The Flash May 2014

The Flash

Rocklin High School May Issue #4

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Is school lunch healthy?

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Senior Josh Lopez designs his own T-shirts and sends 25% of his proceeds to WaterAid, which cleans drinking water for countries that don’t have access to it.

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Vans Custom Culture Contest

@rocklinhsflash

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www.facebook.com/rocklinhsflash

*Pictured on cover: Jacob Simonick, Josh Lopez, and Riley Rosenberg

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Why do we have a dress code?

Are your shorts and shoulders lowering test scores? With summer right around the corner and temperatures reaching the 100s, students logically start to wear less clothes.

After June 5th, students won’t think twice to wear what is most comfortable for them in the heat.

But until then, students (especially girls) will always have to sweat it in the morning. Does it really make sense to think that a boy in class behind a girl failed his test because her bra strap was showing or her tank top was under an inch wide?

The current trends in most clothing stores when it reaches summer are shorts, tank tops, crop tops, bandeus, and clothing that is made for hot weather. Although dress code for tank tops have been more lenient this year, trying to find clothes that fit dress code (no razor back and inch-wide straps) still seems to be a challenge.

But the most frustrating part of

the dress code is the meaning behind it. It is in place so boys won’t be ‘distracted.’ On twitter and tumblr, the picture to the right spread like wildfire because it just makes sense. Men should be taught to respect women so that they don’t have to fear being objectifed. Sadly, it is much easier for a male student to get dressed in the morning.

Although the dress code has come a long way from the way it was, it still seems to be sexist towards girls who have to deal with the fear of being dress coded for wearing clothes they’re comfortable in. From 334 students surveyed on surveymonkey.com, 33% said they have been dress coded 1-5 times in their high school career.

My personal experience with being dress coded has not been a pleasant one by any means. Being dress coded leaves me feeling ashamed and I hope that one day public schools will allow kids to

Editor in Chief: Alina Holtsman Co-editors-in-Chief: Rhiannon Chuter Davies Liz Vasquez Blog & Coverage Editor: Julie Schwarzkopf Photo Editors: Halle Williams Emma Foster Design Editors: Aubrey Butte, Lydia Tahraoui Art Designer: McKenna Teigland Photo Editor: Megan Sunde Staff writers: Elias Alba, Taylor Schoultz Shelby Boyajan, Kaleb Branderhorst, Toby Dyas, Courtney Harper, Adiranna Havey, Faith Holloway, Leilah Lockett, Sarah Lovejoy, Rachel MacMaster, Emily McCrary, Sawyer Milam, Katie Morgan, Matthew Morgan, Jasmine Passey, Caitlin Payne, Cassie Reilly, Melanie Seyfried, Megan Sunde, Lydia Tahraoui, Aubrey Wilson, Sabrina Wilson Photojournalists: Breanna Baptista, Destinee Czub, Michayla Decker, Alyx Stone, Brooke Sutton, Rachel Polivka Adviser: Casey Nichols

http://saltysojourn.tumblr.com/

dress freely so they can feel confident going to school. Rape culture is something that is taught early on.

When girls have to cover up to feel safe, something is wrong.

By Alina Holtsman

Visit us at www.rocklinhsflash.net to keep up with the lastest news from the Home of the Thunder The Flash is a public forum produced by students for students in an attempt to inform and entertain its audience. Journalism students have the final authority for any content found in this publication. The Flash Staff encourages letters regarding content to constitute a constructive avenue for student opinion. Letters should be directed to the newspaper’s email, rhsflash@gmail.com.

Rocklin High School 5301 Victory Lane Rocklin, CA 95765 916-632-7498 rhsflash@gmail.com

Rocklin High School Journalism 3

Common Corezilla Don’t be Afraid T

he United States’ education system is undergoing a major overhaul; most of the nation is adopting the new Common Core standards. Focused on a deeper level of comprehension instead of the quantitative, fact-based style of teaching, the standards require increased focus on critical thinking and complete understanding while advocating the integration of technology into education.

While few argue about the multitude of benefits the standards will bring, opponents are coming out of the woodwork with every dissent possible. Even the National Education Association, a labor union supporting teachers that happens to be the largest union in the country, has pulled their support of Common Core until proper implementation can be discerned.

Government and Economics teacher Mrs. Colleen Crowe is a highly involved and leading member of the local division of the California Teacher’s Association, which is the state level of the NEA. Like many teachers, she is happy about the changes. “It’s what’s best for students,” she said. Mrs. Crowe, however, also sees the issues that are pulling the standards down.

“For most of us [teachers], I don’t think we mind change if it’s going to be for beneficial causes. I think the changes aren’t clearly outlined. The standards for social studies aren’t fully written yet,” Mrs. Crowe said.

Indeed, not only the social studies but the science standards also have yet to be released. Mrs. Angela Parker, the head of the Language Arts department and a member of the Common Core team, said that reasons for this are absent. “There’s been very little information as to

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By Elias Alba

why the science and social studies standards have taken so long to be finished.”

Another key aspect of the new standards is the integration of technology into our education system. While an essential addition, this change is being hindered by restrictions that the districts place on the system, as well as the lack of training for teachers.

Mrs. Parker has begun trying to incorporate more technology into her classes, but the school just simply doesn’t have the means. “I do feel like my hands are tied a little bit because I would like to incorporate some technological aspects, but I don’t have the tools with which to do it.”

Mrs. Parker had already attended a conference that teaches educators about some of the applications that we will soon be implementing, but even with this training she doesn’t feel as prepared as she wants to feel.

“We don’t get nearly enough time. Technology is ... it takes a lot more time and repetition to learn something than anything else we’ve ever had to do in teaching -anything else.”

Mrs. Crowe is also troubled by the lack of training.

“The district needs to give us more time and planning, and more training. That’s my biggest complaint, and that’s kind of what I’m hearing from the other staff members.”

These new standards are almost unanimously accepted as extremely beneficial, but the plan seems to be falling apart at the seams. Common Core may be intended to create a more realistic, beneficial system, but that cannot happen if these failures are left unresolved.

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CLEANING

By Toby Dyas

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he times are changing, and they are changing for the LGBT movement. Gay marriage is now legal in 17 states as well as our nation’s capitol in Washington, D.C. and our state of California.

On a lesser scale, Rocklin High has had many students over the years that were openly gay. One particular student, sophomore Grant Cluff, came out as gay during a presentation for Mr. Tim Hurrianko’s advanced sophomore English class.

Grant said that the process of coming out was, “stressful, very stressful. I knew I had to do it someday, but I thought I could just wait until college.”

The presentation was called the Identity Project where students are supposed to pick a song and present it to the class and explain how it represents them.

Grant did his presentation on the song “If I Ever Feel Better” by Phoenix. At the end of his presentation, he announced to a class full of students that he was gay.

The LGBT movement has gained momentum in the past few years, and it shows due to the fact that 83 percent of Rocklin High students support gay rights and 85 percent of students think that it’s okay for a guy to go to prom with another guy as a date.

The younger generation has shown more support for the gay rights movement with a study that shows that 69 percent of people ages 18-29 support gay marriage, while all other adults have a percentage of 54 percent of support for gay marriage.

Despite Rocklin being considerably conservative, Grant said, “Although we live in the conservative area of Rocklin, everyone is so accepting and they will support you for who you are.”

Grant’s best advice for people that are thinking about coming out is “Don’t be afraid. Even though we live in the conservative area of Rocklin, everyone is accepting. Just go for it, people will support you no matter what.”

Gay rights have come a long way in our country’s history, but there is still work to be done. Grant said, “I want to see every country legalize gay marriage in my lifetime and I would obviously like to see every state in America legalize it as well.”

“I was scared that everyone was going to hate me, but I didn’t receive any hate at all. In fact most people were very accepting, especially my close friends because they are pretty much all in the theatre department.”

Does Rocklin High support gay rights?

*Survey results taken from 432 students polled using surveymonkey.com

Pictured: Grant Cluff

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Summer Horoscope

At Rocklin High, 17% of students read their horoscopes daily, whereas a whopping 72% do not. And as many as 22% of students don’t even know their sign. To spread the wisdom of the universe, here is an astrological prediction of your future based on the position of the planets and the signs of zodiac at a particular time and place for the month of May.

Capricorn December 22 -January 19

January 20 -February 18

Capricorns should try to balance work and play evenly. Failure to do so could result in major stressing before deadlines. Your leadership and desire to achieve in every thing you do may come in handy in the summer. Work hard and the sky is the limit for you.

Independence is essential for an Aquarian’s well being. Use your witty and clever nature to make people laugh. Your spontaneity could drive you to go on unplanned trips over the summer. Just go where the wind takes you.

Taurus April 20 -May 20

Aries

March 21 -April 19

Aries tend to be adventurous and outgoing! Use this to your advantage and explore in the coming months.

Late summer will call on you to lend a helping hand to someone in need.

Approach this challenge with an open mind, good results are to follow.

Your hospitable and peaceful demeanor will help you make many new relationships this summer. Libra’s are quite the social butterflies. Perhaps you should take some time away from distractions and focus on yourself.

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Your indecisiveness could get the best of you this summer.The alignment of the stars suggests that a big decision must be made in the coming months. Should you go to Dutch or Starbs? Try to stay focused on what you need to get done in the next months. Once you are passionate about something, creativity will shine through.

Gemini May 21 -June 20 You will not let any rules pin you down. Curious and sometimes mischievous, you could find yourself getting into some trouble this summer.

Branch out and explore, but try to stay levelheaded when making choices.

Leo

Virgo

July 23 -August 22

Cancers tend to contradict themselves a lot. One day you will be independent, and the next you will depend on others. You crave attention and comfort from other people and are happiest with a close knit group of friends. Find this group if you haven’t already, and spend your summer making memories with those closest to you.

Libra

February 19 -March 20

Taureans are interested in feeling good. You are dependable and loyal.

Don’t be surprised if people want to give you things. Try to break away from craving security in your life over the summer. Take chances and experience new things!

Cancer June 21 -July 22

September 23 -October 22

Pisces

Aquarius

August 23 -September 22

Your charismatic and positive outlook on life will attract many friends this summer. However, your overconfidence could backfire on you if you allow yourself to become too self-absorbed. Take time out of your summer to help others.

Scorpio

October 23 -November 21

Opposite from Libras, you like to spend more time alone. Try to embrace your ambitious side and branch out. Do something that deepens and strengthens you, brings you fulfillment, and finetunes how you want the world to see and deal with you.

You love doing the right thing, but sometimes play it too safe! This narrow mindedness can cause you to be less creative than your peers. Find inspiration from your experiences this summer.

Sagittarius November 22 -December 21

Sagittarius crave adventure and welcome change with open arms. You are an explorer, so uses your sense of adventure to embrace the freedom of summer. You might suddenly crave more attention than you’ve ever wanted before. Try to keep a grip on your heart.

By Ally Lent

When The Jobs Don’t Pay...

The Teachers Go Away 80% of Rocklin students believe our teachers should be paid more Rocklin teachers create this sign to protest their pay

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e all know teaching jobs are often joked about as having low pay, but for a few teachers at Rocklin, the reality of this stereotype has gone too far. In addition, many teachers here desire greater recognition for the large amounts of work they do.

This occurrence is on its way to being a major problem at Rocklin High seeing as how other larger schools are able to offer better conditions and can essentially lure teachers away.

Mrs. Pilar Padilla remains the most dynamic teacher at the moment, as she is likely going to take a contract with a school district elsewhere.

“I’m interested in working with Roseville Joint Union High School District.” says Padilla. “On top of the pay difference, I will have a lessened work schedule with less committees and less meetings.”

In quick response to the likeliness of her departure, the “Save Padilla” movement was created in an effort to try and raise awareness of Padilla’s predicament. Juli Schwarzkopf, a student who actively helps the group, says that the short saying has raised awareness over what is happening.

“One day Mr. Clarion came into a classroom and wrote ‘Save Padilla’ on the whiteboard. Nobody really knew what that meant, but the news has spread and more people understand what is really going on.” After asking if she was surprised by the uproar of awareness, Padilla replied with a prompt “no”, then said that she was not completely aware of the movement.

Interestingly enough, Julie said “Padilla isn’t leaving so much because of the pay situation but due to the overall treatment that she felt she received from the district.”

In reality, Padilla’s departure will leave a big hole in the language arts department, considering her role as the instructor for Advanced freshman English, senior English and AP Literature.

In addition, losing Padilla will mean the loss of a supervisor for the Poetry Club, the Gay-Straight Alliance Club and the Interact Club. Essentially, the loss of one teacher can leave a fairly big gap that someone else will have to try to fill.

However, Padilla will face drawbacks as well; she says, “Leaving Rocklin will be hard because of all the teachers and families that I’ve gotten to know.”

“Padilla isn’t leaving so much because of the pay situation but due to the overall treatment that she felt she received from the district.”

Unfortunately, Padilla is not the only teacher who has been tempted with a better teaching contract. Tim Hurrianko, a teacher for both freshman and sophomore English as well as a golf coach and a supervisor for multiple clubs (Ping Pong and Picnic), was offered a significantly larger contract to take a teaching spot at Granite Bay High School.

Rocklin caught a break, however, as the teacher of more than a decade turned down the opportunity because he loves the superior academics here.

By Matt Morgan Many of the teachers within the Teacher Union seek better treatment or pay for the large amounts of work they do. Mrs. Crowe is a major factor in the Teacher Union and does much of the work for the group.

“The Teacher Union is basically the representative of the teachers that pushes for both better salary and a more fair contract. It also makes sure that things are fair within the district and sees that certain changes are occurring at other schools, too.”

Upon asking about Padilla’s possible exit, Crowe replied, “Of course we don’t want her to leave, she’s an excellent teacher. All we can do is fight for a better contract for her to try and keep her to stay. The problem, though, is that the district isn’t listening. The district has a lot more money that could be put towards salaries in this district that could compete with the other districts’ salaries that are trying to attract Padilla.

On top of all, how is the district going to be able to keep excellence if you can’t retain great teachers by compensating them fairly?”

Regardless of the solution to Mrs. Padilla’s quandary, this situation needs a solution and needs it soon. More and more teachers will begin to feel as though they deserve more respect, better treatment and a better salary, considering they teach at a school with the highest API scores in the county.

And let’s be honest, how will we sustain its excellence if all of the teachers who originally boosted the school’s performance are all gone?

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REALITY TELEVISION: america’snewest guilty pleasure

by Faith Holloway

The entertainment industry has found the public’s latest weakness: reality television. There are a total of 724 reality shows that have premiered in the U.S., attracting millions of viewers across the country. It’s an epidemic. What, then, about reality TV makes it so intoxicating?

For one thing, it’s completely over the top. Ironically, shows that claim to portray an accurate reflection of reality are completely unrealistic. Since when is reality scripted?

However, its extravagance helps make it a unique and attractive form of entertainment. Reality shows give humor and drama a new definition by bringing them into the real world. And it’s working: people are addicted.

So addicted, in fact, that producers can be blatantly repetitive and unoriginal, without having to worry about the popularity of their “new” shows. Singing competitions, dancing competitions, and even dating shows have become ridiculously redundant on TV, yet each continues to receive public support.

The vast majority of viewers are attracted to reality TV not because of its usefulness, but for its drama, no matter how staged it may be. There is a minority, however, that takes a practical approach to an otherwise useless yet irresistible form of entertainment.

Sophomore Elysia Gerald also sees the educational value in some reality TV shows. A Teen Mom fan, Elysia interprets the show as a warning to careless teenage girls rather than just another series of trash.

“Teen Mom doesn’t show young mothers in a positive light; it shows the hardships. Most of those girls have emotional, financial, and drug-related problems because of the pressure they face as moms,” she said.

Although Teen Mom evidently applies to all teenage girls as it relates to safe sex, Elysia is also drawn to the show for personal reasons.

“My mom had me when she was sixteen. I know she doesn’t want me to make the same mistakes, and the

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Teen Mom doesn’t show young mothers in a positive light; it shows the hardships.

Most of those girls have emotional, financial, and drug-related problems because of the pressure they face as moms.”

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show reminds me to be safe. It shows what could potentially happen.”

Still, the vast majority of reality TV addicts use it for no educational purposes whatsoever. Furthermore, 70% of RHS students surveyed said they see reality TV as a permanent attraction rather than a passing trend.

An attraction so intense, in fact, that even our Runaway theme revolved around it. Whether or not reality TV is healthy for our society, it is here to stay.

So, bring out the popcorn. This is truly America’s latest and greatest obsession.

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All of these shows have crazy people and I want to be the one sitting in the background laughing at all of them.”

-Jocelyn Andreas

Post-It Secret

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ho would have thought that ordinary, boring shoes could become beautiful works of art? In the art room at Rocklin High, four pairs of plain white Vans are covered with brightly colored patterns and designs. Cassie Reilly, Grace Hubrig, Kennedy Emerson, and McKenna Teigland, four art students at Rocklin, participated in the fifth annual Vans Custom Culture contest. In the competition, two thousand schools around America submitted designs for a set of four different pairs of Vans shoes. The designs must fulfil four separate categories; local flavor, art, action sports, and music.

“The canvas shoes are a pretty different media to work in compared to most traditional art,” said McKenna Teigland. “I already have some experience since I have a small business I run on the side in painting shoes, but it was nice being able to add it to my collection of work I can show people for what I do.”

This is her second year participating in the competition, along with both Kennedy and Grace. The four artists volunteered to take part in the contest when it was offered to the com-

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bined Art 3/Art 4/AP Art class.

“This year, the theme I chose was music. All four of us, we’re trying to go for a more edgy and vibrant feel to our designs. On mine, I have a guitar and soundboards, bright colors, a lot of things like that,” McKenna said.

“I aspire to become a tattoo artist in the future, and I based a lot of the art on my shoes on different tattoo designs. I think mine is a little different from the rest since it’s a collection of different designs instead of an overall scene,” said Cassie Reilly.

Once the designs were finished, pictures of the shoes were uploaded to the Vans contest website, and judges reviewed the submissions and narrowed them down to fifty semi-finalist schools.

The designs were then opened to the public for vote upon. The five finalists will be receiving 4000 dollars for their schools’ art programs, as well as a three-day trip to New York City. The grand prize is a 50,000 dollar donation to the school’s art program.

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When asked about their hopes on winning the contest, the girls were rather nonchalant about it. “I don’t know if we will win. However, we definitely have a stronger team this year compared to last year, and I believe we will have a better chance of getting farther,” McKenna said. “Even if we don’t end up winning, this was a good experience to have.”

Nevertheless, all four of them created some amazing resulting products and they definitely deserve applause for their hard work.

The designs for the shoes were submitted on April 7, and after a few weeks of waiting, the semifinalist results were released on April 25.

Unfortunately, Rocklin High didn’t make it this year.

“I didn’t really decide to do this to win. It was more of an activity that I was interested to get involved in.

Winning would have been nice, but it wasn’t important to me,” said Cassie. “I was more interested in the experience of doing the actual designing.”

Nevertheless, all four of them created some

by Mindy Yan

amazing resulting products and they definitely deserve applause for their hard work.

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This Summer’s Sierra Gosting: Ancient Endevours

Summer vacation means lazing around and watching TV, right? Not for sophomore Sierra Gosting, a young business owner. Sierra runs her small antique business out of a stand in the Hand Pickin Emporium off of Rocklin Road. She “upcycles” old antiques and resells them. Her business occupies 9-10 hours during the school week, but she hopes to expand and have more time for pricing, merchandising and tagging over the summer, although her favorite aspect of the business is painting the items. “I used to help my grandma with her antique business, so it’s really exciting that I have a business of my own now,” Sierra said.

She is looking forward to having more time over the summer to dedicate to her stand.

Cole : Pizza, Pasta,in Journalism Cole Howard Howard: Journalist Italy

Junior Cole Howard doesn’t get much of a summer vacation. Three days after RHS gets out for break, he is leaving to study abroad. “I became interested in Journalism, specifically international journalism, because I like to hear stories about different cultures throughout the world and the certain obstacles they face in comparison to our American society,” Cole said. After talking with his college consultant, he decided to broaden his education and partake in the Abbey Road program. Abbey Road specializes in summer study abroad programs for high school students. Cole will be gone for a month and a half in Florence and Tuscany studying to become an international journalist. While in Florence, he will be staying in a converted palace and learning the ins and outs of real-life journalhttp://famouswonders.com/florence-and-its-cityscape/ ism, including trips to nearby cities in the Tuscan region.

Rachel : Serenading SummerCamp RachelDaniels Daniels: Christian Singing

Rachel will be attending the National School of Music in Wichita Falls, Texas this summer. The program, located at Midwestern State University, offers class time, one-on-one instruction, group singing, and a recital on the final evening. “We might end up flying, but I hope we take a road trip,” Rachel said. Rachel will probably be driving to the school with her family. She is excited to be able to spend the time with her family in addition to improving her singing skills. During the week, Rachel will be staying in dorms on campus and attending classes. The program is centered around Christian singers, so she will be singing church hymns all week. She is also in the Advanced Women’s Ensemble here at Rocklin High. This will be Rachel’s second year attending the camp and she is eager to go again.

Taylor Schoultz: Discovering Austrailia Taylor Schoultz, a junior at Rocklin, is traveling all the way around the world to Australia with a group of 40 teenagers in this area. This opportunity is through an Ambassador Program called People to People. Taylor leaves on the June 18 and will return the 7th of July. Prior to attending the meetings that regard rules and regulations of this trip, Taylor did not know anyone who was also going on the trip.

During their stay of 20 days, they will be staying with two different families, going to school with the kids, snorkeling in the great barrier reef, holding koalas, visiting the Sydney Opera House, and repelling down a cliff. To get into this program, Taylor was required to have three letters of recommendation and be interviewed.

The program also requires that each of the kids complete homework about the history of Australia. They will be traveling the East Coast of Australia and staying in multiple hotels. Taylor is not nervous about spending 20 days with a group of strangers but she is afraid of traveling across the world and away from her family for the first time. Regardless of her hesitations, Taylor is very excited for this trip to Australia and knows it will be a trip she will never forget. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sydney_opera_house_side_view.jpg

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Adventures

LisaAdriani Adriani: Visiting her Holland Roots Lisa : Dutch Bros, Dutch Sisters

Not being able to see family is the norm for sophomore Lisa Adriani, so when she does get to see them, she stays for a month. Lisa’s entire family--excluding her parents and two sisters--lives in Holland. Her parents moved to the United States in 1994, but their family lived in Holland again for a few months when Lisa and her twin sister Karin were infants.

This summer, Lisa and her family will be going to Holland for four weeks. Because it takes about three hours to drive across Holland, they have plans to see most of the country during their stay. They will also be living on a boat for a week for some relaxation time.Due to work, Lisa’s parents and oldest sister Anna will be leaving after two weeks. Lisa and Karin will stay in Holland for another two weeks with their extended family. Lisa hasn’t been to Holland for two and a half years so she is excited to be able to see all of her family again.

http://www.freefoto.com/preview/1450-05-10/Windmill--Holland-The-Netherlands

Courtney Harper: Tanning in Spain

Courtney Harper, a sophomore, is traveling to Spain with her sister, cousin, aunt and uncle. They will be visiting Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Seville and Alicante. Courtney’s aunt and uncle generously take their nieces and nephews on trips to Europe since they were about 13 years old. Courtney and her family will be traveling Spain for three weeks and she is looking forward to practicing her spanish skills. She is currently enrolled in Spanish III Honors and has purchased Spanish books to learn more about the country.

Earlier this year, Courtney has befriended Gonzalo Sanchez, a foriegn exchange student who is attending Rocklin High and who grew up in Seville. During Courtney’s stay, she plans to visit Gonzalo back in his hometown. Gonzalo plans on showing Courtney and her family around Seville and taking them to the hot spots on the beaches. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plaza_de_Espana_Seville_Spain.JPG

Emily Hansen: The Pilgrimage to Israel Emily Hansen, a senior at Rocklin, along with several others of her age, are traveling all over the country of Israel. Parents are not permitted to tag along because it is a program strictly available to Jewish people within the age of 18 and 26. The group will begin their tour in Northern Israel and make their way towards the Southern areas.

Emily does not have family in Israel but they will be staying in hotels and all transportation and lodging is covered. During her stay for two weeks, Emily and her friends will learn more about the Jewish culture and their roots. http://www.happytellus.com/gallery.php?img_id=4267

Matt Wong: Eagle Scout Ventures the Outdoors Matt Wong, who is currently a sophomore, will be backpacking around Minnesota with his Boy Scouts. For two weeks, these boys will be canoeing in the Great Lakes, camping in tents and hiking. This will also be Matt’s first time in Minnesota, however it is his second trip to another state with his Boy Scouts. His first adventure was to New Mexico and he is looking forward to traveling to a new state.

Since Matt was in the first grade, he has been actively involved in Boy Scouts; he is now an eagle scout which is the highest level that can be achieved and he enjoys being a part of this organization. http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/1302/20130410/plastic-waste-present-great-lakes.htm

By Sarah Lovejoy and Cassie Reilly

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The cafeteria food isn’t fooling anyone

By Sabrina Wilson

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chool lunches are often regarded as gross and unhealthy, not only by students but by society. A mockery of cafeteria food is seen in almost every movie or TV show involving high school students. But within the past couple years, Michelle Obama has worked to improve school lunches throughout the nation. Rocklin High School has made a multitude of changes to the menu since then and are continuing to improve and alter our lunches.

In 2010, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act was initiated throughout the nation. This gave the USDA power to make reforms to school lunch and breakfast programs that was not granted in the past.

Though there have been changes made since then, including the deletion of the ever-popular calzone and candy sales, school lunches remain generally unhealthy and highly processed. The menu includes items such PC: Brianna Baptista as pizza and bosco sticks, both of which are filled with saturated fat from the cheese and around 26 grams of carbohydrates per slice.

The carbs contained in our meals are generally “bad carbs” meaning that they are highly processed and contain refined grains and sugars. Whole grains are not present in any of our school meals which provide energy and are rich in nutrients. Our protein items include chicken twisters, chicken patty sandwiches, and hamburgers. Though these both contain a fair amount of protein, the meat is grade E, meaning that the beef is extremely hard, white and nonporous, not to mention coated in bread crumbs.

The garden bar is the only feature that is significantly healthy, it provides students with fruit and vegetables including apples, oranges, and salad. However, it creates a mass amount of waste due to the fact that students are forced to take an item from the garden bar regardless of whether

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or not they want to eat it.

Though the goal of this is to force kids to have a balanced meal, it is generally just wasteful. Making a student take healthy food does not make them actually eat it. For those students who truly utilize the produce, this is the obviously the most nutritious aspect and where the most success has taken place in terms of “revolutionizing” school lunch programs.

We asked 343 Rocklin students whether or not they felt they were being served nutritious meals and received many responses along these lines:

“No. It tastes like cardboard. It tastes overly processed and that can’t be healthy.”

“NO NOT AT ALL.” “Definitely not. So many animal products that are probably overflowing with saturated fat. People would actually eat the vegetables/fruits if they were fresh.”

“It could be healthier...”

“No because breaded cheese and french fries are not healthy.”

“Not really, but the bosco sticks are AWESOME!”

e ”

d

s ”

but what if we could

change it

Freshman Diana Polhac is speaking out against the food by making a petition to change the school lunches in our district.

Even with the produce, only 23 percent of students get lunch at least once a week, and 57 percent claim to never get hot lunch. Freshman, Diana Polhac is trying to change this. She has started a petition, lobbying for healthier lunches in school.

Inspiration hit after reading “Fast Food Nation” by Eric Schlosser, a book that describes what goes on in fast food chains and behind the scenes of our meat production.

She then went on to watch the movie “Food Inc.” where she was shocked and repulsed by the graphic images. The facts presented by both of these sources were too horrific for her to ignore.

Comic by McKenna Teigland

Lincoln High has an open campus, so why don’t we? “...Choices on the school menu are very limited to some people whereas a shopping center is full of various restaurants. There should be a check in and out paper though with staff securing the area.” Darin O’Donnell “...We have a lot of local businesses that are within walking distance that students can walk to for lunch instead of eating our school’s gross food.”

Jessie Sublette “...it bolsters the local economy.”

Austin Anicich

response for her petition has been widely supported by a multitude of students who share her concern but never thought to speak up. She has listened to many students who told her horror stories of finding hair in their food and an overall disgust for the low quality of lunches. Diana’s plan is to first take the petition to Mr. Bills and give him a chance to comment and then take it all the way to the school board.

“We are the future of this country, the government should pay more attention to our needs and be careful about what they are feeding us.”

But not everyone is on board with healthy everything. The vending machines have recently been mandated to carry only Powerade Zero rather than the Ms. Pilar Padilla helped her usual full sugar, full calorie sports get the petition started and she drink. ASB receives a good had over 400 signatures just four amount of their funding from days after she started. Her goal is the vending machines and their not only to provide healthier food revenue is bound to drop with this to students, but more variety as new change. Years ago, soda well. Diana explained that there was removed from them and ASB are no options for students with felt the hit, this caused dance specific nutritional requirements ticket prices to increase and such as vegan, lactose intolerant, Thompson hopes to prevent this and diabetic students. The from happening again.

Student Logan Hasty from Lincoln high school said, “I love leaving school early, it gives me a break from my already so stressful life. I think that as high school students we are responsible for our actions and are old enough to make these decisions.”

“Something needs to be done about this, it’s wrong,” Diana stated.

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Right on Track Junior Lyndsey Settle has broken 2 records and is trying to break a third “I broke the 400 school record with a 57.67. I broke the 100 school record with a 12.24. I recently PR’d in my 200 race with a 25.40. The record is 25.24, so I’m hoping to get the record by the end of the season. I was very excited to break the records. I broke the 400 record first,” said Lyndsey Settle.

What is more exciting than witnessing history in the making? Records being broken? Rocklin High junior, Lyndsey Settle, has a talent for sprinting track and field. Sprinting is short distance running at full speed. Because of her hard work and dedication to track combined with her own natural talent, Settle has a shot at shattering school records this year. Every track meet is intense as she gets closer and closer to breaking the school record for the 200 meter that no one thought would be broken.

Settle does track year round. When it’s not the school season, she runs track in a track club called Revolution Express. This track club is lead by Rocklin High’s sprints coach, Roosevelt Kent, so for Rocklin athletes,

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PC: Ally Stone

the club season is an extension of the high school season. Settle also competes in club soccer on her off season. There isn’t truly a time when she isn’t involved in a sport.

Settle’s hard work also motivates her teammates to be better athletes. By setting an example for others, she was voted a team captain by the coaches and track and field team this year. She also loves connecting with her teammates.

“My favorite events are the relays because they are the only opportunity I have to work with my teammates in an event,” said Settle.

Even though she is a dedicated athlete, Settle continues to do well in her school work. She has plans to attend college and makes sure she manages school to reach her goal. “I try to get a lot of my work done during school because I know I will be too tired to do it when I get home,” said Settle. Currently with her times, she is on the path to getting a scholarship for college.

By Leilah Lockett

Last chance to dance Promposals, Senior Ball style Skyler Gonzalez and Amanda Mays The Flash: Explain how Skyler asked you to Senior Ball.

Amanda: I went to Skyler’s house and his little sister was holding a dragon piñata. He jumped out and was dressed up with a mask, sword and shield to look like a knight. He slayed the dragon and pulled out a sign that said, “Would a Princess like You, Really Want to be Dragon me Around all Knight at Senior Ball?”

The Flash: How did you react?

Amanda: I did not expect him to ask so extravagantly, I thought he would just do some kind of cheesey poster. I was really surprised and overwhelmed with joy. Basically, it was the most perfect way I could have been asked to senior ball.

Maddy Lent and Christian Clarion

Blake Abercrombie and Maddy Terry

His side of the story: I put signs on the road so on her way home from swim practice she would see them. When she got home I was waiting for her with flowers.

Her side of the story: I knew Blake and I were going to go to senior ball together, so I was just waiting for him to ask. When I was driving home from swim, I had no idea that the signs on the road were for me.

The Flash: Explain how you were asked to Senior Ball.

Christian: I thought I was meeting Maddy at Origins to do homework, but she wasn’t there. Instead, someone gave me an envelope that sent me on a scavenger hunt. All of the clues were riddles that related to things we’ve done in the past. At the end she was waiting for me with a sign that said, “SB” in rose petals. I like the way she asked because I wasn’t really expecting anything, and it caught me off guard.

By Ally Lent

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What’s All the Hype About?

“Prithvi Rajasekaran is awesome and makes good music,” said Prithvi Rajasekaran.

Prithvi Rajasekaran, Rishad Khondker, Riley Rosenberg, and Keyshon Williams, the Hype Squad, have become a known classification around campus.

A big joke that started out with Rishad tweeting, “Official HypeMan of @LifeOfPrithvi,” the Hype Squad’s main intent is to spread the “hype” of Prithvi’s music especially when he records a new song. Prithvi collaborates with Javier Lopez to produce either remixes or their own creation of mainly rap and electronic genres, something they have been doing for about a year when they realized their common interest in making music.

“He [Javi Lopez] downloaded this music program, figured out how to use it, taught me how to use it and since then we’ve just been working together on it,” says Prithvi.

All for free, anyone can check out Prithvi and Javi’s music at soundclound.com/acrylic-on-stereo.

They are currently working on putting out a project they have been creating for quite some time and is scheduled to officially be out in May. A “join if you want” type of group, the Hype Squad is just “trying to expand it [their association] and that’s why they take a picture every Monday at break,” says original member Keyshon.

For more information, just ask Prithvi and don’t forget to hype his music.

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Prithvi Rajasekaran and his official Hype Squad

The Hype Squad rules are as follows:

PC: Michayla Decker

1. Don’t ask whether or not the Hype Squad is a cult, (especially since Mr. Geoff Clarion points out the Hype Squad has more than a few aspects of a cult) 2. Spread the message of Prithvi Rajasekaran around school, (Prithvi Rajasekaran is awesome and makes good music) 3. Join the group text 4. Name your allegiance to the Hype Squad on Twitter

By Courtney Harper

Josh Lopez:

Legendary Business Man

O

ur imagination was unlimited as children but now we have come to terms with the unlikelihood of our dreams. When we were in our youth, we were superheroes, secret agents and royalty.

Our parents urge us to get college degrees and become doctors.

Without a college degree, Josh Lopez has started a business to reach his goal of buying a private jet. He would like to use this superpower to help others, defining him as a realistic superhero.

He was inspired in his Graphic Communication class last year when the class focused on T-shirt designs.

“Ms. (Amy)Tackett never got around to it [making the T-shirts] so I thought I would do it myself,” Josh said.

Last year Josh could be spotted in signature tie-dye T-shirts. Tie-dye T-shirts were the first item he began to sell.

Once he brought in enough money he started to enhance his designs on the shirts, using his own silk screening press. Josh’s designs were supposed to embody a style unique and different from the cliche brand names.

“What I go for in my brand is that I like to represent different cultures and stuff that’s not really around here,” Josh said.

For example, Josh uses a Buddha in some of his pieces to represent a culture that is not as common in our area.

“I like to bring artwork from different places because this

By Caitlin Payne area is kind of closed off to the things that are trending and it just stands out more.”

“It was really just the first thing that came to my mind to call my clothing line,” he said of his company name.

The profit he has made from his start-up business has built up so that he is able to outsource his labor to Premier Graphics in Roseville.

One of his goals is to fly in his own private jet.

“I would like to do charitable efforts myself. My goal for my business is just to actively make a difference in the world,” Josh said.

Josh wants to leave a positive impact on the world.

He sends 25 percent of his T-shirt proceeds to WaterAid, which cleans drinking water for cities in Africa, Asia and other continents who need it.

The ability to help others had a major influence on his main logo.“I chose a globe because I really, from the beginning, wanted to give back somehow. I just didn’t want it to be another clothing brand. I wanted to give back, donate to something that helps others, so I thought it was a perfect fit.”

Nearly everywhere, people tend to gravitate toward the typical name brand clothing.

Josh represents the creativity and thoughtfulness of Rocklin High by making his brand unique and by giving back to the world.

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NOAH by Liz Vasquez

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The Amazing-Spider Man 2

by Melanie Seyfried I absolutely loved the movie. To be perfectly honest, I have not followed Spiderman from the comic strips and even the first Tobey Maguire movies.

Free of expectations, I thought the first Andrew Garfield Spiderman movie was awesome. The second movie was equally as awesome, or even better.

The cinematography was astounding. The shots of Garfield swinging through New York streets were absolutely stunning. The CGI was amazing, and Spiderman’s action stunts were amazing to watch. Key plot points from the first Amazing Spiderman movie carried into the bulk of the movie, especially focusing on the deaths of both Peter’s and Gwen’s fathers.

This movie featured themes of excitement, action, a storyline that surpassed my expectations. The movie also revolved around the concepts of vitality and time.

I won’t spoil the ending, but you will either love it or hate it. Hopefully you will go see the movie and join the side of Amazing Spiderman enthusiasts everywhere!

h t t a w b t P v

W J

ADMIT ONE

ADMIT ONE

Visually capturing, Noah takes the Old Testament to heart in a revisioned story that combines creationism, a hint of evolution, and a fresh look at the biblical story of saving the innocent and starting anew. In the bible, this story was only four chapters long and had no detail about what happened during or after the journey on the Ark. The director, Aronofsky, decided to take a new direction with it, and it turned out great - expanding the story to allow the family to have a life and bringing up the issue of survivor’s guilt.

This movie was built on CGI - the beginning portion appeared to be claymation, at times it had the feel of a video game, and the battle sequences had a hint of fantasy intertwined. But the cinematography used in the sequences of new life and the ‘beginning of everything’ was quite astounding. Plus, the actors’ performances were profound. If this movie looked interesting to you, I would definitely recommend it, whether or not you believe in the origins.

ADMIT ONE

ADMIT ONE

Movie Reviews

H J e p

D J h

D J a m

)

(

THE GREAT cover-up

T

he teenage girl’s internal dilemma: makeup or no makeup? For years, girls have been told that the only way they can be pretty is to slather themselves in makeup. We’re all held to the stereotype that we should always look our very best, but some girls choose not to abide by the “rules.” Jasmine Passey and Lily Andrew give their views on the age-old debate.

No makeup: jasmine passey

Why do you not wear makeup?

J: I usually don’t have time!

makeup: lily andrew

http://www.clipartlord.com/category/miscellaneous-clip-art/

by Katie Morgan

Why do you use makeup?

L: It’s not a need, it’s more just a part if getting dressed. It’s kind of a routine at this point.

How long does it take you to do your makeup every morning?

L: It takes me around 20 minutes.

When did you start wearing makeup?

L: I was thirteen when I started wearing makeup. I was in eighth grade at the time.

Does it make you feel prettier or better about yourself and why?

L: It makes me feel better about myself because I don’t have eyebrows like a normal human being!

They’re super light, so filling them in makes me feel better.

why do you wear makeup? because I’m an u g l y hippopotamus.

Have you ever worn makeup?

J: Yes, if I put it on ever it’s just mascara and It makes me feel confident. eyeliner when I’m out in public. I don’t like to I wear makeup to make myself look the way I put it on super heavy. want. I don’t wear it to impress or please any-

one but myself.

Do you think that you look better without it?

J: I think I look better without it. It looks too it makes our natural beauty even more beautiful, and heavy on me most of the time.

it accents our face.

because I’m expected to.

Do you feel better without it?

J: I definitely think it makes me look more awake, but it feels better without having so much on my face.

did you know?

only 27.3% of Rocklin girls don’t wear makeup

there are 8 billion dollars spent on cosmetics annually in the United States

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D o You Ca re?

Juli Schwarzkopf talks with an anonymous student about why they don’t care about school anymore.

Q: On a scale of 1 through 10, 1 being that you don’t put much effort and 10 being that you try your hardest, where would you put yourself in regards to school?

A: Probably a three or a four.

Q: If the scale was on how much you care about schoolwork?

A: Probably a two or a three.

Q: Describe school.

A: My honest answer, it really does suck. It really does. I mean, when I was playing sports it was awesome, but now like other than sports, it really does suck.

Q: Have you failed tests or assignments?

A: Oh yeah.

Q: What are your peers’ reactions?

A: Um nothing really, just like, they ask me why [I fail]. They ask me if I study and I’m like, “No I don’t.”

Q: Do you not have time to study?

A: No, I just flat out don’t study.

Q: What do you do instead of studying?

A: I don’t know. I just go home listen to music, play Xbox.

Q: What are your teachers’ reactions to your grades?

A: They used to care when I played football, but now they just don’t care. I’m just another kid they have to deal with everyday.

Q: What’s your reaction to your grades?

A; I mean I want to do good. I just don’t have the right habits. I mean the work I do, it’s good, but like I only focus on the homework of that night.and I don’t even do homework at my house, I do it here.

Q: Do you agree with the principle of homework?

A: No, I don’t agree with it at all. I get it’s like practice and all, but it’s like if you had a job and you worked for seven hours and then you went home and just brought more work from your job with you. I mean some people do that, but people who don’t do that would be like “Wow, that would suck, bringing work from my work to my house and continue working.” I understand why they do it, but no.

Q:Are sports the only thing that keeps you going?

A:Pretty much, yeah, definitely.

Q:How are your grades when you had a sport compared to now?

A:Let’s see. I was passing everything. I had like C’s a couple of B’s, but now I have terrible grades.

Q:Do you have plans to graduate at Rocklin High?

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A:Well, that’s a long story because Mr. Stewart made a deal with me. He brought in the football coach and he’s like “Alright, we’ll make a deal with you. If you start showing effort, we’ll let you go back out and practice with the football team” and I said, “Alright, deal.”

Basically what I’m thinking is if they don’t let me back on the football team, then I’m not gonna graduate, I’m definitely going to Victory.

Q: Where do you see yourself going to college?

A: I was looking into going into Sierra College, but when I turn 18, I really wanna move out of here. But other than that, just a community college, nothing big and fancy, just something to say “he attempted college” I guess.

Q: What do you see yourself doing after college?

A: I have EST. . . and I would want to work in like technology like this and like, just, I don’t know, work on machines and manufacture parts or something. Other than that, I really have no idea. Like, no idea at all what I want to do.

“ . . . now they just don’t care. I’m just another kid they have to deal with everyday.”

Comic by: McKenna Teigland

Sierra Garrido

Varsity dance team, Dance Student Director, Kicking It Old School, CSF, Multicultural, GSA, Keeping Hope, Tutor

Garrett Kauppila Football, Basketball, Track

“Yesterday is already a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision; but today, well-lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope.”

“Just do it.”

Ellery Watkins

Jake Leppek

Varsity dance team, ASB

Varsity golf, CSF, Skills USA, Peer Tutor, Blue Crew, Alex’s Lemonade Club, Thunder Galleria

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away.”

“Work hard, stay focused, no excuses.”

HONOR GUARD 2015 Rebecca Stanley

Nick Huddlestun

Varsity dance team, CSF, Kicking it Old School, Yearbook, Peer Tutor, Dance Student Director

Varsity baseball, French Club, CSF, Blue Crew

“Look on the bright side, smile big, and don’t let yourself down.”

“Success is never final; failure is never fatal.

It’s courage that counts.”

Connor Manley Varsity baseball, CSF, Skills USA “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.”

Brought to you by ASB Campus Recognition

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#rocklinprobs

Being late every day from parents not knowing how to get out of the parking lot efficiently I can’t use my phone during lunch Someone always has to spill their Starbucks drink in one of my classes All the white people singing to rap at prom Not being interested in sports while the rest of the town is obsessed The only places to hang out are at the mall, movie theater, or a park or something Freshmen getting cars and not even having licenses

There are too many restaurants and I’m too afraid to get fat to try them all

My first block teacher doesn’t allow Starbucks/ beverages in his class

Worrying whether Frappy Hour at Starbucks will be on AP week or not

Not being able to go ANYWHERE without seeing someone you know

When are we going to have off-campus lunches?

Rocklin moms wearing workout clothes and meeting at a Starbucks, but not actually working out

When the people at Starbucks overfill my drink and it spills on my Uggs