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Edition 73 Volume 01
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“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” -Aristotle
Crack open your computers, school is in session VUSD shares new details regarding the fall closure. Katie Medina Riley Ramirez Ventura Unified School District has introduced multiple learning programs during the school closure and has recently presented two programs that are available for the fall semester: Homestead and Weave. These two programs’ primary role is for elementary and middle school students while high school students will remain primarily on Canvas and Google Classroom. Edgenuity was used as a quick and temporary resource to complete the 2019-20 school year and-with lots of feedback, has not returned to VUSD in the fall. Although students will not be learning in physical classrooms this year, the district has made a unique schedule that features live zooms with specific classes in the morning, and independent learning for afterhours to mimic the normal school routine. Mondays and Thursdays will feature periods
Ventura High students will be using the program “Canvas” for the fall semester school closure. Drawing by: Katie Medina one, three, five, seven while be distributed Aug. 24 through Tuesdays and Fridays will have Aug. 27, each day designed to periods two, four and six. These be distributed by grade level. live instruction periods will take All that is required on those place on Zoom and last an hour days are students’ completed long, each class around 15 minutes emergency and disaster cards. apart so students have time to It’s okay if you missed your designated distribution day, there prepare or get a snack. Confused about is a makeup day for all grade textbooks for this year? All levels on Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. to textbooks and other materials will noon, as well as 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Along with the distribution of school materials, planning meal distribution to students and their families have also been a top priority to sort out for the district. VUSD Food and Nutrition Director Kara Muniz shared tentative details for meal distribution based on the board decision: “Atlas, Montalvo, Portola, Balboa, Anacapa, Will Rogers, Ventura High, Sheridan Way, EP Foster and Sunset. They will be offering a weeks’ worth of breakfasts and lunches on Monday’s from 11:30 a.m. [to] 1 p.m. Students that qualify for free/reduced price meals or students that attend Montalvo, Will Rogers, Sheridan Way or EP Foster, will receive meals at no charge. Those that do not qualify for free/reduced meals or do not attend those four schools have the option of purchasing a week’s worth of meals. Schedules continued on www.thecougarpress.com
Serra will be “serra-brated” no longer
@thecougarpress
August 17, 2020
What’s Inside?
Photo by: Charlotte D’Orsi
Performing arts pg. 2
Photo from: Stella Feingold
Crochet craft column pg. 3
After residing in front of the Ventura City Hall for decades, the statue of California missionary Junipero Serra has been removed. Anna Guerra
Following virtual public meetings and on-site protests, the Ventura City Council decided in a six-to-zero unanimous vote to remove the Junipero Serra statue that stood in front of Ventura City Hall. The statue of Serra was removed on July 23, 2020, eight days after the city council voted in favor of its removal. It will be relocated to the San Buenaventura mission down the street. “I think it’s necessary and long overdue,” said senior Marileen Estrada. “[Junipero Serra is] someone who definitely does not deserve to be commemorated with a statue right in front of City Hall.” Serra was an 18th century Roman Catholic Spanish priest who founded the first nine missions of 21 Spanish missions in California, the San Buenaventura mission
being one of them. Serra has come to be a controversial figure, seen as a spiritual father and protector to some, and a driving force of the torture and enslavement of Indigenous people to others. “I don’t really think [moving the statue to the mission] is the best thing, because the mission will probably use the statue to remember Father Serra as just a religious leader and not someone who is also responsible for the murders of many indigenous people and erasure of their culture,” continued Estrada. “I think the ocean is a good place for it, but you can’t have everything.” A VHS junior who wished to remain anonymous disapproved of the statue’s removal, “I think since the BLM [Black Lives Matter] movement started, everyone is trying to point fingers at things they don’t agree
The statue once stood in front of the Ventura City Hall. Before its removal, the statue had to be fenced off to protect it from being vandalized. Photo by: Anna Guerra
Photo from: Gavin Kernagis
Mask controversy pg. 3 Various anti-removal protestors decorated the fence in support of Serra. “I wish there was more awareness of how important of a role the Native Americans had in creating this community and this country,” stated junior Carmen Ibarra. Photo by: Anna Guerra with. Although he may have done said junior Carmen Ibarra, bad things, I still feel like he was “I view him as a horrible one of the founders of this town.” person who used religion as an Around 3,600 indigenous excuse to abuse the Natives.” people are buried at the mission, Now that the statue according to the Los Angeles has been removed, questions Times. “I do feel like moving the are being raised of whether statue there would be dishonorable a new statue should replace to them,” continued anonymous, where Serra’s once stood. “so why don’t they just keep [the “I think it would be cool to statue] in its original location? I replace the statue with a statue don’t think this specific example of a local person who has helped is doing anything to solve racism. the community in a loving and The way we should be solving positive way,” commented Ibarra. racism is by pushing Congress “We are in the middle of a civil for more just laws. We should be rights movement,” finalized more worried about voting our Estrada. “Leaders are now starting current president out of office.” to listen to other oppressed “To me, Junipero Serra groups. This signifies change… represents the horrible period of my hopes are that this is the start time where Spanish missionaries of people in Ventura becoming treated the indigenous people aware of the truth so that we horribly and enslaved them,” don’t turn monsters into heroes.”
Drawing by: Greta Pankratz
Online school opinion pg. 3
Photo by: Anna Guerra
Spot the difference pg. 4
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Arts & Entertainment
The show will virtually go on Despite school closures, the performing arts still plan for success. Anna Guerra With the Ventura Unified School District announcing that school will remain online, some electives have to readapt their classes for the upcoming year. Among these electives is drama. Drama teacher Stefoni Rossiter explained through an email that the drama and stagecraft courses will take place online with the goal of progressing toward live performances when it is safe to do so. “Our extracurricular productions will continue as always, although they will be presented digitally,” highlighted Rossiter. “We are currently considering livestream, recording, iMovie productions, YouTube Live, and Zoom performances.” Under Rossiter’s direction, the fall play will be written and performed by students. Using Ventura High School student testimonials mixed with the actors’ original play concept and writings is something being considered. Auditions will be held for students who have a desire not only to act, but who want to take part in the writing process as well. Rehearsals will be held remotely during non-school hours, but more information will be available once the school year begins.
“While it’s true that electives like drama are going to look different this year,” said senior Jack Zilles, “I think drama is going to have some really unique opportunities due to distance learning because it is a very creative class. Because students will be able to choose how much time they spend working drama projects more than in a normal year, it will be an opportunity for those very interested in the subject to shine brighter than they might have been able to in person.” Apart from being a drama student leader, Zilles will also serve as Drama Club President this year. Zilles hopes to maintain Drama Club’s focus of being a safe and fun place for students to be, even if it is virtual. “I’m hoping that we can extend the range of the club to more people who will feel less pressure to come every week and can instead just pop into a Zoom,” explained Zilles. The Winter Showcase will also take place digitally through iMovie, and will most likely feature work created in online drama courses. The improv troupe will also hold auditions and will be meeting remotely to rehearse. The plan is for them to present a “Zoomprov” show later in the semester. Any students wanting more information
on tech opportunities may email Rossiter at Stefoni. rossiter@venturausd.org “I’m sad about not being able to be together in person,” commented senior Angie Flum, who is also a student leader this year. “My piece of advice would just be to try and enjoy things as often as you can. Focus more on making it through the next couple months as best as you can.” Show choir has also updated their plans for the upcoming school year. Show choir teacher Heidi House outlined in an email that she plans to incorporate a variety of elements to show choir, which includes comprehensive theory music lessons, choral music history and appreciation, as well as group projects. House also mentioned that the class will meet two afternoons a week instead of the previous four mornings a week, and that she’ll meet with students in small groups to work on singing. There is also a plan to produce and stream a performance that includes solos, small groups, and whole group numbers. “I will also be sending the students choreography ideas and warm ups for them to learn,” continued House, “I’ll include yoga videos for stretching, stress relief and relaxation. I’ll also be guest artists, speakers, and
Music in the heart while staying apart VHS music students share how they feel about the new reality the music department faces. Caroline Marsden Greta Pankratz In the upcoming unprecedented school year, everything will be different. For music students, developing a feeling of normalcy will be extra challenging. In a pre-COVID19 music department, students would congregate in large groups to play together and practice, followed by performing to a large audience for concerts. Not only was performing together normalized, but a huge part of the program was having fun bonding with their fellow musicians. Now, they are facing a new reality of creating music together, only while being apart. Like other electives, the music department has limited knowledge of exactly how this year will look. Many, like junior Tess Luoma, are wishing for the face-to-face time before the closure. Luoma explained, “As far as I know, everything is online. We are trying to be able to have some socially distanced meetings, but I am not sure if it will be possible. I think that there are not many pros to the situation, but maybe just that we will be able to teach ourselves more and have more time to practice. If I could change something, it would be to have at least a little face-to-face time. I know that isn’t possible, but it would be nice to have some normalcy. I think I’ll miss the environment
Junior Ava Rosenthal shared, “As of next year, we will focus on music theory and basic fundamentals before we get to see each other in the classroom again. We will have zoom calls and chat and try to get together in these tough times.” Photo by: Miles Bennett of the music department and all of the fun we had most. It’s such a great group to be a part of, and it’s disappointing that we won’t have some of that this year.” Part of the system for the department this year has a lot to do with keeping the students’ musical minds in shape. Junior Ava Rosenthal shared, “As of next year, we will focus on music theory and basic fundamentals before we get to see each other in the classroom again. We will have zoom calls and chat and try to get together in these tough times. The one thing I would change is that we would go back to school, I honestly miss it! I miss the environment and the people, there’s nothing better than working together to create beautiful music. I hope we can all see each other soon!”
Apart from Rosenthal, there are many other musicians who will miss the in-person interactions with their bandmates. Junior Inman Costa shared the feeling of not only missing old friends, but also the fun of making new ones,“We will be studying lots of theory, having weekly scale and sight-reading assignments via Google, and presentations and games within each section. You definitely have way more time to practice, compared to other years where you would cram homework and practice in a 4-hour window. If I could change anything, I would want to be with my band again, but in the realm of distance learning, Mr. Hunt has planned this incredibly. I will miss the trips and that first week where I get to meet so many new people!”
Although this year will present new challenges for the Arts and Entertainment Department, both students and teachers are willing to work together. Photo by: Juliana Jacobson teachers presenting specialty class running,” said Cardenas. classes such as proper vocal “I feel like the greatest production and recording thing about being in choir are techniques to name a few. I’m the people in the class. Heidi enquiring about performance really makes the class such a fun possibilities, perhaps a car experience and everyone is so concert [is an option].” welcoming and accepting, so I do Sophomore Sinthia think the class this year will still be Cardenas, who has continued lots of fun,” continued Cardenas, to be in show choir since fifth “I truly do encourage anyone to grade, expressed her thoughts join choir, even if you don’t think on the challenges that online you’re the best singer or dancer. show choir may present. The environment we create in “Singing together is quite challenging to do over that class is truly indescribable, Zoom because with everyone it’s such a warm feeling of family. in different places and different Even if you have no experience internet connections it’s nearly in theatre it’s something impossible to get more than two everyone should experience.” Those wanting to join people in sync at one time. But I know Heidi has some ideas that show choir or have further everyone is more than eager questions can email House at to try, anything to keep the Heidi.house@venturausd.org.
A letter from us to you Editorial Staff Although we aren’t able to greet face to face, our purpose to serve you remains the same. Our new school year has kicked out the ways of normalcy and has planted a new, unfamiliar alternative. Despite being apart, we are disembarking upon the same newfangled system that has been set up for us. These trying times have set hurdles of strangeness, and unpredictability among the most obvious of being confined to our own homes, day after day. Instead of contemplating the school year we could’ve had, we must confront the reality of the situation and continue to move forward. The Cougar Press remains a place for your voice to be heard and listened to. Whether it’s digitally or in person, we will always do our best to remain as a source of credibility and creativity for the student body. Stay safe & well, The Editorial Board
Editorial Staff Print Editor
Media Editors
Yasmin Myers
Caroline Marsden Greta Pankratz
Online Editor
Managing Editors
Anna Guerra
Katie Medina Riley Ramirez
Features & Opinions Craft Column: Opinion: Let’s make the best of online school! Crocheting
The Cougar Press Page 3
No more wasted time! Before coronavirus, lots of time was wasted or just filler. Passing period, lunch, nutrition, that was all wasted time that could have been used for studying. On top of this, there was wasted time in the classroom. Annoying class clowns trying to irritate the teacher, passing out papers to each student, and even just trying to stop the class from talking, these were all just forms of wasted time. With online school, this wasted time is no longer a variable. We can just get down to business and study. Basic rights are not infringed upon! Remember back in the days of school when we were told not to use the bathroom, eat, or wear what we wanted? These barbaric rules are not a thing anymore. Eat when you want by just bringing your laptop to the kitchen. Use the bathroom whenever by just leaving the Zoom for a little. If you get dress coded while at cyber school, what are they gonna do, give you a digital detention? Just say no, sexist dress codes can’t be enforced this year! All of these basic rights which used to be violated at school are behind us. Although it may seem like online school is gonna be super shabby, choose to look at the bright side of things. We can make online school a productive and positive experience when we choose to look at the pros!
The upcoming online semester may seem dreary, but it has some serious advantages. continues endlessly, often filled Another reason why Caroline Marsden VHS senior gives tips on how to with blood, sweat and tears. This online school is great is that it takes Yes, quarantine sucks, schedule allowed us to see friends, place during the fall semester! channel your crafty side. but we can make the best of it! but it also caused many teens to Remember when it would rain and Guest writer Stella Feingold Before people were begging to go be anxious and sad. Of course we we had to walk through the stormy I started to crochet my junior back to “real school,” everyone will be missing out on potential weather at our outdoor school? year of high school, about 10 months wanted freedom from the memories, but in turn this That was not a great situation. ago. It started off hard, but sticking smothering schedule of Ventura schedule--which worked us to the The insane swamps of stinky with it has turned it into my favorite High. Picture this: It’s Nov. 2019. bone--is behind us! At least till Jan. mud all through the quad, the pastime, and even a form of a small You wake up at the crack of dawn, Our new schedule slippery linoleum floors, lakes of income for my own personal use. Here disheveled and too sleep deprived opens up many new doors, most dirty water and bone chilling wind are some pointers that I wish that I had to go to school. You have a of which are infinitely better through the hall are no more! Now when I started, or just some general tips when it is cold out, feel free to stay for you if you are interested in starting. in your pajamas, turn on the heat First of all: Practice as much and do school in bed! Just picture as you can and when I say as much how cozy the winter will be! as you can, it means when you are No more commute! Back watching TV, when you’re listening to in the days of physical school, we music, basically whenever you have free had to wake up early to commute. time that you could be on your phone. Second of all: Take your This consisted of getting a ride, time, don’t ever rush into things. catching the bus or riding your Start off with beginners projects and bike, all while lugging a few pounds easy hook sizes. I did not do this and I of school supplies. Now, you can learned the hard way that it is the most wake up a few minutes before class difficult thing to do if you barely know and all you have to do is log on. how to crochet and you’re starting off Online school is an with medium to advanced projects. introvert’s heaven! If you are pretty Third of all: Make sure that closed off like me, online school is you did your research before starting. a pretty nice opportunity. You no Get the right hook gauge for your longer have to sit in a classroom favorite yarn because it’s no fun to be Although online school won’t be the same as in person, it might have some full of thirty-five judgemental kids, half way through a project and realize hidden benefits! Drawing by: Yasmin Myers you’re using the wrong equipment. face the fear of speaking in front of Fourth and finally of all: stressful time preparing for school, for our mental health. It’s now the class, and participate in group Have fun. There is no point in doing driving there in a rush. Next, you a block schedule, which means projects that cause anxiety. Now a craft if you aren’t having fun, aside are plopped in an uncomfortable our classes will only be going till it’s all on your own without the from enjoying yourself in the process. plastic chair for the next seven noon. On top of that, it looks like awkward small talk and daunting My recommendation on the best way hours. After a school activity or we get Wednesdays off! This new presentations. Shy people rejoice! to have fun is to go on Etsy and find sport, you rush over to a job. After schedule gives us time to focus on a pattern that you really like, then go to Michaels and find the perfect yarn being stuck there for a few hours, homework, after school activities in the perfect color and the perfect you head home to study and do and our own passions. We no texture; then make sure that you have school work into the wee hours of longer have to fit this mold of what the right hook size and then begin! the night. This stressful schedule we are told a student should be. Anna Guerra & Yasmin Myers to learn and create and evolve. Throughout history the written word has connected VHS senior expresses her love towards text. allow us to live many lives and cultures and people over Guest writer Nevada Knowles experience adventure through vast lands and across oceans. Our words are eternal. the ink on the pages of novels Languages have been shared The written word is an art form and stories. As a reader myself, and ideas have reached masses that connects us in love, in I can say with absolute certainty through it. Technology is now history, in thought. However, in that I am a better person for the platform upon which anyone a day and age such as the one in having picked up my first novel. can share their thoughts. Words which we live, the written word “The written word may exist among us in this digital age is losing its captivation over the be man’s greatest invention. but they are lost in the meleé Drawing by: Yasmin Myers masses as we turn our attention It allows us to converse with of cyberspace and the online Gov. Gavin Newsom meeting. Baber additionally to technology. Books are put on the dead, the absent, and the community. They are rugged the backburner in wait for their unborn.” -Abraham Lincoln and silver tongued and quick to mandated wearing masks while brought props, which included cinematic adaptations, letters are Of course, I love a leave our fingertips as we type in public areas on June 18, with her Trump 2020 poster and bell forgotten in the stead of texting, good movie as much as the next our thoughts without care and individual businesses setting up which she rang while saying, cursive writing is becoming person. In fact, I think cinema is put them out into the world their own rules for entrance or “Let liberty ring,” and proceeded irrelevant as we learn now not to a tremendous art form, as is the with the push of a button. The usage of their facilities. These to sing “God Bless America.” Although she doesn’t practice it but instead learn to type visual and the performing arts. written word could not be in a restrictions have received mixed in anticipation of our evolving job However, there is something starker contrast to this. Words on feelings from the public, some mind having a mask, senior Shante market. This is not a cautionary extra special about reading a paper are sent in consideration, claiming that the mask mandate Williams said, “If I have to wear it tale aimed at attacking technology historical account or stumbling with care and tenderness. A is an infringement of their rights. all day, I’d get really uncomfortable On Aug. 4, Ventura and hot.” According to Healthline, for it is a tool which can be used to upon a love letter so beautifully handwritten letter is known as an do and achieve incredible things. written or creating a vivid scene in important gesture for a reason, County Board of Supervisors breathing does pose an extra This is simply a plea from a lover your mind based on the words an after all. Words from the heart voted 3-2 to allow authorities challenge in heat and humidity. of the written word to verse author puts forth for you. There is transcribed with purpose and to pursue lawsuits against People breathe out moisture yourself, dear reader, in an art a certain power in words written reason onto paper is becoming a individuals who do not comply into the mask, which can feel form that is falling by the wayside. and inspired by the human mind, rare and romantic commodity in with state or local health orders. like breathing is becoming more Have you ever immersed whether they be sparked by love our lives of typed digital nothings. Various cities also began citing difficult. Albeit, with a mask, people yourself in the pages of a novel Now, dear reader, I or fining people for not wearing are able to inhale the same oxygen or revolution or any other feeling and surrendered yourself to the encourage you to pick up a a face covering, which prompted concentration as someone without under the sun. For instance, story unfolding before your eyes? novel or write a letter or find a several to take action to express a mask according to lung.org. take the words of the oppressed Have you ever read a poem that poem that touches your heart. their dissatisfaction. Anti-maskers Masks may potentially shook you to your core or brought in the Harlem Renaissance or We do indeed have the world created signs and even wore save lives in a community effort. you to tears? There certainly is one the Civil Rights movement that at our fingertips through the crotched or mesh masks that were Several studies have demonstrated way in which all of our lives have inspired an entire culture of keyboards of our computers… intentionally ineffective to further that a carrier of Covid-19 who wears been touched by the written word revolutionaries. The words of but you may find that we can prove their point during protests. a mask prevents transmission William Shakespeare going on and though it may be the worst have the world in our very hands A viral video that to people in close proximity. nightmare of many students, to spur theaters and creatives when we pick up a novel or hold reached over two million views “I feel like masks are into existence. The diaries and a pen and let the universe of our it has brought us together and on Twitter depicted a woman efficient, but isolation is most journals kept by Leonardo Da thoughts flow onto the page. forged an understanding of voicing her discontent with face efficient,” shared senior Gavin Vinci that allow people like you This certainly may just be the our past, present and future: coverings in Ventura County. Kernagis. “The reality is that and me to glimpse the mind of opinion of one enthused reader, Textbooks. The written word Identified as Deborah Baber, most people can’t stay indoors a genius that lived hundreds of but my only hope in writing teaches us of those that have come before us, of their mistakes years before us. The written word this article is to make known Baber emphasized how she “is not 24/7, so masks are our next and triumphs. It can transport encaptures the very essence of the joys one can find through a terrorist” and “used to be free” best option. Masks and proper us anywhere we wish to go or what drives the human spirit the wonderful written word. during the Board of Supervisors sanitation are the way to go.”
Controversy Corner
Evading COVID-19...or mask mandates?
The written word
Distractions
The Cougar Press Page 4
Spot the difference: VHS culture edition
Media by: Anna Guerra
Quiz by: Caroline Marsden
Key: 1. The beloved Mr. Cohen 2. Mr. Seagull, you better cover your lunch! 3. Is the statue holding a breakfast burrito? 4. Hi Ms. Adamich, did everyone sign in? 5. Our sworn rival, Buena High School 6. Super-Duper Kyle, back for another concert? 7. Somebody’s Hot Cheetos, no wonder the bathrooms look like that
Pandemic Crossword Corona crossword 2
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3
Across 3. Don't leave the house, instead... 4. School on the Internet 10. The action or state of making or being made impure by polluting or poisoning 11. A covering for all or part of the face
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Down 1. 2. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
School away from your friends Staying at home for way too long The sudden or violent start of something unwelcome The virus that took over our world Not healthy A disease prevalent over a whole country or the world An infection or disease caused by a...
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Crossword by: Riley Ramirez
Drawing by: Yasmin Myers
Drawing by: Katie Medina