The Pearl Post June 2021 newsmagazine

Daniel Pearl Magnet High School 6649 Balboa Blvd., Lake Balboa, CA 91406

www.thepearlpost.com

Volume 12 Issue 5

June 2021

Students reflect one year after George Floyd’s death See page 8

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@ThePearlPost

The Pearl Post

The Pearl Post

In this issue...

1 Cover Design by Shannon Sullivan 3-5 News Principal Petrossian’s First Year / Students Worry about In-Person Return to to School

6-7

Special Reports

Anniversary of George Floyd’s Death / Chauvin Conviction Not Enough Opinion

Opinion 8-9 Editorial / Gen Z Becoming Too Soft 10-11 12-13

Features

Senior College Acceptances / Dorm Essentials

Entertainment / News Summer Movies / Class Schedule Changes

14 Back cover Photo by Itzel Luna

Letter from the Editor From online learning, to nation-wide protests and anxiety over the COVID-19 pandemic, our staff has faced constant transitioning throughout this school year.

Despite the difficult circumstances, we perservered and successfully published five issues of our magazine, two more than we did last year.

We felt that it was important to highlight the senior Class of 2021 and all that they have endured. I was able to reunite with some of my senior classmates and take the photo for the cover. Our Digital Media Editor Shannon Sullivan then designed the cover, depicting various social movements that were sparked this year.

In May, we conducted an online poll about student worries over a full return to campus next school year. We also

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The Pearl Post | June 2021

asked about student caffiene intake and 82 students responded to this poll.

As we neared the end of the school year, producing this magazine was difficult. The majority of our editors are seniors, dealing with the preparation and emotions that stem from graduation.

However, we came together and created a magazine that celebrates the seniors and highlights the incredibly complex school year we have had.

As a senior in high school, preparing to leave this publication staff after three long and rewarding years, I could not be prouder of the work we did. I, along with the other senior editors, are beyond excited to see what milestones will be reached by next year’s editorial leadership.

-Itzel Luna

THE PEARL POST Print Editor-in-Chief Itzel Luna Online Editor-in-Chief Parampreet Aulakh Managing Editor Alliana Samonte Features Editor Valeria Luquin Opinion Editor Daniela Rangel Entertainment Editor Sara Marquez Sports/Tech Editor Casey Wanatick Social Media Editor Delilah Brumer New Media Editor-in-Chief Harlow Frank New Media Editors Valery Barrera, Shannon Sullivan Photo Editors Maribella Ambrosio, Mahali Sanchez Copy Editors Jhonny Gonzalez, C.J Gorospe, Chareena Pascua, Cassia Ramelb, Jonathan Spahr Staff Writers/ Photographers Antonio Bedon, Delilah Brumer, Emily Flores, Branden Gerson, Evan Gleason, Gabrielle Lashley, Nancy Medrano, Jessica Melkonyan, Nathalie Miranda, Mario Ronquillo, Jair Sanchez Adviser Adriana Chavira The Pearl Post is an open forum for student expression as allowed by California Education Codes 48907 and 48950, committed to excellence in reporting, writing and photography.

The magazine strives to inform and educate students and faculty on events affecting Daniel Pearl Magnet High School.

Thoughts and opinions published in these pages are the work of journalism students and do not represent the position of DPMHS, its administrators or the Los Angeles Unified School District.

An unsigned editorial is the opinion of the Editorial Board, which is comprised of the Editor-in-Chief and the editors. Signed opinions in The Pearl Post reflect the views of the authors. A signed cartoon reflects the view of the cartoonist.

The Pearl Post welcomes letters to the editor. They should be 250 words or less and may be edited for length. Letters with profanity and obscenity will not be printed. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be published.

Letters may be emailed to thepearlpost@ gmail.com.

The magazine is published bimonthly and is the official campus newsmagazine of Daniel Pearl Magnet High School. The magazine is also posted online at http://www.thepearlpost.com.

Principal Petrossian reflects on phenomenal first year at DPMHS

By Evan Gleason

As Principal Armen Petrossian finishes his first year, he reflects on experience at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School.

During this interview, he speaks on his experience leading the school during a remote learning school year.

How was your first year at DPMHS?

It was amazing. I found that people think I’m flattering but this school is an amazing school, with amazing kids who have preserved and continue doing what they do. What was amazing was the 250 student population. What happens at this school is unbelievable. Kids get things done.

What were some of the challenges you faced?

I would have to say trying to keep everyone safe. The challenge was trying to tell an amazing group of seniors that we couldn’t do the things that we wish we could do for them.

How was the hybrid learning with students on campus?

Hybrid learning on campus we have a student body of 250 kids and 35 decided to come back. Now we get anywhere from 17 to 18 kids. On a selfish level, I got to meet some of the kids.

Photo by Elishava Ibarra Principal Armen Petrossian works in his office at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School. Petrossian’s first official day as principal of DPMHS was on Oct. 5, after the previous principal stepped down.

teacher-student basketball games, activities for seniors, mentorship betwee freshman and seniors.

How is this school different than others you’ve worked at?

There‘s a system of support for kids here like a social worker, an amazing counselor, an incredibly inclusive and accepting campus. We put the focus on the kids of this school.

Instagram: @gleason.evan1115

What was the most difficult part of being a principal during distance learning?

For me, it hasn’t been a big adjustment. It didn’t come from me, it came from teachers and students. My world was to support teachers in whatever capacity I could. The majority of the adjusting was them.

What are some of your plans or goals for the next school year?

I want to bring back some of the things that were fun like fiesta Friday,

Photo by Elishava Ibarra Principal Armen Petrossian speaks with a sophomore Naamah Silcott while practicing social distancing.

News | June 2021

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Students worry about returning to in-person learning this fall school year

By Gabrielle Lashley

T

he squeaks of shoes over tiles, the clicks and slams of lockers and the excitement of students echoing through the halls. All things Daniel Pearl Magnet High School students will get the chance to hear soon enough. With COVID-19 cases lowering, the chances of fully returning to on-campus learning have risen but so have students social anxieties. “(My social skills) are even worse than they were before,” sophomore Jessica Witt said. “I’m already a pretty anxious person when it comes to interacting with people, especially online. I’m really bad at texting and it makes me anxious so automatically I don’t talk with people that often.”

According to an article from Parade,

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social distancing has changed the way people socialize almost entirely. It’s been said that people have acquired new social skills, more accustomed to staying at home, like “video call etiquette” and “staying six feet away from someone while grocery shopping.” Being quarantined for over a year has completely re-written what we know as the social norm and with this, people have begun to worry their social behaviors might change once the pandemic is over.

“It’s going to be a bit awkward at first,” sophomore Dashiell Caloroso said.

“There’s so many people I haven’t seen in over a year so how I used to interact with people will have to come back to me.”

When it comes to mental health, social anxiety isn’t the only thing people have fallen victim to during the pandemic. According to the University of California, quarantine has caused extra stress, depression and anxiety, which have compelled people to avoid interacting with others all-together. It’s also caused feelings of being overwhelmed, lacking energy and clinging to solitude in an effort to feel more comfortable.

All these things are suspected to stick with some even after quarantine ends.

“I found myself feeling a lot more lonely,” junior William Myers said. “At school, I feel like I actually have people I can be around and trust with

everything but (that feeling) has become a lot more rare.”

When it comes to DPMHS students, some are worried that once the school has completely opened back up to the student body in the fall, they won’t be able to keep up with their work since they’re now used to doing it from home.

They also worry that they won’t be able to get too close to people, since they’ve been social distancing for so long, they won’t know how to keep up a conversation or even remember how they used to talk to each other at all.

“By now, we’ve probably forgotten how to socialize all-together,” Caloroso said. “We might’ve honestly just forgotten what to talk about with each other and who’s interested in what.”

Everyone’s going to have a bit of social anxiety once this pandemic is over.

Research suggests that humans tend to be “more self-conscious than necessary in new social situations.” Despite that, DPMHS staff are trying their best to help students and show them that social anxiety is normal. “(We) need to let kids know at the beginning of the school year that this is a safe place and we know it’s going to be an adjustment getting back into our routine,” DPMHS psychiatric social worker Joanne Tuell said. “We’re there to help (students) manage this transition back to our campus.”

DPMHS students and staff are looking ahead. Regardless of the possible circumstances, they believe this upcoming semester will bring students the socialization and mental health support they need.

“I’m excited to meet all of the people,” Myers said. “ It’ll feel unnatural at (first) but I can’t wait to just hang out with everybody like I used to in person.”

Instagram: @delilah_rose2004

News | June 2021

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Reforms, calls for further change continue one year after George Floyd’s death

By Delilah Brumer ne year ago, George Floyd was killed by former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, which set off calls for racial justice across the country, still widespread today. Students like freshman Madyson Phillips acknowledge that some progress has been made but believe that there is a long road ahead.

“Police brutality hasn’t changed but now people are getting caught on camera,” Phillips said. “I think that the more blatant racism has become apparent.”

The outrage caused by Floyd’s killing led to reformative actions on local, state

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The Pearl Post | June 2021

and national levels. Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia have passed police reform legislation in the past year, according to Poynter. Another major development was the conviction of Chauvin for unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in April.

“When (Chauvin) was (found) guilty, it was a relief because we all knew he was guilty,” Phillips said.

“There was no doubt in my mind.

In some way, justice was served.”

Several types of police reform laws have been passed.

For example, 17 states, including California, have enacted bans or limitations on chokeholds used by police officers, according to The Los Angeles Times. In addition, there are 30 legislative responses to police reform that are currently pending in California, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

“Definitely holding people in power accountable is important,” senior Sydnee Blueford said. “Not a lot of people until now have realized how much protection police officers get.”

Many students believe that the main change which has been achieved is not the laws that have been passed but the awareness about police brutality that has been raised. Daniel Pearl Magnet High School Black Student Union Vice President Tia Jarrett has been involved by attending protests and spreading awareness.

“I’m just kind of always educating myself and others,“Jarrett said. “That’s a huge part for me, holding people accountable and even myself accountable as well.”

Although actions have been taken, many students feel that little has changed. They believe more police officers should be held accountable and that racial injustice is still very prevalent.

Illustraion by Valery Barrera

“I think that it takes a long time for significant systemic change to actually be achieved so I don’t think that a lot has been accommplished,” Jarrett said. “However, I do think that there has been a lot of awareness brought to the subject so that hopefully we can start implementing more change that is long lasting.

Students are optimistic for the future and working hard to achieve their goals for racial justice. They are using social media, protesting and coming together to fight for change.

“I think what still needs to be done is talking about biases and racism,” Blueford said. “I think what still needs to be done is more police officers need to be accountable for what they have done in the past.”

Twitter: @BrumerDelilah

Opinion

Conviction of Chauvin isn’t enough justice

By Gabrielle Lashley t’s been one year since the murder of George Floyd and the recent conviction of his murderer has stirred up celebration.

Floyd’s murderer, Derek Chauvin, was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter on April 20.

This verdict was met with overwhelming positivity, relief and celebration as if justice was served when in reality, this verdict was hardly justice but rather accountability.

According to Mapping Police Violence, a whopping 98.3% of killings by police end with the officer not being charged with any crime. Derek Chauvin’s arrest was a great outcome but there are still people out there whose killers were not charged with their murders, like Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Ma’khia Bryant, Stephon Clark and many more.

There have been too many murders by police in which they haven’t been held responsible to call this one instance “justice.” After all, there is no justice as long as someone is dead. That being said, having these officers convicted is a good step. Unfortunately, that in itself is hard enough to achieve.

Even if it might seem like police reform is impossible at this point, a good place to start is to look at the causes of why it’s happening. In this case, why it’s so difficult to hold officers accountable for their crimes. One reason is due to the unavailability of police records.

The accessibility of police records differs throughout the U.S. by state but according to the Associated Press only 15 states have their police records, including misconduct records, mostly accessible to the public. Since most states either have

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Illustrations by Gabrielle Lashley

their records mostly closed off or completely restricted, it has allowed officers with violent histories to easily be re-hired at other police departments.

Another reason why it’s nearly impossible to hold an officer responsible for wrongdoing is due to qualified immunity. Qualified immunity protects officers from having legal action taken against them unless the plaintiff can prove that the officer “violated a clearly established statutory or constitutional right.” This means that officers can get away with using unnecessary force or abuse of power if there was not an instance in the past where an officer committed that same violation. It makes taking civil actions against officers and winning difficult.

The biggest and most problematic cause for why it’s so difficult for officers to be charged for their crimes is because of police unions.

Police unions don’t just protect their officers from being rightfully incarcerated, they almost completely prevent the reform of police forces. According to The Conversation, police labor organizations across the U.S. protect their officers from being held responsible through “multiple layers of contractual and legislative protections.” Due to civil service protections, bargaining agreements, Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights and more, officers are given more insurance than the average citizen suspected of a crime. Not only that, Police Unions dictate the extent their officers can be investigated for a crime. This means they can easily limit interrogations and how long the investigation goes on, protecting corrupt officers.

Some consider it a good thing that civil servants are protected but when

taken advantage of, that protection can lead to a further corrupt system. That’s why it’s great that organizations have been forming police reform agendas and police reform acts since the death of George Floyd. Decrees like the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021, the Safe-T Act, newly implemented police misconduct tracking databases and some police unions themselves creating reform agendas are wonderful steps in the right direction, but they aren’t enough. Pushback against police reform legislation, that has yet to be passed, is evidence enough.

There’s still more to be done to prevent police violence and according to Business Insider, there are several ways to do so. Police reform requires the rewriting of police union contracts, to “eliminate language that limits officer accountability,” make police misconduct records available to the public so unlawful cops don’t get re-hired and the demilitarization of police, to help deter the amount of police violence. Advocacy for the passing of The Ending Qualified Immunity Act would be another amazing step.

To stop this cycle of police brutality, we need to directly address what’s protecting officers from accountability and work to hold them liable. At the end of the day, we all should come together as a community and ask for these changes because that’s how real justice should be served.

Instagram: @yogabbygabby

Special Reports | June 2021

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Editorial

After long year of work in quarantine, student journalists look back

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s this unconventional and extraordinary school year comes to an end, our staff has surpassed our expectations, managing to produce strong journalistic work despite the difficulties posed by distance learning.

We began reporting this school year under extreme uncertainty, not knowing whether we would be returning to campus or not. It quickly became clear that we would have to grow accustomed to reporting remotely.

In the beginning, we found it difficult to not only manage everyone but build bonds within the staff. Around half of us were new to staff this year, meaning that we had never worked together in person before. It was hard for our staff to pitch and write stories and find motivation to do so during such an exhausting year. However, our staff was resilient, reporting on hard-hit-

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The Pearl Post | June 2021

Photo provided by Itzel Luna and Parampreet Aulakh Student journalists have been working in quarantine for over a year now and as the spring semester comes to an end, Editor-in-Chiefs Itzel Luna and Parampreet Aulkah look back on all of their difficulties and accomplishments.

ting events like the Black Lives Matter protests, the Defund the School Police movement and the 2020 Presidential election.

Despite having to work remotely all year, our staff was still able to produce five magazine issues. We produced a diverse array of coverage, which was an important goal for us. The magazine cover for our November 2020 issue was even given an Honorable Mention in the National Student Press Association Clips and Clicks competition in the “Design: Magazine Cover category.”

A bigger focus was placed on our online content as many stories would lose relevance by the time we released an issue of the magazine. The initial goal we had was to have new content for the website on a daily basis but early on, it became apparent that it wasn't

going to be realistic. Some sections would go weeks without content at times and most of that can be attributed to the usual on-campus workflow being disrupted by being remote.

The website did receive some cosmetic updates as the header was updated to include photos that were more recent. Some tabs were removed from the website due to us not being able to update them during the pandemic. We made slight changes to the layout of certain sections on the homepage that helped push sections with the most content towards the top.

All of these minor changes culminated in our website receiving 8th place in Best of Show at the Fall JEA/NSPA High School Journalism Convention.

The quality of content that was being put on the website was still great for the most part and a number of our stories were selected Best of SNO during the course of the year.

The past year hasn’t really been an ideal environment for the staff to produce their best work but we are proud of the perseverance and dedication it took to reach this point. In spite of all the challenges we have faced, we were able to tell some truly amazing stories.

As the world hopefully returns to some sense of normalcy by this upcoming school year, we want to wish the incoming staff good luck. We are honored to have been a part of this publication for the last three years.

Illustration by Gabrielle Lashley

Illustration by Gabrielle Lashley "Gen Z" has been known for becoming more open and undertsaning but many people think the generation has become "soft." While it's apparent that this generation has become mroe tolerant, the line between tolerance and sensativitey has started to blur.

Gen Z becoming too soft or more tolerant?

By Nancy Medrano

A

s someone who is a part of Gen Z, it seems like there is something that we constantly have to be careful about. It could be something as simple as the language we use or repost on social media and it can become exhausting to stay on track of everything we are or aren’t able to do.

It’s understood that Gen Z isn’t particularly “sensitive,” but rather refuses to be a part of insensitive jokes. While this is a great thing, it definitely feels like we aren't allowed to have our own opinions on certain topics without being bashed.

When someone does something insensitive on a social media app, they are called out within minutes and become “cancelled.” The definition of cancel culture is “A desire to cancel out a person or community from social media platforms.”

Gen Z is a generation that pushes freedom of speech as a right, while also using it to cancel the speech they don’t like. A common form of this is the cancel culture in the influencer community.

Cancel culture often takes place when their old mistakes resurface the internet again.

Gen Z utilizes the idea of cancel culture to argue against celebrities and turn everything into an abhorrent method to drag each other down.

Meanwhile, they claim to spread posi-

tivity and uplift people.

Another example of cancel culture is on the app Tik Tok, which started off as a fun, positive app but quickly became a toxic platform. An incident of this is with the Tik Tok creator, Donelij, whose videos consisted of reactions to other creators' videos, with a simple smile or straight face. Although he never talked in his videos, he reacts to videos transgender or non binary people, quickly changing from a smile to a straight face. Many people believed he is a transphobic person and was eventually banned from Tik Tok. Gen Z takes a great deal of pride in being more inclusive than those in previous generations, and I concur.

Collectively, we have made it easier for everyone to discuss their viewpoints and speak out on serious topics. With that said, Millennials and some Gen Z-ers believe that calling out racist, sexist and homophobic actions is what makes us too sensitive.

Regardless of whether Gen Z is too sensitive or simply less tolerant of certain jokes, this argument has numerous angles to it. With some accepting that offensive jokes are okay and others believing that the jokes have no place in today’s society. The people who claim Gen-Z isn’t soft are the same people who use the fact that society is becoming more tolerant to certain

topics. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it definitely makes some people's points feel less valid.

In some ways, Gen-Z takes things to the extreme when something is meant to be a joke. Many people around them feel like they aren’t allowed to say how they feel without receiving some form of hate. Numerous adults and even some Gen Z-ers say that if something is clearly a joke, there is no reason to get upset by it. It is okay to disagree with people's opinions, but it is important to remember they are allowed to have these opinions.

Illustration by Gabrielle Lashley

Instagram: @n.ancyyyyyyy

Opinion | June 2021

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Where will the graduating class of 2021 be going in the fall?

By Evan Gleason

1. California State University, Channel Islands Mahali Sanchez 2. California State University, Northridge Ashley Pedraza Christopher Tonthat Lorio Jovanny Dominguez Jair Sanchez 3. Indiana University Casey Wanatick 4. Long Island University, Brooklyn Amelia Sanchez 5. Los Angeles Mission College Ariel davila Anthony Martinez Sara Marquez 6. Los Angeles Pierce College Om Patel Leticia Preciado Harlow Frank Nathaniel Vargas 7. Los Angeles Valley College August DeFore Maribella Ambrosio 8. Loyola Marymount University Samantha Mills 9. Loyola University, Chicago Susannah Ness 10. Mount Saint Mary’s University Kelly Stewart 11. Santa Monica College Sydnee Blueford Shannon Sullivan 12. Stanford University Itzel Luna

13. University of California, Los Angeles Cassia Ramelb Parampreet Aulakh 14. University of California, Riverside Valery Barrera 15. University of California, Santa Barbara Alliana-Faith Samonte 16. University of California, Santa Cruz Jeffrey Vasquez

10 The Pearl Post | June 2021

17. University of Montana Jonathan Spahr 18. University of California, Irvine CJ Gorospe

Necessities to make dorm-life easier

By Casey Wanatick and Sara Marquez

As summer approaches and seniors prepare to leave, there are some dorm essentials to keep an eye out for the upcoming semester as a college freshman.

Photo from Amazon

Brita Water Filter Although there are water fountains scattered throughout campus, keeping this water filter in your room could be a lifesaver for late-night study sessions or early morning classes.

Photo from Target

Layered Storage Bins

It is hard keeping all of your stuff neat and easy to find. With storage bins, you will be able to keep all your belongings organized and not have to worry about losing anything. They can be found at any department store like Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond and other online stores.

Dishes/Silverware

Shower Caddy

Obviously, there will be occasions where your meals will be eaten in your dorm so why not keep a set of plates, cups, bowls, etc. in your room to be safe. These can be found at any local Target or Walmart for low prices.

Preferably one on wheels, these caddies come in handy if your college has community showers. Not only would it be easy to move around but it will keep your stuff from getting drenched. Walmart and Target have these in-store or online.

Photo from Target

Photo from HomeGoods

Command Strips

Want to hang up some posters to make your dorm look cool? Command strips are the way to go. They are strips that are double-sided so you can use them to stick anything you want onto your walls. They come in a variety of sizes too.

You can find them at Target, Walmart or online.

Bedding

Getting the right bedding is essential for your dorm. You want to sleep as comfortably as possible while also staying in your price range. Stores like Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond have a variety of stuff for your bed like sheets, pillowcases and comforters that will certainly fit in your price range.

Features | June 2021

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Movies hitting theaters that you don’t want to miss this summer

By Jessica Melkonyan

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ummer is just around the corner and new upcoming films could be experienced in movie theatres once again or in the comfort of your own home on various streaming services.

In the Heights (June 11) Taking place in a Latino neighborhood in New York City called Washington Heights, this musical film is about the life of a bodega owner (Anthony Ramos) and his passed-down fortune. This musical (based on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s play) conveys the struggles and diversity of Latino living in the depths of New York City neighborhoods. “In the Heights” (PG-13) will be released on HBO Max. Fatherhood (June 18) A story about a man who became a widow and a father within 24 hours, Matthew Logelin, played by Kevin Hart, experiences fatherhood and solo-parenting on a different level with his newborn daughter. This is a Netflix Original movie.

The Tomorrow War (July 2) In this movie, a man gets drafted into a war that takes place 30 years into the future. The drafted soldier, Chris Pratt, fights in this global war, against destructive aliens. “The Tomorrow War” (PG-13) is an Amazon Prime Release film.

Black Widow (July 9) This movie is about Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), also known as Black Widow’s adventures between the journeys of “Civil War” and “Infinity War”. This (PG-13) film will be released in theatres and on Disney +.

Jungle Cruise (July 30) Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt) and Frank (Dwayne Johnson) quest on a riverboat down a jungle, where they journey through the midst of supernaturally dangerous animals. “Jungle Cruise” (PG-13) will be released on Disney + and in theatres.

12 The Pearl Post | June 2021

Photos by IMDB “The Tomorrow War” (top left), “In the Heights” (top right), “Jungle Cruise” (bottom left) and “Fatherhood” (bottom right), are some of the movies that will be released this summer to look out for in theaters.

DPMHS to implement new schedule changes for 2021-22 school year The new “4 by 4” schedule will include shortened semesters and will allow students to take a total of eight classes per school year.

By Antonio Bedon

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hen students return to campus in the fall, they won’t only be adjusting to being in a classroom with students. But they will also have to adjust to a new class schedule that eliminates the fall and spring semester and reorganizes the school year into four 10-week groups called “mesters.”

The new schedule, commonly called a “4 by 4,” allows students to complete a total of eight courses in one school year and complete more A-G graduation requirements. This block schedule allows students to take four 90-minute classes every mester.

Daniel Pearl Magnet High School teachers approved the new bell schedule in May. English teacher Ron Baer is in favor of the new schedule.

“I’m actually really for this new schedule,” Baer said. “With this new schedule I’m able to assign more group work and actually finish instead of having to keep going to the next day.”

The Los Angeles Unified School District is offering funding incentives for schools that switch over to the 4x4 block schedule. This model has been in place at multiple schools for several years, including Arleta High School where the results were very positive. After discussing the success of this schedule at other high schools and the district incentive, Principal Armen Petrossian and the DPMHS faculty decided it was best for the students.

Previously, students were able to completely finish a course in one year.

For example English 1A first semester, and English 1B second semester. The quad-mester schedule allows students to finish English 1A in the first 10-week mester and English 1B in the second

mester. What would normally take students 40 weeks to complete only takes 20 weeks instead. This allows students to take on an extra load of classes in the next mester. With the new schedule, students’ schedules open up in a way to incorporate more electives and college courses into their day-to-day schedule.

“As in the past, credits are only one component of the graduation require-

“

With this new schedule I’m able to assign more group work and actually finish instead of having to keep going to the next day.

Ronald Baer

by the schedule change and those with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will still be accommodated fully.

Even though most classes will be accelerated, some classes like advanced journalism classes that produce the newsmagazine, yearbook, and The Pearl Net News video production class will be year-long classes. If a student has one year-long class then they will be able to take three accelerated classes a ‘mester’, and the year-long class.

Some students are worried about the new schedule and its complexity. Sophomore Delilah Brumer is always on the search for ways to take more rigorous classes and likes the idea of having more classes but is still unsure of the schedule.

“I’m kind of conflicted about it. I feel like it’s too complicated and will mess up some of my plans,” Brumer said.

Students wonder if teachers are going to assign more homework because students now have fewer classes.

Baer’s English class generally consists of reading 150 pages a week, to double the work would be making students read 300 pages a week, about one novel a week. Baer guarantees that he will not double the workload.

“Even if we double the time, there is no way I’m going to assign students double the work,” Baer said.

”

ments,” Counselor Martina Torres said.

“Students will still need to complete the academic course requirements to fulfill graduation requirements.”

By taking accelerated courses students will see their schedules start to open up, Torress suggests that students might want to take college classes.

“Next year, we will have two rounds of college classes available to students,” Torres said.

While there is still a lot to be worked out and considered, Petrossian and Torres said that sports will not be affected

Instagram: @delilah_rose2004

News | June 2021

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Itzel Luna is the Magazine Editor-in-Chief of The Pearl Post. She has been on staff for the past three years and it has been the highlight of high school She is currently a senior in high school and will be heading to Stanford University in the fall, where she plans to double major in Political Science and Communications.

Ultimately, she plans to pursue a career in political journalism. She is incredibly thankful for the lessons she’s learned and friendships she’s gained while on staff and can’t wait to see what comes next.

Senior Amelia Sanchez (left), Sports/Tech Editor Casey Wanatick, Digital Media Editor-in-Chief Harlow Frank and Managing Editor Alliana Samonte wore cap and gowns while posing for the cover of our June 2021 magazine on June 3. As the Class of 2021 preapres to graduate, these four seniors helped depict the complex school year they have experienced. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic forcing them to mask up, they are still looking hopefully ahead, preparing to embark on new journeys.

Submit your best photos with a brief description to thepearlpost@gmail.com for a chance to be featured in the next issue of the The Pearl Post news magazine.