4/9/12

Page 1

THE

San Jacinto Times

The Trayvon Martin case has spawned a series of protests. Page 2.

The voice of San Jacinto College since 1991

Michael Jackson and Gators Baseball. Page 3.

Whistle blower speaks out on abuse April 9, 2012

The Student Publication of the San Jacinto College District

Vol. 22, No. 18

Check out our staff blog at www.sanjactimesstaff.wordpress.com

By NICHOLAS PAGE San Jacinto Times

For many years the Deer Park Independent School District has been the envy of other schools in Harris County. They have received a “Recognized” rating seven times in the past eight years. DPISD is widely acknowledged and revered. Now, DPISD’s reputation is being threatened by a disturbing accusation of abuse against a teacher of special needs students. DPISD prides itself on having a great relationship with its students and overall community. At least that is what the Superintendent’s wel-

come on DPISD’s website claims. For teacher’s aide Whitney Bertrand, her relationship with the district was abhorrent. Bertrand, 19, was a Special Education Care Professional at Fairmont Junior High from August 2010 to December 2011. Although young, Bertrand has gained a respectable amount of experience caring for and teaching those with special needs. She does not allow the classroom to create a boundary for the relationships she shares with her students. In addition to attending college she uses a portion of her spare time attending activities and functions supporting her students while developing meaningful relationships with their parents. Bertrand loves her job but she loves her students like family.

Siri and Burger King Page 6.

Bertrand claims to have witnessed a teacher abuse the students she cares for so deeply. Until now, she has not publicly spoken out against the district in regard to the abuse accusation. She has relayed her eyewitness account only to her parents and the parents of the students. The cases below were described by Bertrand and she kept records that were used in the actual investigation. All of the incidents are Bertrand’s description of events. The name of the teacher who committed the alleged abuses has been withheld from this account. She is referred to as “the supervisor” in the story. See ABUSE on Page 4

A SCARY NEW DRUG FAD

Bath Salts among latest synthetics By LINDSAY FLOYD San Jacinto Times

Synthetic drugs are the newest fad to hit the drug scene. You can buy these knock-offs legally at local stores and they are sending countless youth to the ER. “bath salts” is the most popular of the synthetic drug craze. According to the US Poison Control Center, there were over 250 calls concerning bath salts between January and February 2011, this is up tremendously from the 236 calls all of 2010. Because this drug is new to the scene, our knowledge on its long and short-term effects is limited, yet the information that is present raises concerns. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the bath salt products often contain different amphetamine-like chemicals such as methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MPDV), mephedrone and pyrovalerone. Mephedrone is the chemical that doctors are most concerned about because it presents a high risk of overdose. Like meth, a user can be permanently addicted after one use, and like LSD, a flashback can occur weeks later resulting in dangerous and bizarre behavior. Bath salts have been known to trigger intense cravings and psychotic episodes like those experienced by methamphetamine users. A 46-year-old man from Jersey Village went into a psychotic episode after ingesting bath salts. After his elderly parents thought he had calmed down and was asleep, 46-year-old John Savoie left his house in a panic and was found the next morning hanging from razor wire two miles from his house. How he ended up tangled in the wire is still a mystery, but his family says bath salts are to blame for his psychotic episode. See SYNTHETIC DRUGS on Page 5.

HS students face new test Easter tales of tradition Google Images

By JANETH CERVANTES San Jacinto Times

From 3rd grade until 11th grade, we were haunted by the four or five letter acronym tests in which our promotion to the next grade depended on. Going to sleep early and having a good breakfast the morning of the test was a regular routine for us as gradeschool students. Whether you knew it as TEAMS, TAAS, or TAKS, students in Texas have a new named test to take. The end of an era has come, and a new STAAR is born. The STAAR test, also known as the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, will begin taking its first steps this spring for students graduating in the class of 2015 and thereafter. The test will continue to determine whether or not a 3rd through 11th grade student will be retained or promoted to their next correspondent grade. Although it is more rigorous than the TAKS test, the STAAR test will be a more age appropriate test, especially for high school students. Students from 3rd to 8th grade will continue taking the same subject grades as they did before. Therefore, third to eighth graders will continue tak-

INSIDE

Commentary................2 Around Campus..........3 Front Page Jumps....4/5 Entertainment..............6

ing mathematics and reading every year, 4th and 7th graders will take the writing portion of the STAAR, 5th and 8th will take the science portion, and 8th graders will still be tested on social studies. On the other hand, high school students will no longer have 10 grade-level tests to take, but 12 end of course exams.

With the TAKS, testing varied per grade level in high school. For example, freshmen didn’t have to test in science or social studies, but as sophomores and juniors testing was in all subjects. From now on, 9th through 11th graders will take a test in every subject such as math, science, english, and social studies for their correspondent grade level. In other words, ninth graders will take an end of course Algebra I test, Biology test, World Geography test, and a two part English I test. Sophomores will be taking an end of course Geometry test, Chemistry test, World History test, and a two part end of course English II test. Last but not least 11th graders will be tested on an end of course Algebra II test, Physics test, U.S. History test, and a two part end of course English III test. See STAAR on Page 5.

Germany brings a new perspective to the holiday By JENNY RAMOS San Jacinto Times

It’s the day after Easter, and all the egg hunting and baskets are now put away. When celebrating Easter in the U.S., citizens decorate stores and homes with eggs and cute bunnies. Question is, where did American society learn these traditions? Although it’s celebrated quite differently, Germany’s Easter traditions reached America. Celebrating the resurrection of Christ is always an event many countries celebrate and cherish, and Germany has a unique way of doing it. Americans celebrate Easter each year similar to German traditions; however, Germany does it a little differently. Friday, Saturday and Sundays all have different events for families to do. Fish is something commonly eaten for dinner on Good Friday, while the delicious treat of a sweet cake shaped as a lamb is served on Easter Saturdays. Easter baskets, eggs, candy, etc. is given out on actual Easter Sunday, and the classic service where many families attend is held as well. Germany invented the long time tradition of painting Easter eggs. According to Birge Amondson from About.com, eggs are considered to be “the symbols of new life”, and “the bright colors represents sunlight and growth” During Easter, children all over the world absolutely love the chocolate bunnies. Germany was also believed to be the reason this tradition of edible bunnies came to America. The Easter bunny symbolized fertility, and was also “first mentioned

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in German writings in the 16th century,” Birge Amondson from About.com explains. Pennsylvania was the main state in the U.S. where the Easter traditions began. After many German immigrants migrated to the area in the early 1700’s, their practices of Easter spread throughout the public. As they baked hare-shaped cakes and dyed eggs, little did the German immigrants know their practices would become a regular tradition to America. See EASTER on Page 5.

Opinion/Commentary

Old psychology theory might be out of its mind By STEVEN TALLAS San Jacinto Times

April 9, 2012 San Jacinto Times • Page 2

A bold black stamp on the hand that read right-brained or left-brained student may have been reasonable for students back in the late 1900’s, but now one of psychology’s most popular theories is proving itself to be just a myth. In fact, many psychologists and neuroscientist are warning people to clinch tight to their wallets for scams while others believe that the theory is something to be highly concerned about. The question is, are you right-brained or left-brained? Are you more creative or logical? Do you prefer cats or dogs? In 1960 Neuropsychologist and Neurobiologist Roger Sperry conducted many experiments to define the roles of each hemisphere. He isolated each hemisphere by severing the corpus callosum (which connects both hemispheres). After testing these “split-brained” patients through such experiments as to mix and match various objects, he found that each side of the brain manages specific functions. For instance, the leftbrain uses more logic and the right-brain uses more feeling. In 1996, Gereon Fink, John Marshall and other colleges did a research project that demonstrated how information was processed in different sides of the brain. Fink and others discovered that the right side focused on the bigger picture while the left side focused on more detail. Other studies through pop psychology found that the left-brain focuses on facts, being a math-bound person, and lives life safely while the right-brain focuses on beliefs, being a philosophy-bound student, and has a risk-taking personality. Although there was much debate in the early years of this study,

North Campus San Jacinto College psychology professor, Rose Mary Istre, explains that modern technology shows that this theory is very much disproven. “It looked like there were certain functions inherent to one hemisphere and the other, but we have learned since then, especially through the advent of modern technology and brain imaging, that it’s really not quite that way. And there are a lot of pathways in communication and areas of the brain that don’t work in isolation [to] where people then got the idea that this side is responsible for logic and practicality and [the other side] is for mood and creativity and passion. That’s really not true.” She also explains that there is creativity in doing math too. 90 percent of people believe that we have a learning style and we are destined to think a certain way. Some theories go as far to prove that some people are more dominate on one side of their brain than the other and that it’s harder for a student to gasp onto a certain lesson or subject. North Campus San Jacinto student-success (GUST) teacher admits, “I hate math. I hate it with a passion. I don’t know math and every time I get out of a math class my hands get all clammy, I freeze up, and I won’t do well. It wasn’t until I ran into an instructor. She said everyone can do math if you’re taught how to do it [and] you have a good instructor. I was like, yeah right. I earned an A out of that class and she was the best instructor. I felt so proud of myself because I could do math.” Approximately 68 percent of SJC incoming students are identified as requiring college prep courses such as GUST or non-college level math classes. According to USA Today, Federal data show that less than 60 percent of students graduate from four-year colleges in six years, and just one in three community college students earn a degree.

When it comes to education, the way the brain functions may be hurting students in both universities and community colleges. To take an opposing viewpoint, San Jacinto College student and president of the psychology club, Michael Placencia says, “[The theory] definitely influences them. I think the hemispheres do play a part in someone’s psychological state,” and later he explains, “It depends how a person learns and processes information. Some person could learn how to do a math problem differently than another…it might affect [student’s] grades.” So what this means is that these two hemispheres may be playing a bigger part in our brain than we thought. It is influencing us on how we live, learn a certain way, and make the choices we make. According to Berry, she feels that this issue is not a hoax; instead it is something teachers and students need to be worrying about when it comes to grades. “I feel that instructors should get to know their students and see how they learn… some learn from visual… some well audibly, by just listening, and some learn well through their fears. So I think it’s important an instructor tries [to] see the learning styles of their students,” Berry explains. Along with the percentages of college students at risk of failure, we can only wait for psychology to prove what causes this steady increase. Maybe it is the left-brain/right-brain theory, or maybe it’s just another hoax. In one of Sperry’s brain studies he stated, “There appear to be two modes of thinking, verbal and nonverbal, represented rather separately in left and right hemispheres respectively and that our education system, as well as science in general, tends to neglect the nonverbal form of intellect. What it comes down to is that modern society discriminates against the right hemisphere.”

Lottery not worth investment By MICHAEL DEATS San Jacinto Times

Media can distort stories

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By DENNIS TAGUE San Jacinto Times

In the past couple of weeks, the murder of Trayvon Martin has been the spotlight of the national media. Several people, including government officials, have given their opinions on the situation. There has been an outcry for the arrest of George Zimmerman, calling him a murderer. Zimmerman however claims his innocence, stating that his actions were merely self-defense. There were a few witnesses to the "murder," but their stories are not just sketchy, but also totally different sides as far as who attacked whom. What exactly happened in the Trayvon Martin case, it's possible no one will ever know. The justice system will do it's work and eventually a verdict will be released, but why do we jump to conclusions when we not only don't have any answers, we have no idea of what evidence there was to indict this man? George Zimmerman now has his life ruined because people formed opinions because of media stories about his case. Even if Zimmerman gets a not-guilty verdict, no one will care just like nobody cared when Michael Jackson was found not guilty of child molestation; jokes were still made and peo-

ple still doubted. Casey Anthony is a perfect example of this situation. Anthony's case was dragged on like Zimmerman's, to the point where even though she was found not guilty of the murder of her child, she has received multiple death threats, had her trial protested with signs that told her to “go to Hell” and has had to go into hiding. Trials like this should not be televised and receive as much attention as they do, if a verdict has not been reached yet. It’s not even about right and wrong, or good versus evil anymore; it’s about politics. Government officials, such as President Barak Obama and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee have spoken out about this subject, but do they really care? Or is it just for “brownie points” to get reelected in the next voting cycle? Some of it is even about race. Sure Zimmerman is half white, but so is Obama. Do we only add all of the races on when someone does something bad? Zimmerman killed a Black teenager, and he is a “White-Hispanic,” but Barak Obama is the first black President. It seems as though our standards vary on people’s actions. Whatever the reason for it people shouldn’t draw their own conclusions just based on what the media tells us we should think. We should learn to assess the situation and draw conclusions based on facts not on media hype.

San Jacinto Times San Jacinto College Student Publications

CIRCULATION Cristal Calvillo

ADVERTISING Sara Quintana

ADVISER Fred Faour

EDITOR

Michael Deats

PAGE ONE EDITOR Nicholas Page

OPINIONS EDITOR Caty Christy

SOUTH CAMPUS EDITORS Vanessa Pina, Lori Brown NORTH CAMPUS EDITORS Edith Manzanales, Steven Tallas

SPORTS EDITORS

Brandon Hurley, Stephen Valdez

FASHION/LIFESTYLE EDITOR Angelica Rodriguez

MUSIC EDITOR Lindsay Floyd

Most great societies throughout history have learned that it is necessary to appease the population. Karl Marx once described religion as the opiate of the masses. The Roman Empire fed the people voyeurism in the form of blood sport. Well, enter America, keeping the world in line, one green-back at a time. With the most diverse population and mixture of ethnicity, the first placebo never stood a chance. Religion has a place in the hearts of many, and rightly so. Faith is an inalienable right, but it cannot dull the senses any longer. Faith does not mix with free thinking reforms and the Internet. But wait, they have Reality Television! Jersey Shore, Bad Girls Club and Whale Wars have replaced the blood sports of old, and in winning fashion. But that isn’t always enough for some people. They need to be given something as well. For that we look to the lottery! The lottery is not a new concept, but it is becoming more and more sensationalized. With the recent record breaking Jackpot of 640 million dollars the average Joe can’t help but throw his name in the hat. The lottery is not a nice game either. It has inspired greed in people that usually don’t have any idea how to behave with such a large volume of cash. People are claiming $10,000 prizes and being crowded by family and friends like they are entitled to your treasure. After all, if you get free money you

should just give it to people, right? As for the big jackpot, you just won a seat on the most amazing roller coaster ride ever! As Eminem once put it in Marshal Mathers, “Now I’ve got ninety something cousins.” He was not lying. For some odd reason, when someone wins the lottery, dozens of nearby people mutate into expert genealogists. They will then go on to explain exactly why and how they are related to down to the tiniest drop of blood. For another matter everyone who ever did you a favor has morphed into a wandering IRS agent claiming that just because you exist and they exist, you owe them money. One of the first major headlines for the most amazing of jackpots was the simple fact that Americans dished out an amazing 1.5 billion on Mega Millions. But that is not what is important in a recession. Who cares about blowing a collective 1.5 billion dollars on frivolous jackpots when the people that won aren’t sharing? As an ex-convenient store clerk, I often found myself advising customers that if they want, they can tuck away their weekly investment in a savings account and let it build interest. Plant the seeds of a better future, if you will. The customers would get a good laugh, because after all, saving up money pales in comparison to the enticing power of winning a million dollars over-night. Alas, getting rich is not the same as being rich, which is the best-kept secret. Wealth comes with a price, to have money and not spend it. The lottery does nothing to prepare you for being wealthy; you might as well have won free fries from McDonalds’ Monopoly.

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The San Jacinto Times is published weekly by the journalism students at San Jacinto College Central, 8060 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77505. Opinions expressed herein are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the staff, its adviser, the administration or the Board of Regents. The Times encourages letters to the editor. Letters must be in good taste, accurate, free from libel, malice or personal controversy. Letters must be limited to 200 words in length. Letters submitted without the author’s signature will not be accepted.

The staff reserves the right to edit the letters for accuracy without altering the general meaning. Letters can be e-mailed to fred.faour@sjcd.edu. Letters must include name and phone number for verification. The online edition of the Times is available at http://issuu.com/sanjacintotimes Advertising space is available for $5.00 per column inch. Special rates are available. For news tips and information on advertising, contact the Times at 281-4782752.

Around Campus/Sports

Arpil 9, 2012 San Jacinto Times • Page 3

Espanol

8 DAYS A WEEK

Central

Central

Lunes, Abril 9

Monday, April 9

• Psi Beta va tener una venta de coccion, 11 a.m., Student Center Lobby • Reunion de Mathematicas y Ingenieria, 12:22 p.m., C1.142 • Reunion de el club de Psicologia, 12:50 p.m., C3.211

• Psi Beta Bake Sale, 11 a.m., Student Center Lobby • Math & Engineering Club Meeting, 12:22 p.m., C1.142 • Psychology Club Meeting, 12:50 p.m., C3.211

Martes, Abril 10 • Junta de TSEA, 1 p.m., C.20.263 • Junta de PBL, 1 p.m., C3.215 • Reunion de el GSA, 2:30 p.m., C3.204

Miercoles, Abril 11 • Reunion de Anime Society, 1 p.m., C20.253-255 • Reunion de el club de Quimica, 2 p.m., C20.171

Jueves, Abril 12 • No hay actividades programado para este dia

Viernes, Abril 13 • Junta de Phi Theta Kappa, 10:30 a.m., C1.230 • Ruenion de LASO, 12:30 p.m., C2.210

Sabado, Abril 14 • No hay actividades programado para este dia

Domingo, Abril 15 • No hay actividades programado para este dia

Lunes, Abril 16 • Dia del Mascota, 11 a.m., localizada en el Corral de la escuela San Jacinto Norte • Reunion de Mathematicas y Ingenieria, 12:22 p.m., C1.142 • Junta de el club de Psicologia, 12:50 p.m., C3.211

Sur

Lunes, Abril 9

• Dia Sustantivo National de Phi Theta Kappa, 11:30 a.m., enre los edificios 6y8 • Locks of Love, 9 a.m. y 6 p.m., el departamento de Cosmetologia • Reunion de el club de Tennis, 3:30 p.m., en la cancha de Tennis • Reunion de Mixed Martial Arts, 8:30 p.m., S21.120

Martes, Abril 10 • Reunion de Comunion Biblico para estudiantes, 11:30 a.m., S11.109 • Junta de Chess Club, 1:30 p.m., S9.238 • Junta de Game Enterprises Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062 • Reunion de Pre Med, 5 p.m., S7.128 • Junta de Writer’s Block, 6 p.m., S9.200

Miercoles, Abril 11 • Junta de Phi Beta Lambda, 2:30 p.m., S8.2014 • Junta de el club de Historia, 2:30 p.m., S7.156 • Ruenion de el club de Filosofia, 2:45 p.m., S7.100 • Junta de HSF, 3 p.m., S8.2026

Jueves, Abril 12 • Junta de Game Enterprises Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062

Viernes, Abril 13 • Junta de Mixed Martial Arts, 9 a.m., S21.105 • Junta de el club de Chess, 1 p.m., S9.234

Sabado, Abril 14 • No hay actividades programado para este dia

Lunes, Abril 16 • Reunion de el club de Tennis, 3:30 p.m., en la cancha de Tennis • Junta de GEO Jacs a las 6 p.m. en la sala S7.148

San Jacinto College publicity

Gators Baseball heats up

The San Jac baseball team is led by sophomores (left to right) Justin Byrd, Benjamin Silva, Kyle Chaskin, Esteban Gomez, Daniel Stumpf and Phillipp Howard.

By BRANDON HURLEY San Jacinto Times

The San Jacinto College Gators baseball team keeps wowing observers with their exciting play this season. The team won three games in a row last weekend to advance their record to 24-16 overall. They’ve won 13 of their last 16, and with a 157 conference record, Galveston College is sweating to keep on pace. The Gators took Bossier Parrish into extra innings in the first game. Tensions were high until Kyle Bacak hit a grand slam home run in the top of the 10th. Bacak was also the star of the second game against Bossier Parrish. He knocked in an RBI double to lead the Gators to a 1-0 victory. They finished the weekend with a 4-2 win against Tyler Junior College. The Gators catcher, Bacak, finished the weekend 5-11 with 5 RBIs and his first collegiate home run.

The Seven Lakes HS graduate was fourth on the Gators with a .288 batting average. That number is surely to rise after his impressive weekend. Bacak is an extremely talented athlete who the Gators can use in many different ways. Gisele Bundchen should take notice of this young man because he actually can throw the ball and catch it too. In high school, Bacak was a pitcher and a shortstop, as well as a catcher. In other news, the Gators will honor former players at their Golden anniversary celebration on Saturday, April 28, as part of San Jac’s 50th anniversary celebration. All former players have been invited and current Rice University head coach, former San Jac head coach, Wayne Graham, will throw out the first pitch. To follow San Jac Baseball, you can like the team on Facebook. Their home games are broadcast live on the Legacy Sports Network and you can also check out www.sanjacsports.com. All stats and records current as of April 2, 2012.

Michael Jackson tribute By LAUREN MOTLEY San Jacinto Times

The King of Pop, the legendary man, known as Michael Jackson will be making a come back this spring to San Jac. June 25, 2009 the world was surprised to hear that the King of Pop had died but his legacy remains. The dance clubs from North and Central campus will be performing a tribute to the loved musician May third and fourth. All semester the dance classes have been working hard to prepare for this event. Both the modern and jazz classes have a Michael Jackson piece to show off. “I am looking forward to performing to Michael Jackson so we can actually bring meaning to his life” says Monica Agaybi, minoring in dance. This is not all, there are select students who have choreographed featured numbers to reflect what they have learned in class throughout the year. There

will be many forms of dance such as jazz, lyrical, modern, hip-hop, and more. “I loved Michael’s music video to Smooth Criminal, so it led me to choreograph a piece for the show” says Jessica Diaz North Campus student majoring in math. Each student brings something special to the club. For example, Julia Hall broke her back last year sky diving, “I want to prove myself that I can still dance like a boss”. Even Shane Hazel who was just accepted to HBU to be a Physician Assistant loves the class, “I like dance because it is a way to express your emotions”. They are a wide range of students, but they all have one thing in common,which is dance. 50 students, 10 pieces, two nights are all they need to show what they can do and honor Michael in their own way. May third and fourth in the Slocomb Fine arts building, 7 p.m., tickets are $5. Come out and support both the dance club and Michael Jackson. You will not regret it.

Totally Texas Festival set By LIZ LOPEZ San Jacinto Times

The countdown toward San Jacinto Day begins with the annual Totally Texas Festival this weekend. This year’s Totally Texas Festival will take place on April 14, 2012 at the Jimmy Burke Center. The festivities include the always popular Totally Texas Cook-off, 16th annual Miss Deer Park Beauty Pageant, a carnival, old-fashioned bake-off, and many more activities for the family. It will be a weekend full of fun and yummy food!

Friday, April 13th • Carnival 6:00 -10:00 p.m. • Miss Deer Park Beauty Pageant Registration 6:00 p.m. • Theatre / Courts Building Pageant 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 14th • Carnival 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. • Shell Strides for Schools Fun Run On Site Registration & Packet Pick Up – 7:00 a.m. • National Anthem & Pre Race Instructions – 7:55 a.m. • Race Start – 8 a.m. • Awards – 9:30 a.m. • Arts & Crafts Booths Open to Shoppers – 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. • Parade Start – 11 a.m. (Abshire Stadium) Finish – Jimmy Burke Activity Center Awards - 12:45 p.m. • Houston Area Safety Council Bike Rodeo & Parade (St. Hyacinth Catholic Church 2921 Center Street Deer Park, TX) Registration, Bike Decoration, & Safety Course – 9 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. • Lineup for Parade – 10:45

• TSEA Meeting, 1 p.m., C20.263 • Phi Beta Lambda Meeting, 1 p.m., C3.215 • GSA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., C3.204

Wednesday, April 11 • Anime Society Meeting, 1 p.m., C20.253-255 • Chemistry Club Meeting, 2 p.m., C20.171

Thursday, April 12 • No Scheduled Activities

Friday, April 13 • PTK Meeting, 10:30 a.m., C1.230 • LASO Meeting, 12:30 p.m., C2.210

Saturday, April 14 • No Scheduled Activities

Sunday, April 15 • No Scheduled Activities

Monday, April 16 • Mascot Day, 11 a.m., North Courtyard • Math & Engineering Club Meeting, 12:22 p.m., C1.142 • Psychology Club Meeting, 12:50 p.m., C3.211

South

Monday, April 9

• PTK National Signing Day, 11:30 a.m., Foyer between Buildings 6 & 8 • Locks of Love (Weekly through April), 9 a.m. & 6 p.m., Cosmetology Dept. • Tennis Club Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Tennis Courts • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 8:30 p.m., S21.120

Tuesday, April 10 • Student Bible Fellowship, 11:30 a.m., S11.109 • Chess Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m., S9.238 • Game Enterprises Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062 • 17 & Under Tennis Club Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Tennis Courts • Pre Med Club Meeting, 5 p.m., S7.128 • Writer’s Block Meeting, 6 p.m., S9.200

Wednesday, April 11

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, April 12th • Carnival 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 10

• Entertainment Bravo Cheer – 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. • RPAC – 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. • San Jacinto College Jazz Band – 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. • Killin Time – 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. • Reaction – 2:15 – 3:15 p.m. • Andy & The Dreamsicles 4:45 – 7 p.m. • Bake Off Competition (Entries Must Arrive 1 hour before Judging) Cakes – 10:00 a.m., Pies – 11:00 a.m., Cookies – 12:00 p.m., Salsa – 1:00 p.m., Woodcrafts – 2 p.m., Birdhouses - 3:00 p.m., Quilts – 4:00 p.m. • Awards – 5:00 p.m. • Patrick’s Cabin Historical Review (Patrick’s Cabin) • History of Deer Park Film Viewing – throughout the day Post 472 National Champion Honor Guard Drill – throughout the day Rolling Thunder Cannon Display – Firing at 12:00 -1:00 p.m. • Recreation of Gen. Santa Ana Surrender – 1:15 p.m. • Patrick Cabin Tours – 10:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m. • Texas Flag Display – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. • Historic Tank Art Display – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

• Phi Beta Lambda Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S8.2014 • History Club Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S7.156 • Philosophy Club Meeting, 2:45 p.m., S7.100 • HSF Meeting, 3 p.m., S8.2026

Thursday, April 12 • Game Enterprises Guild, 3:30 p.m., S8.1062

Friday, April 13 • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 9 a.m., S21.105 • Chess Club Meeting, 1 p.m., S9.234

Saturday, April 14 • No Scheduled Activities

Sunday, April 15 • No Scheduled Activities

Monday, April 16 • Tennis Club Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Tennis Courts • GEO Jacs Meeting, 6 p.m., S7.148 • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 8:30 p.m., S21.120 Editor’s note: Due to problems at North campus and early deadlines due to Good Friday, the North calendar does not appear this week.

Jumps

DPISD Continued from Page 1

The parents of both Bertrand and the special needs students have gone to local news networks with the story as well. The powers that be at Fairmont Junior High used every avenue they could to keep Bertrand and her fellow aides quiet. The school’s tactics proved successful for a short time but Bertrand reached her breaking point. On March 26, 2012, she gave the San Jacinto Times her first interview in relation to this case and a detailed account of what happened. Here is her story: Bertrand and her immediate supervisor started teaching in Fairmont Junior High’s Structured Learning Classroom at the same time. The supervisor, two aides and one co-op student were the only people employed to work in the SLC. At this point, there was only one student to care for but in October 2011 the school took on three more disabled children and eventually the total amount of students reached seven. It was at this time that Bertrand says her supervisor became abusive with the three of the students. The first case of abuse Bertrand claims to have witnessed involved the supervisor and a male child living with cerebral palsy and a gastrostomy tube or G-Tube. The G-Tube is used to administer food to those with medical issues that prevent them from consuming an adequate amount of nutrition. The tube can be permanent or temporary until the medical issue preventing proper consumption no longer exists. When the child would become frustrated or nervous he would attempt to pull out his G-Tube. If the child succeeded in removing the tube, his mother would have to come to the school in order reset it. In the event witnessed by Bertrand, when the student reached for his G-Tube out of frustration, the supervisor decided to wrap a piece of elastic material around the child’s stomach where the tube is installed. According to Bertrand, the intended purpose of the elastic material is to improve dexterity and motor function in students whose disabilities affect their hands. There was no instruction given by the parent or the student’s Behavioral Intervention Plan that approved the wrapping of any material around his stomach to prevent him from tampering with the G-Tube. A Behavioral Intervention Plan, or BIP, dictates the lawful and proper avenues one must use to improve difficult behavior that is inhibiting a child’s academic success. After the elastic material proved ineffective, the supervisor began using a life vest as a deterrent to keep the child from removing the G-Tube. Like the elastic material, the use of a life vest was not approved by the BIP. Well aware of this fact, the supervisor continued to use the life vest on the child. During lunch time the student consumed a homemade puree style of food. He was required to eat the entirety of the meal at school in order to maintain a healthy weight. Although the child could feed himself there were times where he would not finish or flat out refuse to eat. In these cases the teacher would have to feed him the remainder of the meal. Bertrand claimed to have witnessed the supervisor on several occasions pour the child’s remaining food down the sink and falsify documentation to reflect compliance of this requirement. The child began losing enough weight that his mother took notice. She questioned the documentation and reminded the department of her son’s need to eat the entire meal that she provides.

ABUSE WAS REPORTED

When Bertrand and another aide reported the supervisor’s actions to the school’s Special Education Department Chair, Robin Mace, no action was taken. According to Bertrand, Mace never came to the classroom whether it was to observe or reassure her that corrective actions for the supervisor’s behavior were being implemented. Also in October 2011, Bertrand claimed to have witnessed the mistreatment of a second child. This second child, also male, suffers from Down syndrome. Due to his disability, the child at times was unable to control his bladder. He spent some class time among the campus’ general population learn-

ing in classrooms other than the SLC. Bertrand claimed that the supervisor would verbally accost and humiliate the child in front of the general population when he accidentally urinated himself. Bertrand said there were multiple occasions where the supervisor would grab the child by his arms, face or shirt and forcibly drag him toward a restroom. She added that on one occasion the supervisor dragged the resistant child by his backpack down the school’s hallway to the bus waiting area. Bertrand stated that the supervisor grabbing the student was so commonplace that when the Vice Principal witnessed such an event he assumed no harm was being done. Bertrand said that the student would perform tasks and learn without fault until the supervisor entered the room. The child would then completely shut down and curl into a ball on the floor in fear of her. In the same month, Bertrand claimed to have witnessed yet a third case of child abuse. The third male student suffers from non-verbal Autism and can only convey emotion through laughter. The only exception being that he could say “no.” His favorite items to interact with are spoons, piano, and on occasion the computer. For unexplained reasons, the supervisor did not approve of the child’s laughter as an expression. Bertrand says that the supervisor began to punish the child by taking away his favorite items for weeks at a time. She also ordered that the student eat his lunch in the time-out area. Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this story is this time-out area which Bertrand says is nothing more than a utility closet. The closet, based on Bertrand’s description, is no wider than 3 feet and contains a stack of gym mats, one table, no chairs, and a light. This is the room where the child was forced to eat his lunches or was isolated when he laughed. Once the child was in the time-out area the supervisor would shut the door leaving the child alone for hours, according to Bertrand. In December 2011 the child was placed in the time-out area after the supervisor determined that his laughter was inappropriate. Knowing that he could not tie his shoes alone, she instructed him to untie them. She then refused to let him leave timeout until he tied his laces. Bertrand had been assisting the student with tying his shoes but he had not quite perfected the skill. Taking this punishment even further, the supervisor mocked him with her version of the child’s laughter. Bertrand added that the supervisor continued to verbally accost him while he cried and screamed “no.” On a separate occasion Bertrand witnessed the supervisor grab a spray bottle from the kitchenette then walk into the SLC. While Bertrand was in the office she heard the student scream from the other room. When Bertrand and her fellow aide entered the SLC they found the child in time-out soaking wet down to his t-shirt. Although Bertrand and the other aide did not witness the supervisor spray the child, a co-op student from Deer Park high school confessed to Bertrand that she witnessed the spraying. The aides, however, did see the supervisor holding the spray bottle she had taken from the kitchenette only moments before. Bertrand said that the supervisor then walked back to the kitchenette and re-entered the SLC with an armful of towels. With the child still soaking wet in the time-out area, she threw the towels at him and instructed him to fold them all. Once again, she handed down a task that she knew he could not perform on his own as punishment for his laughter. After throwing the towels at the child the supervisor left the SLC. Bertrand stepped in and helped him fold until the task was complete. Bertrand says that when the supervisor returned to the SLC she unfolded all of the towels and instructed him to fold them all again. This cycle of events repeated itself for hours, said Bertrand. The supervisor left the room a final time and once more Bertrand intervened and assisted the student in folding the towels. When the supervisor returned, Bertrand says that she forced the child to fold the towels again while threatening him with the spray bottle. When the school day ended, Bertrand along with the other aide and co-op student contacted Mace again. Unbeknownst to the supervisor, her aides were keeping a record of her actions. Each young woman wrote an individual record in their own words describing the events involving the child

with Autism. Bertrand says that when they entered Mace’s office to report Burke’s actions they were instructed to simply keep their documentation. After being dismissed Bertrand says Mace took no further action in investigating her claims. Days had passed since the meeting between the aides and Mace. Bertrand had yet to be contacted by Mace, or any other school board member, and the supervisor was still teaching in Fairmont Junior High’s SLC. During this time the supervisor took her methods of punishment to another level. Bertrand said that she began removing students from the general populace, robbing them of valuable interaction time. The lack of contact with others began to negatively manifest itself at home and multiple parents took notice. Due to Bertrand’s close relationship with her student’s parents she knew they had been contacting Mace about their children’s odd behavior. Bertrand had attempted to confront Mace again but was unable to acquire face time. While the supervisor was pulling students from classes, Mace had apparently occupied herself with meetings that Bertrand says lasted all day. Bertrand did not know what was being discussed in these daylong meetings but she was certain the topic was not the abuse. Bertrand then reached out to DPISD Special Services Executive Director, Ginger Gates. Gates oversees all aspects of special education for the district. Bertrand was reassured by Gates that she could be reached in her office at any time. But Bertrand’s phone calls and e-mails went unanswered. Frustrated at the district’s apparent lack of interest and frightened for the children’s safety Bertrand decided to abandon protocol and confront FJH’s Principal, Neil Monroe. Bertrand stopped Monroe in the school hallway and demanded a meeting before day’s end. She says Monroe expressed some concern about her demeanor then took his leave without granting her an audience. When Bertrand sought out Monroe a second time, he refused to speak with her then avoided her for the rest of the day. Bertrand came to the realization that no one in the administration was listening to her. She said they all had an idea about what was going on but they did not care.

PARENTS WERE TOLD

In December 2011, in response to a text message Bertrand received, she decided to speak with her student’s parents in private. During this meeting Bertrand was initially vague about the situation in the interest of protecting student confidentiality. She urged the parents to observe class time and suggested they make their concerns known to a higher authority. The parents have no knowledge of the supervisor’s actions at this point. Once Bertrand realized the parents weren’t catching on she decided to retrieve her record of the supervisor’s actions from her vehicle. She handed the record to the parents of the child whose mistreatment was documented. Devastated from the news, the parents made copies of Bertrand’s record and circulated it amongst themselves. When asked why she waited until this point to inform the parents of the supervisor’s actions, Bertrand replied, “I was trying to give the district a chance. I was their employee and I wanted to give them a chance.” The next morning Bertrand went to Monroe’s office and placed a copy of her individual record on his desk. She told him that the parents have this paper and that they will be coming to the school in a few hours. Monroe refused to speak to Bertrand until other members of the administration were present. Once the staff had been organized Bertrand and the other aide were isolated in a room while the supervisor was placed in a separate room. The coop student was not present on this day. Bertrand and the other aide were questioned separately by the administration. That night Bertrand received a phone call from Monroe informing her that she has been placed on administrative leave. While on leave Monroe called her to a meeting that Gates would be attending. They questioned her again for hours and Bertrand claims that they blamed her for the situation escalating. According to Bertrand, Gates referred to her as a “dirty, rat mole.” She claims Gates went on to say that the purpose of being on administrative leave is to “keep your mouth shut.” They told her

April 9, 2012 San Jacinto Times • Page 4

she was young and that she didn’t know what she was doing and that she did not give the district enough time to handle the situation. At this point more than a week had passed since Bertrand made her first report to Mace. It’s interesting that 11 days is not enough time to pull a teacher suspected of abuse out of a classroom. Only hours after being questioned by the administration, Bertrand received the phone call informing her that she was on leave. In December, a few days before classes were to resume from winter break, Bertrand was brought into a conference call with FJH’s administration. They informed her that she was being transferred to another school. The transfer paperwork had been filled out and processed by the district without Bertrand’s involvement or knowledge. She found out that the administration also transferred Mace and the supervisor to other schools within the district without reprimand. On March 19, 2012, Bertrand, along with her fellow aide, appeared in front of the DPISD Board of Trustees. Before this meeting she was forbidden to speak with her students and their parents. Bertrand claimed that Gates threatened her with termination if she did not obey. In the meeting the parents of the allegedly abused students were given only five minutes of floor time each, according to Bertrand. When the Board called on the supervisor to speak she refused to give a statement. Bertrand said that every member of the Board voted to keep the supervisor employed and allow her to resign from the district at the end of the school year. This means that she will be allowed to teach in another district should she choose to. Bertrand’s detailed testimony is nothing short of horrifying. These events are what led her to send in a letter of resignation to the district and decide to speak out against them. Bertrand says the district’s omission of an investigation, mitigation of the reported events and alleged cover-up drove her to resign. She still plans on teaching children with special needs and is motivated now more than ever to call people’s attention to this injustice. “I don’t care about what happened to me. I just wanted to make sure the kids were OK. I’m happy that they have another teacher but I’m not happy that [the supervisor] is still teaching in the district,” Bertrand said.

THE AFTERMATH

When contacted for comment, Gates was cooperative and eager to assist. When she realized the request was in relation to this story her tone changed and she claimed to be in a meeting. She passed contact information and directed all questions to DPISD’s Director of Communications, Matt Lucas. After multiple phone calls and emails, Lucas provided a prepared statement “regarding parent complaints.” In the statement provided by Lucas the district described the abuse as “…an isolated event.” The statement also says that Child Protective Services was notified of the abuse allegations. The investigation performed by CPS did not confirm some of the allegations, according to DPISD’s statement. Bertrand did not have the exact date but she claims that when CPS conducted their investigation, she, along with the supervisor and Mace, had already been transferred to different schools. Bertrand filed her own claim with CPS as a witness. She says that she has not been contacted nor questioned by CPS in regard to this case. Although DPISD’s official investigation determined that no substantial evidence confirming the abuse allegations had been found, Bertrand and the parents believe the administration failed to pursue the case arduously. Mace and the supervisor could not be reached for comment, but Mace’s husband told ABC13 that the administration did the right thing. “My wife did nothing wrong," Jesse Mace said. "There was nothing done to those kids. If anybody looked at the evidence that the district gathered, they would come to the same conclusion the district did.” “I refused to work for that district any longer,” Bertrand said. “Not for myself but because the kids cannot speak for themselves and I wonder if they will remember what happened to them.”

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Jumps/Blog post EASTER Continued from Page 1

Not only are Christmas trees something fun to decorate, but also Easter trees in Germany. Instead of Christmas ornaments hanging from the branches, Easter eggs are what’s hanging from them. Decorated Easter eggs were also given as gifts to friends or loved ones as a special gift as well. Another unique tradition Germans do differently is their games with Easter eggs. Germans don’t just hold Easter egg hunts they, “Blow eggs and paint them in multiple colours and patterns on Good Friday,” and, “Often find that the Easter bunny has also left chocolate eggs and Easter presents for them to find,” states the Deutshe Welle News. Another Easter tradition done differently in Germany is the bonfires held Easter Sunday night. Welcoming the sun and the spring, gigantic bonfires are lit using old Christmas trees as fuel for the fire. An Easter dinner on Sunday or Monday is also something done in the country. “Easter lamb, chicken and eggs are typical dishes for this meal, which in Catholic parts of Germany is also a celebration at the end of Lent,” states the Deutshe Welle News. Cleaning is also a German-style for finishing off the Easter holiday. Families do a bit of Spring-cleaning throughout the house to wipe off any old dust left from the winter. Deutshe Welle News also explains about how “Many Germans use the last holiday to go hiking in the mountains or walking in the forest” after all the cleaning is finished. Regardless if it’s in the U.S. or all the way across the ocean in Germany, Easter is celebrated and valued by millions of families. The long and classic tradition of edible bunnies and Easter egg hunting will live on through each generation of people. While you decorate that one Easter egg or eat a chocolate flavored bunny next year, keep in mind how countries overseas could be celebrating Easter in an entirely different style.

STAAR Continued from Page 1

April 9, 2012 San Jacinto Times • Page 5

Students, who have never been tested before, like Third grade students, will not have to worry about any transitions from the TAKS to the STAAR. Third grader, Anthony Cervantes said he had been aware of the STAAR test since the second grade. “My second grade teacher said we would be taking the new STAAR test beginning in third grade. I heard it’s gonna take four hours to take the test,” Cervantes said. “I feel nervous but I know I can get a good grade,” Cervantes added, “We’re practicing a lot in class so maybe when I take the test I will be more confident.” However students from the graduating class of 2015 and so forth who are in the middle of the transition, are definitely seeing some changes around school. Jasmen Benavides, a freshman at South Houston High School says that, teachers are “teaching us on a higher level of thinking and working,” now that they are studying for the STAAR test. She, like many other students, feels prepared but feels that what was learned for TAKS was almost like a waste of time. “It feels like we have to change everything we've been used to before,” Benavides says. Whatever changes may come with the STAAR test, whether it is more tests or a need for higher level thinking, one thing will not change: the hard work students in Texas will put forth to bigger and better things.

SYNTHETIC DRUGS Continued from Page 1

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Eggs and the Easter Bunny are the most popular ways to celebrate Easter, but there are many other opportunities around the world.

BLOG POST OF THE WEEK

In some cases bath salts have led to death. According to the Dayton Daily News in Ohio, there have been 16 deaths related to bath salts. There have been two confirmed deaths in Harris County, one in Galveston County, and at least three DUI cases where bath salts were present. That’s just in the last couple of months. So, why aren’t bath salts illegal? Well, technically they are. A State House of Representatives bill authored by Rep. Garnet F. Coleman was signed by Gov. Rick Perry last June, making the possession of bath salts, or the chemicals contained therein, a felony beginning Sept. 1, 2011. Despite the ban, bath salts are still being sold widely around Houston. Manufactures continue to stay one step ahead by changing the chemical contents, changing the name, or labeling the package as “Not for Human Consumption.” To be proactive in the fight against the continued sale of bath salts, call non-emergency local authorities and inform them where bath salts are being sold.

The San Jacinto Times now has a staff blog. Please check it out at http://sanjactimesstaff.wordpress.com. Feel free to make comments. Each week we will feature the best posts in the San Jacinto Times.

It’s not my best attribute, but I can’t help watching any singing competition. Probably because I love to sing, except for the fact that I’m not very good. So I stick to the regular shower and car ride singing, but I love music and have a lot of respect for people who can sing for of America to see. So naturally I’ve been watching American Idol, and God although there are one or two singers who are decent, it is pretty terrible. I remember when this show had some great talent. But lucky for me, there is also The Voice competition. Wow, the only thing I hate about this show is having to see some of the singers go. There is so much raw talent, and amazing battle rounds. So American Idol needs to be canceled ASAP and The Voice should be on twice a year. It’s just that good. ~Liz Lopez

Entertainment

New iPhone SIRIously fun By CATY CHRISTY San Jacinto Times

The best feature of the latest iPhone is Siri. It’s like talking to a real person. Siri can do almost anything. She can set an alarm, she can text your friends, and she can find just about any location you’re looking for. But the best thing about Siri is her sense of humor. When they say you can ask Siri anything, they literally mean anything. Some friends and I were messing around one night and we thought it would be funny to ask Siri some “unanswerable” questions. One of my friends said, “Siri, where can I hide a dead body?” Of course, we all started laughing immediately. But then she answered and it was even better. If you have an iPhone you know that Siri usually gives you options. This time was no different. Siri replied, “What kind of place are you looking for?” She then proceeded to list these options: Hospitals, Mortuaries, Funeral Services, or Dumps. Siri was really about to find us a dump. What’s great about Siri is that she understands you. We said all kinds of really crazy things to Siri. Another friend of mine said, “Siri, I’m really drunk.” Siri then replied, “Neither of us is driving home. Would you like for me to call you a cab?” Another person said, “Siri, I want to see girls.” She then began locating all the nearest strip clubs. However real she may seem, Siri cannot feel

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emotion. No, I’m serious. Try telling her you love her. She’s got a list of replies for that one. It’s things like “oh, stop” and “I bet you say that to all your Apple products.” On a more serious note, Siri comes in really handy when you’re driving, exercising, or cooking. There are people who don’t like this feature for some reason. I say those people are stuck in the dark ages. A hands-free communication feature is the best idea ever. I still get a kick out of challenging Siri. It’s almost like there’s nothing she can’t do.

Burger King turns up heat By VICTOR ARAIZA San Jacinto Times

Maybe Steve Jobs was on to something when he said, “good artists borrow, great artists steal”. At least Burger King seems to think so, as it launched its biggest menu redesign since its first year of business in 1954, and if you look closely enough you may see striking similarities to McDonald’s popular menu. "Consumers wanted more choices," said Steve Wiborg, president of Burger King's North America operations in an interview with the Associated Press. "Not just healthy choices, but choices they could get at the competition." Just last Monday, the No. 3 burger chain in America launched a new line of smoothies, frappe coffees, chicken strips and snack wraps. After losing its long tenured grip on the No. 2 spot to Wendy’s last year, Burger King knows it has a whopper of a task if it plans to gain ground on McDonald’s.

You may have already noticed the new marketing revolution taking form as all of its 7,200 stores were given orders to get remodeled within the past year. While they were at it, BK decided to clean up their look everywhere from the color of their uniforms to the choice of their packaging and even added game stations, newer televisions and free Wi-Fi service. There is definitely great risk involved with the change but the plan BK was using already wasn’t generating sales. Burger King’s share of sales fell from 17 percent a decade ago to 12 percent last year, according to food industry researcher Technomic Inc., while McDonald's share rose from 42 percent to 50 percent in the same span. It’s a choice that marks a complete overhaul of the traditional Burger King model in order to install a brand new one that is evolved to fit today’s hip modern style. It seems to have worked wonders for McDonald’s and Burger King seems to believe “if you can’t beat them, join them.”

N AT I O N A L U N I V E R S I T Y

®

April 9, 2012 San Jacinto Times • Page 6

Ratings Bully new film By JOSE ALEJANDRO San Jacinto Times

Lee Hirsch’s thought provoking documentary “Bully” was released on Friday, March 30, but this was not a normal release like many other movies. There has been controversy behind the release of “Bully” after it was given an R-rating, a rating that many people around the country disagreed with because it would limit the amount of kids able to see it. “Bully” is a documentary that centers on the lives of five families in four states that have been affected by bullying. It looks at the problem’s of the kids being bullied on a regular basis, and at the adults who are capable of doing something, but fail to do so at every turn. Naturally, this is a film that many kids and adults need to watch because it can help so many. That was the original intent of the film; to spread the word that this is a real problem and it isn’t just “kids being kids” as many adults have tried to say. Unfortunately, even with its powerful message the Motion Picture Association of America gave the film an R-rating. This was due to the fact that the movie contained some foul language. An R-rating would mean that the film would not be able to be viewed by younger audiences and therefore defeat the purpose of the film. In addition to this, if Intructors wanted to show the film in schools to educate kids on bullying, they wouldn’t be able to because of the rating. Petitions were formed to try and get the board of the MPAA to overturn the rating, but they would not budge. Director Lee Hirsch also would not budge in changing because he believes that the language is essential to the film. The director is trying to present a film that brings a real issue to light; to change the film would mean taking real factors out. As Kelby Johnson, a 16-year-old featured in the documentary added, “Our reality is not censored.” So, why should the film have to be changed? Now the Weinstein Company announced that they would instead be releasing the film without a rating, something the MPAA advised them to do in order to go around the R-rating. This would now leave the theaters with the decision of whether or not to show the film and furthermore, whether or not children can attend without their parents. Even with this unrated release,

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the amount of people it will reach still seems to be limited. Reuters reported on Mar 15, 2012 that with this decision “schools can [now] show the movie, but school boards would likely require each child to have the approval of a parent.” So far five theaters have decided to show the documentary, this includes two AMC locations. AMC even went as far as to provide a permission slip on their website parents can sign so that kids and teens may view the film. Enabling schools to be able to take classes to watch it and help spread its message to the target audience. Common Sense Media, a nonprofit advocacy group which provides alternate ratings to films than that given by the MPAA, gave “Bully” a rating of “Pause 13+.” The group explained that the pause simply means to know your child because some of the content may not be right for them. To put this rating into perspective we can turn to the rating given to “The Hunger Games” which was also a rating of “Pause 13+.” A.O Scott reviewed the documentary for The New York Times on March 29, 2012, in which he said, “There is little swearing in the movie and a lot of upsetting stuff, but while some of it may shock parents, very little of it is likely to surprise their school-age children.”

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April 9, 2012 San Jacinto Times • Page 7

Pipeline energy project will bring jobs By COURTNEY MOUTON San Jacinto Times

national security leading the U.S. to becoming energy independent. “Can we feel the heat?� asked Olson as he spoke on gas prices and the affect they have on every day citizens. Delay, deny, and deceive is how Olson described President Obama’s reaction to the constantly raising gas prices. The Congressman told stories of waiters, parents and blue collar citizens who had had spoke to him on their daily struggles the raising gas prices have caused their life. Olson commented on the work being done in the House of Representatives as he spoke his closing statements.

and provide jobs expanding industry not only in our area but across the country.� In Griffin’s closing comments he stressed A Majority Whip, a Congressman, and the advantages of Keystone and the advanlocal City Councilmen alike gathered in tages that would come along with the project. front of the San Jacinto Monument Friday “Keystone not only provides opportunities afternoon for a press conference concerning but would keep the U.S. in tune with our one of Washington’s most pressing issues, providers from TransCanada,� said Griffin. the Keystone Pipeline project. Majority “Within 30 days the Keystone Pipeline would Whip Kevin McCarthy and Congressman provide 20,000 jobs.� Pete Olson spoke alongside Deer Park City Mouton, next to speak focused on small Councilman, Jerry Mouton and Local plant business and the affects of the rising fuel manager and Chairman of the board for costs. Ehcma International, Jim Griffin. The four “Fuel cost has affected my business in more men stood behind a podium ways than one,� said Mouton. with the emblem of the House “It’s difficult to sustain energy of Representatives as all who costs with an uncontrollable rise attended enjoyed the view of the in energy prices.� monument as it stood tall alongThe Deer Park City side the Houston Port region. Councilman described the cost The Keystone project aims to of fuel as a waterfall affect. build an infrastructure pipeline “When the prices for fuel conthat will transport base products sistently rise, you have deal with from Canada to the Gulf port setbacks in spending which indiregion. The $13 billion Keystone rectly affects anything from paypipeline would provide a secure ing my employees to making link in bringing a growing suprepairs and buying supplies,� ply of Canadian crude oil to the said Mouton. “It’s all connected largest refining markets in the and it’s all affected by the rise in United States. Although this the fuel prices.� would significantly improve Courtney Mouton/San Jacinto Times Last to the Podium, Majority North American security supply, Far left, Jim Griffn, middle left, Kevin McCarthy, middle right, Chad Whip McCarthy closed the conone crucial element is missing Burke, far right, Pete Olson ference on thoughts of lower gas from the pipelines promising prices and brighter days. future. President approval must be required “Republicans have passed over 30 bills in “The proof is in the pudding,� said for the project to press forward as the pipeline the House pertaining to the Keystone Pipeline McCarthy. “We can fix the gas problem in the would cross American boarders. and the Port of Houston,� said Olson. “Now country here with our own refineries.� TransCanada plans to submit a new we’re waiting for action and we’ll keep passMcCarthy continued to speak on action and Presidential Permit application in mid 2012 ing bills, until our voice is heard, it’s time to the importance of pursuing the Keystone in hopes that energy independence for the make a change and take a stand for jobs in our pipeline not only for the good of our country United States is within close reach. country long-term.� as a whole but for the economy and the safeMcCarthy introduced Olson who wasted no Griffin, speaking on behalf of Ehcma ty that comes with being energy independent. time opening up the press conference with a International, opened the door to industry as “Shell has been trying to drill for five years; bang. he spoke on what the Houston Port Region they had to sue themselves to get their point “We’re here to talk about jobs, and we’re had to offer. Ehcma or the East Harris County across. It shouldn’t be that way,� said here to talk about energy independence in the Manufacturers Association is an alliance of McCarthy. “Were going to keep passing bills U.S.,� said Olsen. “An intricate part of more than 125 chemical manufacturers, refin- and do our best to make our country comAmerica creating jobs stands right behind us, ers and supporting distributors who aim to pletely energy independent.� right here in Texas.� create a diverse that reflects the community As the conference came to a close Tyler Olson went on to speak of the partnership and support long term sustainability. Nelson from Congressman Pete Olson’s McCarthy and Olsen have taken as a part of “Our ports have 131 functioning plants, office, in conjunction with Chad Burke CEO House Energy Action Team. HEAT created in 35,000 jobs and 350,000 indirect jobs, that’s of the Economic Alliance Houston Port May of 2011 is a group of Republican House more than just a little impact,� said Griffin. Region were thanked for making the members that are committed to addressing “We talk jobs because we understand busi- Keystone Pipeline a priority not only for the rising energy prices, creating and sustaining ness, the; keystone Pipeline would be allow- economic advantage it will bring but for the jobs in the U.S. and enhancing safety and ing plants to maintain jobs already in place benefits voters will experience.

Left,

Courtney Mouton/San Jacinto Times

Far left, Kevin McCarthy, middle, Jerry Mouton, far right, Pete Olson

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Courtney Mouton/San Jacinto Times

Left, Kevin McCarthy, right, Pete Olson

Join us for Preview Friday! Designed with you in mind, Preview Friday allows transfer students the opportunity to learn about:

Courtney Mouton/San Jacinto Times

Kevin McCarthy, right, Pete Olson

Around Campus

April 9, 2012 San Jacinto Times • Page 8

Photos by Liz Lopez/San Jacinto Times

There is no shortage of help at San Jacinto. From left to right, Jo Nell Farrar & Brent Adams of the Central Campus Writing Center; Jonathon De La Cruz, Linda Bui, and Jessica Kostelnik of the Central Campus Student Success Center; Jordan Matlock & Chris Reyes of the Central Campus Math Lab.

Central campus provides tutors for those in need By LIZ LOPEZ San Jacinto Times

Most of us have been there before… The time when you are struggling in your classes, and need some extra help. Lucky for us, San Jac provides us with multiple tutoring opportunities to succeed in our studies. Located around the campus and with various hours available, we can all take advantage of some more help. These tutors are all very nice and can really help to make a difference in your class. And if you haven’t met them yet, here is a little about them. Writing Center Jo Nell Farrar was a former English teacher of San Jac. After almost 40 years, she decided to retire but still devotes time to tutoring in the Writing

Center. One of her motivational quotes is, “Writing is easy: all you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead. Brent Adams is a literary major at the University of Houston. He became a tutor for the experience, to help with his future career of becoming an English teacher. His favorite quote for help is, “There are no great writers, only great re-writers.” Student Success Center Jonathon De La Garza is a current student at San Jac. He plans to major in nursing, and has been tutoring since 2008. He needed a part time job but also loved the idea of being able to help people at the same time. His motivational words are, “Practice make perfect.” Linda Bui is a both a student of San Jac and the University of Houston. She began tutoring when

Spring Colors for male fashion By ANGELICA RODRIGUEZ San Jacinto Times

So we are all aware of the popular colors this season, since we cant help but notice the colors blasting out as we walk through the mall, shoes, dresses, and hair accessories. But what about the guys out there, there’s only limited things to choose from. Most guys don’t consider changing their jeans for yellow or white in the spring, but there’s always changing the color of shirts. Maybe you don’t mind wearing grey and black all year round, but lets face it, changing a little can be a good thing. If your wondering what color best suits you, here are some helpful tips. If your skin is a fair tone you could go for • Light green, • Orange • Purple • Yellow If your medium toned skin, try • Green • Blue • Purple • White Although white can look great for any skin color, not everyone tries it. For dark toned skin • Tan • Orange • Light purple • Pink These colors contrast your skin tones, so don’t be

her cousin suggested it to her, and has been helping students for over three years. She plans to major in finance, and loves Hello Kitty. Jessica Kostlnik is a current student of San Jac. She is getting a double major in accounting and business. Jessica started a study group for accounting in one of her classes, and had so much response that she became a tutor of the success center, focusing on help with accounting. She is a very hardworking student taking six classes this semester, and is also a loving single mother of three kids. Math Lab Jordan Matlock is a current student at San Jac. She is a math major, and became a tutor because she enjoys the subject, and could also benefit from learning herself. She has been tutoring for over a year. Jordan was homeschooled until high school

afraid to show off. You can wear these colors with your favorite pair of jeans, some white tennis shoes and your good to go. It’s normal to feel a little shy if your not used to these colors, but it never hurts to just try it on. Everyone has different taste and its perfect if you have your own. You don’t have to completely change how you dress, just change some colors in your wardrobe. For those of you who are a little shy of change this spring, step out a little and try to go with green or blue, those colors are in style, yet still basic.

Hey San Jac students! Ever wanted to see your name or picture on the newspaper? Well, now is your chance! Each week we will pick one out of many photos to be on the “San Jacinto Times”. The pictures will be taken of our current students each week who are wearing the latest trends or season styles. We will also describe a little about your outfit and why it was chosen. How to participate you ask? It’s easy, just being yourself, if you stand out you’ll see me and my camera at any San Jac campus looking for you. All you have to do is answer a couple of questions about your apparel so your picture and description can be printed here for the “Pic of the Week”. So San Jac, whether you dress up or dress down, be on the lookout, the next person might be you! Don’t see me around campus and want to participate? Take a picture at any SJC of your seasons’ outfit and send it in to: rodriguez.a2412@student.sanjac.edu only from your San Jac e-mail. Tell me what you consider your style to be, why you chose that outfit, don’t forget to mention your first and last name, age, hobbies, major, and also include the campus you attend.

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and has seven brothers and one sister! Chris Reyes is also a current student of San Jac. This is his last semester and he will be majoring in Electrical Engineering. This is only his first semester tutoring but has also previously done it on the side. He can help you in math, chemistry, and physics. Some words of advice Chris has are, “Double check yourself.” Tutoring Hours are available as follows: Writing Center Hours | Mon, Wed, Fri 9-1 pm Tues, Thurs 1-5 pm Student Success Center Hours| Mon-Thu: 8:30am-6:30 pm, Fri: 8:30 am-3 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm Math Lab Hours| Mon - Thu: 8:30 am-10 pm, Fri: 8 am-12 pm, Sat & Sun: 11:30 am-4 pm

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