds and creating chemistry on the team. One of this year’s biggest strengths is the trust and connection the group has developed both in and out of the pool. The players have spent countless hours together creating a sense of unity that translates directly into their performance.
“I think our biggest strength is how bonded we are,” Malone said. “This team is one of the closest teams I’ve been on; everyone wants to win for each other.”
That level of teamwork shows up in their play. The team moves cohesively, communicating constantly and recovering quickly from mistakes.
“We all know what to expect from one another. If someone messes up, no one gets frustrated, [instead] we pick each other up and move on,” Malone said.
Mental toughness is a key component for high-level sports, and having the right mindset is a crucial tool to achieve success.
Malone tries to focus on the mental aspect of the game.
“I try to bring the ‘next play’ mindset. You can’t think about the last shot; instead, you have to focus on the next play. It’s all about keeping your mindset right,” Malone said.
As Malone’s senior season continues, his focus remains on leading the Giants to a strong finish to his impressive high school
career, which would be remarkable.
“Our goal is to win MCAL’s and compete in the open division against the best teams in Northern California, trying to win that as well,” Malone said.
Looking beyond high school, Malone has aspirations to play at the collegiate level. The future of Malone is one to keep an eye on.
ngersch@redwoodbark.org
Photo courtesy of Owen Malone
GUARDING THE GOAL, Malone positions himself in a strong stance. Photo by Noah Gersch
MALONE IS CURRENTLY ranked number 79 nationally and number 64 in all of California.
Music plays a key part in athletes' success
By Beatrice Nass
Music is often synonymous with sports. Going to work out? Put some tunes on. Going for a run? Pop in an AirPod. Time to lift weights? Connect to Bluetooth. However, the reason behind the connection between exercising and listening to music might be more important than most think.
Ph.D. Christopher Ballman is an associate professor at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. Ballman has found that depending on the physical activity one does, the music they should listen to for optimal performance varies.
“For exercises with a rhythmic component, such as running or weightlifting with repetitions, altering the tempo can be used to lead individuals to synchronize their movements with the beat,” Ballman wrote in an article published by the University of Alabama, Birmingham.
Music can shift an athlete’s mindset depending on the beats per minute of the songs they listen to. If athletes listen to the correct beats during their workout, then they can improve their body’s mental stamina and therefore influence how far they push themselves. On the way to games or during warmups, music can help athletes get in the right headspace and mindset to perform.
According to an Bark survey, 75 percent of students prefer listening to music while exercising rather than exercising without it.
While some sports at Redwood, like cross country and track and field, don’t allow music for safety reasons, other sports take advantage of the tool. For example, girls’ varsity volleyball
plays music during practice and pregame warm-ups. Senior captain Liliana Huerta favors having music while playing volleyball.
“I don't really focus on [the music] but I can tell the other girls on the team have a lot of fun with it. It gets them loose and ready to go,” Huerta said.
For girls’ varsity tennis, music is also a norm for practice and pregame warm-ups. Sophomore player Wells
Von Stroh appreciates the positive atmosphere music
“Usually when you play music it makes you happy, and [with] encouraging music it makes you [feel] extra energized and ready to play,” Von Stroh said.
Professional athletic leagues, like the National Basketball Association (NBA), include music not only during warm-ups, but also during the game itself. It’s designed to hype up the crowd, as well as the players. According to the National Library of Medicine, “Music has been shown to potently reduce the perception of fatigue and exertion through dissociation and distraction during exercise.” If athletes are using music the right way, it can help them push beyond what they may think are their
“Our coaches will say to listen to a song before you play for when you're losing or not in a happy [mental] space in your tennis match. Then, you play the song in your head, reset and get ready for the next point,” Von
Music has become a normalized part of practice and games, but many athletes may take the impacts of music during exertion for granted. Turning on music becomes a habit for most people, but for athletes it can help break barriers and boundaries to outperform themselves. Just as the right music can enhance performance, listening to the “wrong” music can have the opposite effect. Ballman found that in order for music to help an athlete’s performance, it must be personalized. Athletes must choose songs they like and can be used to distract themselves from physical strain. If they listen to music they dislike, performance can actually decline.
While music may be perceived to be more background noise than a tool, if athletes use it intentionally, their performance can improve. By playing the right songs, athletes' mental game can shift and impact their physical game too.
bnass@redwoodbark.org
SENIOR OLIVER ROGERS moves the team speaker to the pool before water polo practice as they begin to warm up.
Photo by Jack Block
Illustration by Rosstin Pouradib
lifestyles lifestyles
Students extend a helping hand to Haiti
How the Help 4 Haiti club has funded medical relief to the devastated country
By Elaina Leighton
Haiti has experienced numerous environmental and social hardships in recent years. The country has a history of natural disasters, including flooding, hurricanes and earthquakes, which cause mass destruction of property and public works. Along with these natural disasters, Haiti has had numerous outbreaks of cholera, a bacterial infection also known as “blue death.” Violence has also surged throughout the city, specifically in the capital, Port-au-Prince. In the capital, encounters between armed gangs and the police have led to catastrophe, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people.
These disruptions in Haiti have increased demand for medical attention, but many citizens cannot afford healthcare, with nearly a third of the population living on $2.15 per day, as reported by Doctors Without Borders in 2025.
months, Help 4 Haiti has raised over $1500 in donations.
The club began raising money through bake sales. One bake sale turned to two, and then bake sales began every Saturday in October.
Maddie de Mos, a junior and one of the original members of the club, explained how Help 4 Haiti organizes its events and the goals for its campaigns.
Due to this, Redwood students have created a club that raises money for victims in need, called Help 4 Haiti. This club was created in the spring of 2025 by junior Josephine Perlov and is dedicated to raising money to donate to the American Red Cross (ARC), which sends funds to medical relief in Haiti. Over the past ten
“We meet on Fridays at lunch and discuss [events,] bake sales and other ways we could raise money. Then, we send that money to the Red Cross Foundation so that the people in Haiti can access [medical care],” de Mos said.
These bake sales, which feature a selection of cookies, brownies and lemonade, allow club members to reach out, connect with the community and educate the public about Haiti. Club members have found that talking with the community aids their cause and allows them to educate others.
Outside of bake sales, the club hopes to host a gala to raise more money. The club has started planning a gala with the goal of it taking place this December. This would allow them to reach a larger audience and raise greater awareness of the challenges Haiti faces.
“Right now, we are [in the early process
of] trying to find a venue. [We’re] printing business cards and brochures with all the information about what our club does to hand out at the gala,” Maya Lal, junior and club member, said.
The gala, still in the early stages of planning, will feature a variety of activities, all representing Haitian culture, according to de Mos.
“We’re going to have a bunch of Haitian food, music, maybe art shows and ticket raffles,” de Mos said. “It’ll be a lot of fun and super important [for the cause].”
The goal of the gala is to spread the truth about Haiti’s current problems.
“We want to raise funds for the people [of Haiti],” Lal said, “We want to spread
gala, the club anticipates reaching its annual financial goal to support its cause.
“Hopefully, we make more than we did last year,” de Mos said. “We’ve already made [close to] what we made [throughout all of] last year [approximately $200].”
Additionally, Lal encourages people to join support efforts.
“If any other students are interested, they can attend the meetings and participate in [fundraisers],” Lal said.
The current members of the club have said that the experience is incredible.
“It means a lot to be able to support people in Haiti and make healthcare more accessible. Knowing that the money we raise goes to the Red Cross and other medical providers is really fulfilling,” de Mos said. “We started with the intention of helping a community in need, and I really we’re on track to
eleighton@redwoodbark.org
The IT specialist who keeps Redwood online
By Lucy Jeffers
On any given school day, more than 1,700 students fill Redwood’s classrooms. Each and every day, students rely on a vast network of technology that facilitates many aspects of learning. Chromebooks, attendance systems and access to WiFi are just some of the forms of technology that are integral to Redwood’s educational capabilities.
Borna Navab, the tier one specialist of Redwood’s information technology
problem. However, Navab works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the school’s technological systems run as smoothly as possible at all times.
“My job is to make sure that all the staff, students and teachers have the tech tools that are required to fulfill their jobs every day,” Navab said.
All devices at Redwood require stable internet connection and cybersecurity. When threats to the network occur, it is often Navab who acts quickly to solve them.
the staff members on campus,” Navab said. Navab was previously in the wine industry, doing harvests and working in cellars. In search of a career change, he became inspired by a close friend who worked in IT at a charter school.
“I did whatever I could to basically get my foot in the door and land my first IT job,” Navab said.
Navab is entering his first year at Redwood and his first job experience in educational IT.
“Whether that’s fixing printers, internet
“I had been wanting to work in education IT for some time, and I like the school and academic environment quite a bit,” Navab said.
Every day, Navab conquers countless support requests from teachers, staff and students alike. Redwood social studies teacher Christy Silkworth notes that Navab isn’t just a tech whiz, but also an amazing new addition to the Redwood staff.
“I’ve gotten the privilege of working with him a few times already this year. He is incredibly responsive and talented at what he does, and is such a nice and genuine person. I’m excited that he is here [at Redwood],” Silkworth said.
Additionally, Advanced Placement English Language and Composition teacher, Fiona Allan, has worked through tech issues with Navab and recalls nothing short of a positive experience.
“[Navab] was super helpful and kind. He made the whole experience super easy,” Allan said.
NAVAB REFLECTS ON entering his first year in educational IT. “I had been wanting to work in education IT for some time, and I like the school and academic environment quite a bit,” Navab said.
Though just a couple of months into the job, it is clear that Navab is making a positive impact on the community, while thoroughly enjoying his time here.
“I absolutely love my job and wouldn’t replace it for anything else,” Navab said.
ljeffers@redwoodbark.org
Photo courtesy of Borna Navab
Photo courtesy of Borna Navab
Photo courtesy of Annabelle Walker
Photo courtesy of Annabelle Walker
Finding freedom with running Audrey MacLean’s journey
By Logan Schneidewind
For Audrey MacLean, running is more than just a sport; it's a form of escape and a way to clear her mind. It gives her a sense of relief, beyond competition.
“You can go out for a run and just forget about any stress that is holding you back,” Audrey MacLean said. “It’s almost like a symbol of freedom for me.”
Whether Audrey MacLean is racing along college trails or winding through Marin's hillsides, running has become her meditation.
Elizabeth MacLean, mother of Audrey MacLean, recalls how it all began.
“Audrey probably started running with us when she was seven or eight, just for little fun runs,” Elizabeth MacLean said. “Then, she got way too fast for us and before we knew it, she was off running her own races.”
Those early runs built more than endurance: they taught Audrey MacLean joy. The joy that pushed her to win the historic Dipsea race on Mount Tamalpais this past year, 2024, becoming the first woman under 33 to take the title in over a decade.
“The Dipsea has always been my favorite race,” Audrey MacLean said. “It's where I first fell in love with trail running.”
It was also one of the reasons she decided to join the cross country team her freshman year; her first experience training and racing consistently.
MacLean said. “There was always the spirit of teamwork and support.”
She credits the environment for helping her develop both discipline and joy in competition.
Now at Middlebury College, Audrey MacLean continues to channel that same energy into competition. Audrey MacLean earned multiple All-American honors and was even named to the New England Small College Athletic Conference. Runner of the Week this fall after leading her team to an Invitational title. But for Audrey MacLean, it's less about trophies and more about connection.
“We aren't just defined by running, we're defined by how we treat each other,” Audrey MacLean said.
That belief was shaped during high school, where she learned from mentors and friends that running is as much about connection as it is competition.
“At Redwood, my teammates became my closest friends,” Audrey MacLean said. “That sense of support carried with me to college.”
Lulu Baker, who ran alongside Audrey MacLean for nearly eight years, describes her as both humble and passionate.
“[Audrey’s] love for running has only grown,” Baker said. “Every time we get to do a trail run together, it feels like our happy place.”
For Audrey MacLean, running represents balance: the push and the peace, the exhaustion and the lightness. It's what keeps her steady through school, friendships and life's chaos.
We aren’t just defined by running, we’re defined by how we treat each other.
Audrey MacLean
“Being part of the cross country team showed me how powerful it feels to run for something bigger than yourself,” Audrey
“You have to keep your love for the sport alive,” Audrey MacLean said.
“That's the key to staying motivated and to running for the long haul.”
lschneidewind@redwoodbark.org
The Game Changers Club levels the economic playing field
By Leyton Defesche
For many students, sports are a way to connect, stay active and build community. However, for some, access to equipment can be a barrier. The Game Changers Club, a new addition to Redwood's community, aims to address that inequality by raising money and collecting donations for their partner, Play Marin, a local nonprofit that provides sports gear and opportunities to children in need throughout Marin County.
The Game Changers Club meets every other Friday at lunch to plan fundraisers and community events that combine students’ passion for sports with service.
Junior Bradley Nanola, the club’s president and founder, was inspired to start the club after realizing that not everyone is fortunate enough to afford the costs of playing sports.
“I’m really into helping out my community, and I wanted to do something that felt meaningful,” Nanola said. “We live in a place where a lot of people can afford gear and tournaments, but not everyone has that chance. Our goal is to make sure everyone can play.”
Nanola and his leadership team, including junior club secretary Cole Graves, are currently working to build a partnership with Play Marin to directly fund their programs.
“We thought Play Marin was the perfect organization to work with because it’s local and focused on something we care about: sports,” Graves said. “We’re in contact with them and hope to meet soon to plan our first joint event.”
So far, the Game Changers Club has seen a promising start. Their first meeting drew over 30 students, far more than the officers expected, who were all eager to brainstorm event ideas and help organize fundraisers.
“We honestly didn’t think that many people would come,” Nanola said. “It was amazing to see so many students excited about giving back through something as simple as sports.”
Among the club’s planned fundraisers, there are community sports tournaments and field day-style events that will help raise money for Play Marin. Students can participate in activities like basketball, beach volleyball, golf and pickleball, with small entry fees and snack sales going toward donations.
“We want it to feel fun–like something everyone would want to do,” Graves said. “There will be prizes, music and food, but at the end of the day, everything we raise goes back to kids who deserve the same chance to play.”
Junior club member Logan Leverte joined after hearing about the club’s mission from friends and says the cause feels close to home.
“I’ve always played sports and it’s easy to forget how expensive it can get, [with] uniforms, cleats [and] travel,” Leverte said. “Helping other kids have that same experience feels really rewarding.”
Despite early success, the club still faces challenges as a new organization, like getting in touch with potential sponsors and managing event logistics. However, the club officers are optimistic about the club’s future and impact.
“It’s a lot of organizing and following up, but we’re committed. Once everything’s set, I think we’ll be able to do a lot for Play Marin and even other local groups,” Nanola said.
As the club grows, Nanola hopes Game Changers will inspire others on campus to appreciate their own opportunities and think about how they can help others.
“We want people to realize that sports aren’t just a privilege; they’re something that can really bring people together,” Nanola said. “If we can make that possible for even just a few kids, that’s what matters.”
The Game Changers Club meets every other Friday at lunch in room 303. Students can follow @ gamechangersrhs on Instagram for updates and upcoming event announcements.
ldefesche@redwoodbark.org
Photo by Reed Grossman
Photo courtesy of Audrey McLean
More than lectures: Redwood’s new lifelong learner,
By Zoe Peters
From the city of Dallas to the halls of Redwood, Ruben Vance-Conner, known to students as Mr. VC, brings new energy and ideas to campus. VC teaches both Government and Advanced Placement World History. Although it is not even a semester into the school year, VC has already contributed to and impacted Redwood greatly by sharing a fresh perspective and building strong relationships with students and others, all while providing an engaging and inclusive learning environment.
Born and raised by a family of educators, VC had always been inspired and eager to work in an academic setting from an early age. He attended Christopher Newport University in Virginia, where he got his bachelor’s degree.
to take the lead, share our ideas and teach the class, too,” Davis said.
VC stresses the intention behind his teaching strategies, like how he engages and connects with students.
“I make it a point to stay informed with new teaching or instructional strategies, or ways to connect with students to build those positive relationships,” VC said.
Mr. VC genuinely cares about his students and wants to help them. He is super caring and very approachable, making everyone feel included.
Eden Davis, senior
“From there, I didn’t want to stay in Virginia. I wanted a big change, and I got a job offer in the Bay Area, [so] I said why not. I was 22, and I started working at a children's museum called the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito,” VC said.
Once VC arrived in California, he realized how much he loved the change of pace, scenery, weather and “all the good vibes [he] was going for.”
“What drew me to work at the high school level was the ability to have deeper conversations and dive deeper into the content,” VC said.
Senior Eden Davis, a student in VC’s Government class, appreciates VC’s effort towards students.
“Mr. VC genuinely cares about his students and wants to help them, wanting them to do the best they can. He is super caring and very approachable, making everyone feel included,” Davis said.
Davis emphasized how authentic VC is.
“[VC] truly wants you to understand, so he’ll spend extra time explaining to you. [VC also] allows students
He loves the success he feels when students bridge concepts from class to the real world, which he says is “what makes teaching so fun.”
“I’m a big believer in not standing behind my desk. I love to move around, I love to work with my students and sit near [them]. I’m always on my feet, and I hope that keeps the engagement up,” VC said.
VC reflected on the importance of a balanced learning environment.
“There are always opportunities where we can learn different content and lessons, but we’re also able to have fun, which I feel is important, especially in school. Sometimes we play games, spend time asking about how our weekend was and have moments and times where we casually get to know each other and build community,” VC said.
VC also shared more about his efforts to create strong connections with his students.
“At the end of the day, yes, they are my students, but they have a whole other life outside of my classroom, and just knowing and understanding that [is so important.] I make it my point to find out more about them. If I know that they had a game, it’s important to check in on that, and keep myself knowledgeable about teaching strategies to help relationships with my students,” VC said.
Davis captured VC’s character in a few words.
“[VC is] positive and bright because he is such a nice and funny person, and is just great to be around,” Davis said.
VC strives to see his teaching through his students’ eyes.
“I try to put myself in my students’ shoes, and [ask], if I were sitting at their desk, would I find this engaging enough. That’s how I approach all of my lessons, and the curriculum itself. Is it engaging? Would I find it engaging, and if not, what can I do to change it?” VC said.
VC has one message he wants all students, past, present and future, to remember:
“Don’t be afraid to learn new things. I consider myself to be a lifelong learner; I tell my students all the time, ‘Yes, I am a teacher and I love teaching you all new things, but I am also learning just as much as you all are.’ [Learning] shouldn’t end after high school, after college or wherever you think it should end, so be that lifelong learner,” VC said.
zpeters@redwoodbark.org
MR. VC STANDS in front of his AP World map inside his classroom.
Photo by Wes Fitzpatrick
Halleck Creek Ranch aides the disabled community through horseback riding
By Mila Martinez
Nestled in Nicasio, amid rolling hills and scenic landscapes, Halleck Creek Ranch is a 60-acre testimony to breaking barriers and supporting community. Founded in 1977, the ranch provides therapeutic horseback riding opportunities to people of all ages with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities.
Marcella Villafuerte has been riding at Halleck Creek Ranch for 12 years.
“I use a walker and a power wheelchair. I brought them both [to Halleck Creek Ranch], and I can still ride and still get on a horse,” Villafuerte said.
The ranch operates largely thanks to the efforts of volunteers who support students during rides. Senior Ava Newhauser volunteers every Saturday, walking next to riders’ horses during rides.
“I have students who have been there since they were two, and they're now 30, so they all absolutely love it. [Riding] builds their confidence,” Newhauser said.
According to the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH), adaptive horseback riding can improve strength and balance, social skills, emotional well-being, cognitive skills and confidence.
“Even though you have a disability, you can still ride,” Villafuerte said.
Interim program director Shannon Sullivan has been working at Halleck
Creek Ranch since 2021.
“I've had some of my riders [whose] parents [tell] me that when those kids were young, the doctor said they might not ever walk. And after years of horseback riding, they are strong enough to walk unassisted,” Sullivan said.
According to Sullivan, riding same muscles does, and thus, can help people
program at her old school about her and Historia.
“When [Halleck Creek Ranch staff] found out about my first book on Princess Historia. They actually dressed her up as a unicorn. So, I got to ride her that way,” Villafuerte said.
Newhauser’s favorite part of volunteering at Halleck Creek Ranch is seeing improvement in students. A student that Newhauser helped once, Alessandra, is mostly nonverbal and uses a wheelchair.
and
with her late horse, Historia.
“Once I got to [Historia], I said, ‘You can't switch me anymore. I'm glued here,’” Villafuerte said.
