VOLUME 19, ISSUE 3: SPRING ‘24
:@THEJAGUARTIMES
The student voice of South East High School
COMING SOON: www.jaguartimes.net
Foul Ball: Softball Hit With Inequality Students Can’t
Catch a Break With Updated Restroom Policy
By Kimberly Ponce & Zaira Ramirez
Many positive things have changed in South East and while several improvements have been made, there are still issues that need to be addressed. The underappreciation of women’s sports is one of these issues. In the past, women’s sports have never received the same attention as their male counterparts. In the early ages of women’s athletics, physical educators frequently discouraged female student-athletes from competitively participating in their sports. During this time, it was widely believed that women’s physical capabilities were limited. In order to counteract this stereotype, female athletes created “athletic clubs,” which were typically unrestricted and non-competitive. In 1894, women participated in their first college tennis competition, which was organized by the college. The competition was between Bryn Mawr and Vassar, but unfortunately, it was not able to play out because the Vassar faculty didn’t allow their female athletes to participate in competitions between colleges. This proves that women have historically endured low support and negative judgments of their capabilities. While there are very
By Marlyn Flores & Yuliana Licona
Photo by Zaira Ramirez
Part of the outfield fence can be seen fallen behind the Jaguars softball team during one of their most recent games. well known female athletes who have been pioneers for other women in their sport, they still have to endure more than most males. Title IX, a law that prevents gender discrimination, has opened multiple doors for women in athletics. This educational amendment was enforced in 1972, which allowed for equal funding in sports. Even though this amendment has been created, there is still a disregard in terms of women and their capabilities in an athletic setting. A prime example of underappreciation in female athletics would be in South East High School, where a
sport in which the school strikes out in is softball. Although having made it to multiple championships, it seems their female athletes aren’t supported as much as they should be. There are definite distinctions between male-dominated sports like baseball and female-dominated sports like softball that need to be acknowledged. Although both the baseball and softball teams get around the same budget, the resources available to them differ at their financial cost. While the school has done a great job so far in being fair and understanding, a couple of issues must be addressed. Continue reading on Page 3.
Advisory’s Future Placed in Students’ Hands By Desiree Garrido & Angel Palacios At the start of the 2024-2025 school year, possible changes to South East High’s advisory schedule may be implemented due to the class schedule being changed to a six period classes instead of eight periods. These potential changes are related to how many days advisory classes will meet every week. In past years,
the advisory schedule has constantly changed. One year, advisory classes only met once a week, and another year it was changed to every day. As for the 2023-2024 school year, advisory classes have met on Thursdays and Fridays. Teachers and Students were given a form to vote on their preferences and feelings for the upcoming school year advisory’s schedule. The voting results will vary due to the many different opinions on
whether or not having an advisory class serves a purpose. History teacher Ms. Steddom expressed that she’s all in favor of the changes that may arrive to advisory but “the amount of time we have can fit the tasks we have to accomplish as a school.” Class time during the advisory period is open for teachers to determine what to do during that duration, and oftentimes teachers are unsure Continue reading on Page 3.
Students going to the restrooms during school hours has been a constant struggle for both administration and peers for the past years with the skyrocket of students ditching. The school’s solution this year is increased supervision in the halls with a 15-minute wait rule at the beginning and end of class. But even with those rules in place there doesn’t seem to be change. Students should be able to go to the restroom when they need to. They are now being affected because those who actually need to use the restroom aren’t able to go. Students say that they’re arriving late to class every day because many restrooms are closed, causing them to go in search of an open restroom. Some restrooms have been closed off due to the vaping issue that has spiraled after the COVID-19 quarantine and the increase of students using that space to ditch and vape. Administration revealed at the beginning of the year orientation that there was and still is not enough staff to watch the restrooms and keep them open. None of the second- and thirdfloor restrooms are ever opened for students and some of the first-floor restrooms being closed at certain times has become an outrage among students. Those students who have to go during the passing period have no choice but to wait and end up being questioned on why they are late, with sometimes facing consequences. Senior Grecia Morales shared her experience with these troubles. “I have had trouble finding restrooms open during passing periods,” Continue reading on Page 4.
Parents Give Back to SEHS By Danielle Cardona & Evelyn Vargas
South East High School students often have the luxury of being able to attend special events such as the Fall Friendship Festival, ice skating and Grad Nite. Students often think that the school organizes these events, but the ones who are really responsible for these opportunities are members of the Parent Teacher Student Association. The PTSA is an outside association that partners with schools to provide many opportunities for students.
Working with schools, PTSA raises money that goes toward any benefits for students such as events that otherwise would not be possible. This organization does so much as create fundraisers in restaurants or sells items like flowers for Valentine’s Day and to selling chips outside of campus. Evencio Vargas, president of South East’s PTSA, has been helping students for about 14 years. He shared how he became part of this scene because of his passion for serving students.
Photo by Danielle Cardona
PTSA members serve the students of South East High School. “It feels good to know that there are students who have graduated with experiences we were able to give them,” Vargas shared.
He further explained how creating these events is a very tedious process. The PTSA is an outside entity which
Continue reading on Page 4.