September 2023

The Arcadia Quill

The official student newspaper of Arcadia High School since 1952

Required Reading

By ELLIE GLADSON-PANG Staff Writer

The basis of high school English lies in the literature students read and analyze throughout the year. Each level of English class at Arcadia High School reads multiple full length books, a set curriculum that is repeated each year. However, teachers at Arcadia High School have long been discussing an update to the reading lists; the growing demand for diversity in the curriculum is being addressed, and teachers still strive to give students an understanding of the classics of the past.

The elusive balance between contemporary and traditional literature centers around the issue of sensitivity to mature topics; like modern books reflect modern issues, older pieces of literature almost always carry relics of the time in which they were written. This reflection of the author’s experience can often be jarring to modern readers, with interpretations of social issues that would be unacceptable to- day. Despite this, English teachers still

strive to discuss these issues when teaching the books.

Some of the most well-known books read in Arcadia High School (AHS) English courses, like The Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men, and To Kill a Mockingbird are prime examples of this controversy.

The Great Gatsby, has raised concerns over depictions of violence, adultery, and language, while Of Mice and Men has a somewhat myopic portrayal of disabilities and racism and as integral themes. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee addressed a whole slew of controversial issues, including race, religion, gender, economic class, sexual assault, and disabilities.

Seeing as To Kill a Mockingbird was written in the 1950s, the usage of offensive language and scenarios no longer acceptable today is striking to students reading the book in English in 10th grade. However, it’s critical for students to analyze Lee’s purpose further. She makes a distinct criticism of the problems in the fictional Maycomb society, with complicated and enlightening themes of discrimination. The central theme of considering situations from other points-of-view is yet another way Lee communicated her purpose, advising the reader to be open-minded.

In this novel lies the true value of challenging content and controversial books in the curriculum. Certainly, Harper Lee cannot be perpetually regarded as flawless, and the standards for tolerance of human diversity should continue to rise, but there is more to the issue. It’s impossible to hold people accountable for social standards that were only enacted long after they wrote their books. This is why, as readers, it’s our responsibility to view older literature through a lens of historical analysis and exploration of point-ofview.

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cognizant of the flaws, but consider the value of reading and what you can learn.

According to the English Department Chairperson, Mr. Christopher Schultz, this open-minded attitude can be incorporated into the creation of required reading lists by teachers themselves.

“We offer options when we say teachers need to teach a certain book; we have required readings, and then we have a list of optional books for each quarter and semester at each one of the grade levels. That’s up to teacher discretion, because they can select readings they feel more connected to,” said Mr. Schultz.

That being said, there’s still some flexibility for teachers in the current curriculum.

“I don’t think there’s anything that should be taught hard set, and that’s because I believe we can teach the same themes and literary analysis skills by using different books each year. I’ve done it many times,” he continued.

Students do benefit reading books from a variety of different perspectives and settings, meaning there is a need for adaptation and adoption of more modern options. There is something to be gained by students studying older works, but there is still a need for the powerful learning opportunities in new books. By pushing students to examine the world and setting around them critically, growth and change become real options.

Really, students should put in an effort to adopt the mantle of mature and responsible world citizens, examining any material with a critical but open mind. Nevertheless, AHS teachers should continue to work hard on putting forth the best possible material.

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Arcadia High School

180 Campus Drive Arcadia, CA 91006

@arcadiaquill

Wallis-Annenburg Building (CA Science Center)

IMPORTANT DATES

CASH ONLY

Tickets are sold during ASB Office hours only (see right) Students arriving in line on the last day at regular price and/or the last day are not guaranteed a ticket Lines are only open during ASB Office hours and will be closed when they reach capacity Please do not wait until the last day to buy a ticket Quantities are limited!

We will not accept ANY checks. Photo ID is required for ticket purchase as well as entrance to the dance.

ALL TICKET SALES ARE FINAL.

ASB Office Hours: (Monday-Friday)

Before School 8:00 am to 8:20 am (no tickets will be sold after the bell rings at 8:23)

At Lunch 12:41 pm to 1:22 pm

After School 3:30 pm to 3:45 pm

1. All students and guests are subject to all school rules and regulations. Students in violation of school rules and regulations will be disciplined based on the AUSD discipline matrix Refunds will not be issued for non-attendance due to disciplinary reasons.

2 Dance Attire = FORMAL Appropriate dress is mandatory for both boys and girls Attire is formal All school dress code rules apply Students may be sent home to change if the school dress code has been violated in the administration’s opinion. Please address attire concerns before the dance

3. Inappropriate dancing that is either provocative or sexually suggestive in nature will not be allowed. The discretion of the school administration will prevail Students may be subject to disciplinary action including dismissal from the dance

4 We have a zero tolerance policy for alcohol and/or drug use. Anyone suspected of having used alcohol or being under the influence of alcohol in the opinion of supervisors will be asked to take a Breathalyzer Test Any positive reading will result in exclusion from further dances. Refusal to submit to the test assumes guilt. Parents will be called. Further disciplinary action will be taken. No refunds will be given.

5 It is understood that as a condition to attending this dance, a “pat down” and search of personal items will be made of all participants by persons acting under the direction and supervision of school officials

6 Liquids, creams, lotions, lip balm, and gels of any kind are not permitted at the dance. Glow sticks, long chains, canes, gum, mints, pens, pencils, laser pointers, & other undesirable or unidentified substances are not permitted at the dance. Tobacco and/or lighters will be confiscated and not returned. Medications (except those with a doctor’s note that states the student must carry it with them at all times) are not permitted at the dance. All prohibited items will be confiscated and may not be returned. Please leave questionable items in your vehicle.

7 Students must arrive by 8:00 p.m unless prior arrangements have been made Students arriving after this time will be subject to a Breathalyzer Test, face disciplinary action, or exclusion from this and/or future dances. Refunds will not be issued for late students or for non-attendance.

8 ALL students ordering buses or limos of any size must complete a separate "Arcadia High School Limo/Bus Contract" form. Students on a non-approved bus/limo may not be admitted to the dance The contract is due in the ASB Office by May, 5, 2023

Students who are arranging buses or limos must pick up their Limo/Bus Card at the ASB Office on May 11, 2023.

9. 10. Automobiles, buses and limos are subject to search.

Wearing a mask to the event is highly recommended

11 ALL DANCE ATTENDEES MUST HAVE PHOTO ID, or be subject to disciplinary action or exclusion from the dance w/o refund.

12. ALL DANCE ATTENDEES MUST BE PICKED UP BY 12:00 AM OR WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

Arcadia High School STUDENT CONTRACT

Arcadia High Prom ‘23 - May 13, 2023 (7pm-11pm)

AHS Student Information This form is due to the ASB Office at the time of ticket purchase.

● The Dance Policies you are about to read and sign will be enforced by AHS Administration at every dance.

● Failure to comply with these regulations will lead to disciplinary action at the dance or following the dance.

● All students will receive a wristband upon check-in at the event.

REMEMBER TO BRING PHOTO I.D. TO PURCHASE TICKETS AND FOR DANCE ENTRANCE. Prom Ticket Purchases are CASH ONLY. All Purchases are Non-Refundable.

Three Strike Rule Regarding Dance Policy: Strike 1

If a student is in violation of our dance policy s/he will be given a warning and have their wrist band removed. Lost or damaged wrist bands will not be replaced. Participant will forfeit his/her first strike. Strike 2

If a student is in violation of our dance policy and his/her wristband has already been removed, then they will be removed from the dance for 60 minutes. Following the 60 minutes, they will be allowed to return to the dance with a new wrist band. Strike 3

If a student is in violation of our dance policy for a third time, then s/he will be removed from the dance permanently Parents will be notified and student must be picked up immediately.

We have read and agree to all of the conditions on ALL pages of the Arcadia High School Dance Agreement.

All students must have a parent's signature, regardless of age.

IMPORTANT DATES

Work each of the following problems. SHOW ALL WORK.

1. What is the kinetic energy of a 3 kg object moving at 4 m/s?

2. A 4 kg object possesses 18 J of kinetic energy. What is its velocity?

3. An object has 90,000 J of kinetic energy and is moving at 12 m/s. What is the object’s mass?

4. A 40 kg box is placed on a 2 m tall shelf.

a. What is the gravitational potential energy of the box?

Work each of the following problems. SHOW ALL WORK.

b. If the box falls off the shelf, what is its kinetic energy as it strikes the ground?

c. What is the velocity of the box immediately before it strikes the ground?

5. A 1.5 kg ball is thrown upward with a velocity of 6 m/s.

a. What is the kinetic energy of the ball as it is thrown upward?

b. What is the gravitational potential energy of the ball when it reaches its highest point?

c. To what height above the thrower’s hand will the ball rise?

Work each of the following problems. SHOW ALL WORK.

6. A 2 kg watermelon is dropped from a 4 m tall roof. How fast will the watermelon be moving as it strikes the ground below?

7. To what height will a 250 g soccer ball rise if it is kicked directly upward at 8 m/s?